It’s relatively common for the back teeth to have deep pits, fissures and contours on the biting surfaces. Even though this helps make the teeth more effective in chewing and grinding tough and hard foods, it can also cause major dental issues.
If plaque and residual food particles become trapped in these deeply textured areas, they can foster large areas of tooth decay. Large cavities on the biting surfaces require large fillings to repair. In time, these large fillings could prove problematic.
If you or your child has these deep textures on your molars and premolars, your Pine Ridge Dental dentist might recommend protecting the biting surfaces with dental sealants in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Dental sealants are wafer-thin shells that your dentist paints onto the biting surfaces of your molars and premolars. A special ultraviolet light is then used to cure the resin, creating a protective, durable shield on the biting surfaces. Even if plaque and food particles get stuck in the pits and fissures of the teeth, the dental sealants will keep pervasive bacteria from developing cavities in the tooth enamel.
Dental sealants can usually be applied immediately after a regular dental checkup. The dental sealants are very durable and they can protect the biting surfaces of your teeth for several years.
If you are interested in having dental sealants placed on yours or your child’s teeth, you should call Dr. Tom Tetrick at 402-423-1100 to schedule an appointment.
