How bad(or not) are they? And what is the sealing process?
Background: After being two years since my last visit to the dentist, and having a bleeding gum, I made an appointment to a new dentist. No cavities, gum disease, nor any other condition was found, except that I needed a good cleaning. I already have an appointment to go in two weeks.
Case: While checking my teeth, and noting that they were in pretty good shape, the dentist assistant, and later the dentist, told me I had “deep groves”(or is it grooves?) in my molars. They both recommended that I go through a sealing procedure to shallow the groves. Basically, the groves are deep and difficult to reach by toothbrushing, thus the possibility of cavities forming.
Questions: Is this a cosmetic surgery, or mostly a health related surgery? If I continue with my usual toothbrushing, flossing, and start again with regular visits for cleaning, is it ok for me not to have this done?
Okay, it’s not a scam, but I would say it’s more towards cosmetic, and it’s not surgical. BTW, IANAD.
Here a blurb from the ADA:
You can search for more at www.ada.org. There’s even a little picture. The procedure is to apply a topical sealant that hardens and prevents your teeth from getting cavities. And there’s nothing particular about having deep grooves in your molars, at least it’s a sign that you don’t suffer from bruxism (tooth grinding).