Owensboro dentist | |

The morphology or shape of our teeth is the result of millions of years of evolution.  Although extremely well designed for biting, tearing and chewing, our teeth nevertheless have certain features that make them vulnerable to decay when exposed to today's highly processed  foods.  Look carefully at a child's permanent molars {age 6 and older} and you will notice the occlusal or biting surfaces {if not covered with food} have pits, grooves and fissures.  These small crevices enable some food to remain even when brushed properly.  Unfortunately, bacteria which are always lurking around, take this opportunity to thrive in these areas.  Given enough time, decay eventually occurs and a filling is usually required.  An occlusal sealant is a plastic like material which is placed in these fissures before decay is given a chance.  No drilling is required which makes this procedure an attractive option for young children.  Furthermore, children's permanent molars are more likely to have fresh undecayed fissures, especially within the first six months after eruption.  Although baby molars can be sealed, the lack of deep grooves and fissures in many cases makes sealants less effective since it is within these deep fissures that the plastic anchors itself.  Please note that sealants are not possible on all five surfaces, so should decay start elsewhere on this sealed tooth, a filling will be required.  This is why flossing is so important.   Worth noting however, is the fact that a great percentage of decay occurs on the biting surfaces, where these sealants are effective.

Who can place pit and fissure sealants?  Your dentist and hygienist, as well as some dental assistants with supplemental training.  If you wish to take advantage of this painless preventative treatment for your children, just ask your dentist.