Preventative Dentistry – Sealants
Brushing and flossing are the most common method of preventing tooth decay. Sometimes the anatomy of the teeth can differ, especially in our molars (chewing teeth at the back). Our teeth can naturally have deep grooves, uneven surfaces and is a common spot where food and plaque is retained. Keeping these areas clean can be quite a challenge as the bristles on your tooth brush may not be able to access the entire groove and allow the cavity causing bacteria to form decay.
First permanent Molars usually breakthrough around the age of 6, with your second permanent molars appearing around the age of 12. Sealing these teeth when they have fully erupted can help save time and prevent costly dental treatment in the future.
There is a quick and painless procedure to reduce the risk of these permanent molars getting decay. Fissure sealants are a thin protective white coloured resin that is adhered to the tooth surface. It is a non-invasive procedure which involves cleaning the chewing surface of the tooth, applying bond and a tooth-coloured material on top. These sealants can last for several years before they need to be reapplied
Fissure sealants are no substitute for brushing and flossing, with having an 80 percent chance of lowering the risk of decay forming.
If you’d like to know more give us a call on (02) 4324 1181 and we can book you in for a checkup!