Summerland General Dentistry - Summerland Dental Centre - Family, Cosmetic & Implants

Preventive Resins

At our office, we use preventive resins to prevent decay on the chewing surfaces (grooves) of molars and premolars (back teeth). Preventive resins are different than traditional sealants in that preventive resins are made of a more durable material that adhere better to the enamel of the tooth. These resins have been found to last longer than traditional sealants. Once applied, it is rare that a preventive resin would have to be replaced or repaired, unlike traditional sealants. Therefore, by using preventive resins, children are awarded the long term benefit of less overall treatment time and parents benefit too from the cost effectiveness of a single procedure. A preventive resin is a white plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where four out of five cavities in children are found. This resin acts as a barrier to food, plaque and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth.

Before Resin Applied After Resin Applied

Before Resin Applied

After Resin Applied

Most cavities form on the chewing surfaces of teeth; therefore preventive resins greatly decrease the chances of cavity formation in a child’s mouth. However, since preventive resins are applied only to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, it is important to floss between these teeth where the enamel is not protected and cavities have the potential to form.