GENERAL
PROCEDURES
Pit & Fissure
Sealant
Sometimes it is impossible, especially for children,
to brush deep grooves or pits on the chewing surfaces of the
teeth effectively. These grooves are very
deep and often tinier than the bristles on a toothbrush. A cavity will usually
begin in these grooves because they are ideal places for cavity-causing bacteria
to hide.
In order to prevent decay from starting in
these areas, the grooves can be "painted" with a plastic
coating called a pit fissure sealant. Sealant makes the chewing
surface smooth, enabling people to easily clear these surfaces.
A sealant is not a filling. It is a simple
procedure that is done by a hygienist.
No freezing is required; the tooth is merely cleaned and dried
and "painted" with the sealant material. It is usually
clear or tooth-coloured, and patients can eat and drink right
after the procedure.
Sometimes sealant can come off, but they are
easily replaced at a check-up appointment. They usually keep
the teeth virtually cavity-free during the years they are most
susceptible to tooth decay.
Dr. Kochman can let you know which teeth are
good candidates for this procedure.
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