As your child matures, their original 20 baby teeth are lost to make room for their 32 permanent, adult teeth. Molars and premolars, have a tendency to develop deep pits, fissures and contours on the biting surface.
If plaque buildup and residual food particles get stuck in these deeply textured areas, it greatly increases the chances of your child developing large cavities. Which of course requires large fillings to repair. As the years go by Ideal Smile Dentistry has observed that large cavities on the biting surface of molars and premolars can become problematic.
If your child has deep texture on their molars and premolars Ideal Smile Dentistry dentists will often recommend protecting the biting surface with dental sealants.
If your dentist notices deep pits or stuck on plaque and food particles on the biting surface of your child’s back teeth during their dental checkup, then we might recommend protecting the biting surface dental sealants.
Dental sealants a basically a durable plastic-resin that your dentist can paint onto the biting surface of molars and premolars. A special ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin, creating a protective layer. Even if plaque and food particles get stuck in the pits and fissures of the biting surface the dental sealants will keep bacteria from direct access to the tooth enamel.
Dental sealants can usually be applied immediately after your child’s regular dental checkup. The dental sealants are very durable and can help to protect the biting surface for several years.
If you have any questions about dental sealants for yourself or your child, please call Ideal Smile Dentistry at 706.257.7374 to schedule an appointment.