Preventive Resin Restorations – What are They and How Can They Help You? Part 1

Preventive resin restorations – or PRRs – seal up cavity-prone surfaces of the teeth, preventing decay and avoiding potentially costly and uncomfortable fillings down the road. They blend in with the natural appearance of your teeth, and don’t affect their function in any way.

What are preventive resin restorations?

PRRs are made by applying a hard, tooth-colored compound (resin) to areas where cavities are likely to form in the mouth. Generally speaking, they are applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, but the recessed and uneven surfaces of the back molars are of particular interest to dentists when placing PRRs. This is because the pockets of these teeth can hold onto food and form a favorable environment for bacteria growth and tooth decay. As much as 75% of tooth decay occurs in these areas. (1) PRRs are also applied to cracks and chips in teeth that might be present in an individual patient’s mouth, as these areas are also highly likely to form cavities.

Who is a candidate for preventive resin restorations?

Preventive resin restorations could benefit almost anybody, but they’re only worthwhile if you think you might get cavities. Of course, some people are more prone to cavities than others, due to both genetic factors like stability of enamel, and environmental factors like their oral hygiene habits. If a trip to the dentist usually results in getting new fillings for you, then you might be a good candidate for PRRs.

PRRs can also be used in children and teens. Generally speaking, these populations are more prone to cavities than adults, so PRRs can be very beneficial for them.

Check back soon for Preventive Resin Restorations – What are They and How Can They Help You? Part 2. In the meantime, take a look at our page on preventive resin restorations.