dental sealant /sē″lənt/ , a plastic film coating that is applied to and adheres to the caries-free occlusal surfaces (chewing surfaces) of teeth to seal pits and fissures where plaque, food, and bacteria usually become trapped. The surface to be treated is isolated to ensure that it is not contaminated with saliva. It is then cleaned with a brush and pumice cleansing agent or micro-abraded, dried, and etched with a phosphoric acid solution. After the acid has been washed away and the tooth has been dried, the sealant is applied. Dental sealants are reported to reduce the incidence of caries in children’s teeth by 50%. Also called pit and fissure sealant.
