Sacramento dental team prevents decay with pit and fissure sealant
MAGD Dr. Kosta J. Adams and Dr. Kristen J. Adams can help prevent decay with pit and fissure sealant in Sacramento and the surrounding area.
What are pits and fissures?
Pitted, fissured areas are on the back teeth, your premolars, and molars. Pits are hollows on the chewing surface, while fissures are deep grooves. These features can threaten the integrity of your teeth.
Food gets caught in these pits and fissures. Since these areas are in those hard-to-reach spaces, it can be difficult to properly remove food debris with brushing and flossing alone. In turn, pits and fissures create the perfect environment for decay-producing bacteria.
While the premolars between your front teeth and molars can promote decay, molars are more susceptible to deep cavities.
How can sealants prevent decay?
Sealants are an unobtrusive plastic coating that is applied to the back teeth, effectively sealing the molars and premolars, and preventing bacterial plaque film and food from getting inside of the grooved, hollowed surfaces.
Sealants are usually recommended for children aged 6 to 12. The American Dental Association reports sealants to reduce the risk of tooth decay by almost 80 percent. By sealing areas susceptible to damage as soon as the teeth have come in, the dentists can help to maintain the lifelong health of your child’s teeth. Some adult patients may also benefit from this preventive approach.
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Sealants can only protect the teeth if they are properly maintained. It’s important to keep regularly scheduled check-ups and cleanings so the dental team can identify problems with your sealants and repair them as needed. Your teeth must also be sealed properly to prevent bacteria from being “sealed in” during the process and to ensure the sealants don’t peel off. Trust this important preventive procedure to an experienced dentist. Call (916) 999-1302 to schedule an appointment.
