As baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, it’s not uncommon for the biting surfaces of the molars and premolars to have deep pits and fissures in the tooth enamel. While this makes your child’s teeth more effective for chewing and grinding food, these areas can also prove hard to clean. If food particles and bacteria become trapped in these deep textures, it can promote large cavities.
If Dr. Jorge Bastidas notices an issue during your child’s dental checkup, he might suggest having dental sealants applied to their back teeth. Dental sealants in Paterson, New Jersey, are basically durable, plastic, resin shells that your dentist carefully applies to the biting surfaces of your child’s back teeth to create an effective barrier between bacteria and the healthy tooth enamel.
Dr. Jorge Bastidas often recommends applying the sealants right after your child’s regular dental checkup. This ensures that the enamel on the biting surface is completely clean.
Once they have been applied, he will use a special ultraviolet light to cure and harden the resin. If any residual food particles get stuck in the pits and fissures, the dental sealants will keep the bacteria from having direct access to the tooth enamel.
If you are concerned about the long-term health of your child’s back teeth, you should call Comfort Dental Care at 973-742-2610 to ask about the benefits of dental sealants.