To seal or not to seal, that is the question:

Occlusal sealants are a plastic material that is flowed into the grooves and pits on the biting surface of back teeth to prevent decay. The factors I consider when recommending a tooth be sealed include the age of the patient, decay history of the baby teeth, and the anatomy of the permanent teeth. Deep grooves that harbor bacterial plaque in a decay prone individual are best sealed. I might not recommend them as quickly for a child with no decay and smooth teeth. On occasion, adults may benefit from sealants as well.

While sealants are effective at preventing decay in the grooves, they have no effect on decay that forms at the gum line or most commonly between the back teeth. This is the reason creating a healthy, decay free environment is the best prevention. Prevention is the focus of our practice.