You may have heard of the terms “pit and fissure sealants,” which are alternative names for dental sealants. Your teeth have different types of recesses, known as fissures (back teeth) and cingulum pits (front teeth). To help protect your teeth from decay with general dentistry, Dr. Tejal A. Kakade may recommend dental sealants. We will carry out a comprehensive exam of your teeth to determine the risk of decay.

The risk of dental decay is most associated with pits and fissures for a number of reasons. These areas are hard to clean and can harbor food debris. As food breaks down, it can produce acids and sugars that wear away the protective enamel and result in tooth decay. The teeth are also vulnerable to harmful bacteria in hard-to-clean areas.

Dental sealants are most effective when treatment is carried out as soon as the adult molar teeth come through. Dr. Tejal will use dental sealants to fill in pits and fissures, creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean and leaves nowhere for food debris to hide.

Tooth Decay in Childhood

Children are most susceptible to tooth decay when cleaning is not effective. Large pits and fissures can exacerbate the risks of tooth decay, which is why dental sealants are used early in tooth development. Dr. Tejal will carry out a comprehensive exam to evaluate the risk of tooth decay related to pits and fissures. She may recommend this course of treatment as a preventive measure for young patients.

If you want to know more about tooth sealants or would like to bring your child in for an evaluation, contact our Carrollton office today. We are committed to safeguarding the oral health of patients of all ages.