Fissure Sealants
The anatomy or shape of human teeth is well designed. The anterior or front teeth are made with sharp edges because they are meant to cut and slice through food; while the posterior or back teeth are made with wide occlusal tables or biting surfaces so they can properly grind and break food down. The wide surfaces on the back teeth have grooves and fissures that can collect plaque and food and become perfect areas for bacteria to thrive in the mouth.
As the bacteria collect and colonize in the grooves and fissures they create an acid which makes the teeth more susceptible to cavities. As the acid in the groves becomes stronger, more and more minerals are lost from the tooth enamel and eventually a cavity occurs.
Tooth decay and dental disease can develop and affect anyone. There are a number of methods to help prevent tooth decay and eliminate or minimize tooth decay, the need for fillings and possibly tooth aches. Dietary factors include eating less sugar and decreasing the frequency of snacking. Tooth brushing twice a day can minimize the number of bacteria in the mouth. Daily use of dental floss can remove the plaque from areas between the teeth. And finally, pit and fissure sealants can minimize the occurrence of tooth decay in the grooves and fissures on the biting surface of the back teeth.
Dental Sealants for Permanent and Some Deciduous Teeth
Pit and Fissure Sealants are resin based, the same as some tooth colored restorations. It is a flowable material that is applied to a prepared tooth surface to cover the grooves and fissures. It is applied to the teeth after the surface is properly cleaned and etched. The sealant material is placed on the tooth surface and brushed into the grooves and fissures and then set in place with a light curing (hardening) device.
Like a raincoat, the applied dental pit and fissure sealant will cover the rough surfaces of the back teeth, so that the grooves and fissures are not exposed and are covered and made smooth. Pit and fissure sealants offer excellent coverage that protects the biting surface of the teeth. Sealants can be placed as soon as the new permanent molars have erupted enough that the teeth can be dried and kept saliva free for a short period of time. Sealants are usually applied to the permanent molars and bicuspids, but in some instances, primary molars may also be candidates for sealants.
Contact Dr. Beap today to schedule an appointment.
