(305) 512-3700If you examine the back teeth, which are called the molars and premolars, you will notice that they look different than the other teeth because they are full of ridges called cusps. These cusps help you to chew and grind down bites of food for easier digestion. While cusps are very important, they can also easily accumulate food debris and bacteria that cause you to develop tooth decay and other dental issues. Additionally, it’s not always easy for a toothbrush to access these spaces to clean them.
Our dentist may recommend dental sealants to protect the back teeth from cavities. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that cover the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to form a barrier between the natural tooth and harmful substances. First, we clean and dry the tooth and use a mild acid solution to roughen the surface a little with tiny abrasions to help the sealant to adhere better. Following the placement of the sealant, we can either let it dry or use a special light to cure it. The purpose is to help your sealants last you about 10 years.
Dental sealants can offer the best results when they are placed on molars and premolars that have recently erupted, which means children under the age of 13 are often the best candidates for sealants. During this period of life, many children have a high risk of cavities. However, patients of any age can receive dental sealants as long as their back teeth are not struggling with cavities or are highly susceptible to tooth decay.
If you are considering dental sealants in Hialeah, Florida, for you or your children, Dr. Victor J. Dongo and our team are happy to speak with you! Contact Miami Dentists & Implants and Victor J. Dongo at (305) 512-3700 today to schedule an appointment with our dentist.