As your child’s permanent molars and premolars emerge, it’s quite common for the biting surfaces of these teeth to be deeply textured with deep pits and fissures. A deeply textured biting surface is an evolutionary trait that helped our ancient ancestors more efficiently chew and grind tough foods.
Unfortunately, residual food particles and plaque can often become trapped in these areas and encourage the formation of large cavities. Large inlay or onlay fillings are often needed to repair these cavities. Later on in life these fillings could cause additional complications.
If Dr. Ronald Hauptman & Bahar Rowhani notices deep pits or stuck on plaque and food particles on these areas, they might recommend protecting the biting surface with dental sealants.
Dental sealants a durable plastic-resin that Dr. Ronald Hauptman & Bahar Rowhani can paint onto the biting surface of your child’s back teeth. A special ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin. When 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.
Dr. Ronald Hauptman & Bahar Rowhani can usually apply the dental sealants after your child’s routine dental checkup. The resin material is very durable and should protect the biting surface of your child’s molars and premolars for several years.
If you have any questions or you are interested in having your child’s back teeth protected by dental sealants, you should call Dr. Ronald Hauptman & Bahar Rowhani at 703-241-0666 to schedule an appointment.