A dental sealant is a minimally invasive dental procedure that does not require any freezing and drilling. A plastic tooth-coloured material is placed on the chewing surfaces of the permanent back teeth (molars and premolars) to help protect them from decay.
The chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars have grooves that make them vulnerable to decay. These grooves can be deep and narrow making it very difficult to keep this area clean, as toothbrush bristles cannot reach into these deep narrow grooves. Plaque then accumulates in these areas, and the acid from the bacteria in the plaque attacks the enamel and cavities can begin to develop. Dental sealants provide extra protection for grooved and pitted areas by creating a smooth surface that is easy to clean.
References Colgate. (2019). What Is a Sealant for Teeth | Colgate Oral Care. Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/procedur... Fidler On The Tooth. (2017, November 28). What is a Sealant and Why Does My Tooth Need It? Retrieved from https://www.fidleronthetooth.com/2017/11/28/what-i... Malterud, M. (2016). Minimally Invasive Dentistry. Retrieved from https://www.deardoctor.com/ articles/minimally-invasive-dentistry/page2.php