Resin Sealants

Note the unsealed grooves on this photograph.

These developmental grooves and pits are a normal part of the tooth. They are formed as a result of how the tooth develops inside the jawbone. These grooves and pits can and will attract bacteria and debris which will cause staining and/or decay to form deep down in the grooves and pits of this tooth. When this occurs it becomes necessary to drill out the decay and to "remove" the groove with a dental drill.

In its place is put a dental restorative material. When this cut groove is filled with silver mercury amalgam filling material, it can have destructive consequences to the structural integrity and durability of this tooth. As the filling material expands, ages, and experiences wear & tear, the tooth can break, new decay can form around and under the filling, and the tooth can become discolored from the by-products of corrosion (rust) staining the tooth structure.

Note the resin sealant has sealed shut the grooves and pits.

A "sealant" is a plastic or resin material that is thin enough to flow into the grooves of the biting surface of these chewing teeth.

First the tooth is cleaned and the debris and staining is removed from the grooves. The surface is then carefully etched using an acid. This allows the bonding of the resin to seal shut and occlude the grooves. Now it is impossible for bacteria to enter the groove to cause damage or to create the unfortunate situation where the tooth will have to be restored with a filling.

After having sealants place, it is important to have them checked periodically by a dentist to assure that they haven't been chipped away and are still doing the job they were meant to accomplish. Obviously, chewing ice or other such substances can cause injury to the sealant and may make it necessary to "repair" or replace the sealant. This is far better than remaining at risk for more invasive measures.

The sealant material is seen flooding the grooves after the grooves are cleaned out and debrided of all bacterial plaque, decay and stain.

Even a toothbrush bristle is too large to fit into, and clean out, the small grooves on the biting surface of chewing teeth. These grooves are cleaned out and sealed shut with the resin sealant material.

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