Many children have their permanent molars emerge from their gums with deep pits and fissures on the biting surface. While this helps to efficiently chew and grind hard foods, it can also serve as a trap for plaque and residual food particles. If these areas are not thoroughly cleaned by twice daily brushing, it can lead to the formation of large cavities.
If your North Texas Dental Associates dentist notices that you or your son or daughter is having trouble keeping the biting surfaces of their back teeth clean, they might recommend protecting the area with common dental sealants.
Dental sealants a durable plastic-resin that the dentist carefully paints onto the biting surface of each molar and premolar. A special ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin.
If plaque and food particles get stuck in the deep pits and contours, the resin effectively prevents bacteria from direct exposure to the enamel of the biting surface.
The dental sealants are very durable and can help to protect the biting surface on back teeth for several years.
If are interested in learning more about how dental sealants can help protect your son or daughter’s back teeth, you can always call North Texas Dental Associates’s office in Plano, Texas at 972.535.6647 to set up an appointment.