• Water fluoridation has changed the way tooth decay forms. It has dramatically reduced cavities on smooth surfaces of teeth, but has not affected cavities formed on chewing surfaces...in the "pits" and "grooves" of teeth.
• "Pit" and "groove" cavities have not declined, instead, they have become more difficult to detect. Traditional methods of detecting decay (x-rays and dental "explorer" hand instruments) are only 24% accurate in detecting early "pit" and "groove" cavities!
• State-of-the-art methods of finding decay include micro-dentistry, tooth decay detection dyes, lasers and fiber optics. These technologies demonstrate superior accuracy in the early diagnosis of decay.
• Many "pit" and "groove" cavities are too small to drill out, but too large to ignore. Drilling these cavities out is excessive and is not recommended. Air Abrasion (drill-free fillings) is minimally invasive dentistry. It is the treatment of choice.
• Topical fluorides and sealants may not stop or arrest "pit" and "groove" decay.

Sealants are recommended when:
(a) The surface organic "plug" covering "pits" and "grooves" is first removed.
(b) Tooth decay detection dye (100% accurate) is used to verify the absence of decay.
(c) All "pits" and "grooves" are clean, decay-free and within enamel prior to sealing.
(d) Once decay penetrates through enamel into the deeper areas of teeth, Air Abrasion fillings will become necessary.