Why your dentist may suggest preventive fillings

What a preventive filling is

A preventive filling is a tooth-colored material placed into very deep pits and grooves in a tooth before decay has started. You may also hear it called a pit and fissure sealant. It sits between a standard filling and a sealant. Like a sealant, it protects the tooth. Unlike a standard filling, it generally does not involve removing any healthy tooth, because there is no decay to remove.

Only the deep grooves are filled, not the whole chewing surface. Your dentist may use a glass ionomer or a resin material, depending on the tooth.

Why molars need protection

Your back teeth have natural pits and grooves that help you grind food. Those same grooves can be narrow and deep, which makes them hard to clean. Food, bacteria and acid collect in them, and cavities can form. This is common in both children and adults.

Sealing the grooves smooths the surface, so brushing can reach all of it and bacteria have less room to hide.

Who benefits most

Your dentist may suggest a preventive filling if:

• You have deep grooves that catch food and are hard to clean
• You have had many cavities before
• Your enamel seems prone to decay
• A child's new molars have just come in

Why it is worth considering

Preventing a cavity is usually simpler than treating one. The visit is typically quick and gentle, and often needs little or no numbing. A tooth that never develops a cavity avoids the need for a larger filling or a crown later.

Sealants do not last forever. Your dentist checks them at regular visits and repairs them if needed.

What the visit is like

The tooth is cleaned and dried, the grooves are filled with the material, and a special light hardens it. Most people feel little or nothing, and you can usually eat and go about your day afterward. Your dentist will tell you if there is anything to avoid for a short time.

What it does not replace

A preventive filling does not take the place of daily brushing, flossing, or a balanced diet. It protects the grooves, but other surfaces can still decay. Regular cleanings and checkups keep an eye on everything. See our preventive care page for more.

Questions to ask

If your dentist recommends one, it is fair to ask which teeth, what material, and what would happen if you waited. A good dentist will show you the deep grooves on your X-rays or with a camera, and explain the reasoning. An exam is what decides if it is right for you. Our insurance and financing page can help if you have questions about coverage.