Colorado Smiles

• General Dentistry
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Preventive Dentistry
  • Cleanings & Exams
  • Digital X-Rays
  • Preventative Resin Restorations
  • Gum Disease

Preventative Resin Restorations

Protect the chewing surface of teeth from decay with preventative resin restorations (“sealants”).

The Problem:

• Protect normal pits and grooves on the chewing surface of back teeth
• Stop small amounts of decay from growing larger

The Solution:

Normal pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth can trap food that can't be removed by brushing or washed out by water or saliva. A preventative resin restoraton (sometimes called a “sealant”) is a tough, plastic material designed to bond (stick) to tooth enamel. This clear or tooth-colored substance is applied to the tooth surface to “seal” the pits and grooves and protect against decay. They are generally applied to children's first permanent back teeth. They can also be useful for adults in certain situations.

Advantages:

Preventative resin restorations are an excellent way to protect chewing surfaces of teeth from decay. They are a much better financial investment than treating decay after it has started.

Disadvantages:

Preventative resin restorations are not permanent. They generally last about five years with normal use, but can wear or chip off earlier in certain instances. Additionally, these restorations will not prevent decay between teeth or the onset of gum disease, so regular home care and dental visits are important.

Alternatives:

There are no appropriate alternatives to preventative resin restorations. If a tooth has decay, it will need a filling or other restoration.