Dental sealants are a thin coat of clear resin that is applied by your cosmetic dentist to the biting surfaces of teeth, usually the rear molars. The back teeth are more prone to cavities because is difficult to reach them with a tooth brush and the surfaces contain pits and grooves that easily trap bacteria. It is hard for many adults to clean their back molars and almost impossible for our young Birmingham MI children.
Dental sealants fill in the pits and grooves on the rear molars to create a smooth surface. Birmingham, MI family dentists most often recommend sealants for children’s permanent back teeth, though sometimes they are used for adults, too.
Birmingham MI parents may not realize how quickly a cavity can form in a young child’s mouth. Many kids that we see develop cavities even before they start kindergarten! It is vital that our local parents start teeth brushing and regular dental visits early. The American Dental Association advises that a child’s initial dental exam take place soon after the first tooth erupts, but no later than the toddler’s first birthday.
Dental sealants protect teeth that have no decay (primary prevention) and also prevent further decay progression in teeth that show very early signs of disease (secondary prevention).
At Duffield Dentistry, we take special care of our Birmingham MI dental clients. We want each child’s dental visits to be pleasant and painless so they will never develop a fear of the dentist. We advise parents on the specific dental issues associated with each stage of childhood. Ask us about Zoom whitening, gum disease treatment, and endodontics.
I am Dr. Larry Duffield of Duffield Dentistry. I don’t believe that childhood cavities are unavoidable. Call my office at (248) 541-1388 to schedule a Birmingham MI dental exam.
I provide comprehensive cosmetic and restorative dentistry for my Birmingham, MI area dental patients. My office is located at 2009 Crooks Rd, Royal Oak MI. You can learn more about my practice at https://duffielddentistry.com.