Why might you need sealants?
Tooth decay is most commonly found on molars (permanent teeth in the back of the mouth). On the surface, molars have deep pits and grooves. It is here that food particles and bacteria often collect and form cavities. Even frequent brushing can’t remove all of the bacteria build up.
What are Sealants?
Sealants are made from a material that bonds to molar surfaces, in order to smooth out the pits and grooves. This flatter surface on the tooth helps regular brushing clean more effectively. What a comfort to know that your brushing efforts are cleaning more than ever before!
Are sealants necessary?
Sealants are most effective only when they are applied at the time of tooth eruption to high decay rate individuals. If a sealant is applied to a mature tooth, there is a chance that bacteria or decay may already be present in the tooth. If this is the situation, then the sealant will inhibit early diagnosis of decay, “sealing” the decay inside the tooth.
At Towler & Youngs Family Dentistry, we prefer to place a small opening into a suspicious pit or groove to make sure there is no decay present before the application of a sealant.