As your child grows and their jaw expands, their 20 baby teeth are gradually shed and replaced by the 32 permanent teeth that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Establishing good oral hygiene habits is one method for preserving the health of their teeth. At the same time, many molars and premolars can have pits and fissures in the tooth enamel.
These deeply textured areas can serve as a dangerous trap for residual food particles and plaque. If cavities form in these surfaces on their back teeth, your child might need large fillings to repair them.
If your dentist, Dr. Melissa Ravago, notices plaque and food particles trapped in these areas, she might recommend a thorough cleaning before the application of dental sealants.
Dental sealants in Albuquerque, New Mexico, are basically durable, plastic, resin shells that Dr. Melissa Ravago paints onto the biting surfaces of your son or daughter’s molars and premolars. A special ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin. Even if plaque and food particles get stuck on the biting surfaces, the sealants will prevent bacteria from having direct access to the healthy tooth enamel beneath.
Dental sealants can be applied immediately after your child’s regular dental checkup and cleaning to insure the enamel is completely clean.
You can expect dental sealants to last for many years and they won’t be worn away when they brush their teeth twice each day.
If you are interested in dental sealants for your son or daughter, you should call 505.292.6414 to schedule an appointment at Ravago Dental.