A sealant is a thin clear coating that is applied deep into pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent tooth decay. The sealant is a plastic material (resin) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The resin flows into the pits and grooves in the teeth. Once the pits and grooves are covered, food and plaque cannot get in.It takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Each tooth is cleaned, and chewing surfaces are prepared to help the sealant stick to the tooth. A special light is used to help the sealant harden.