Is "sealant" recommended, or is new dentist pushing unneeded work

[scooter514]

We recently had ownership change in the dental practice we go to. Previously we never had this recommended, but the new dentist recommended we get additional work done as a preventative measure. For one of us, it was due to grinding teeth and some wear is developing and it would be to prevent additional erosion of enamel. For the other, there were some small holes or dips that he recommended get filled.

Neither of us are experiencing pain or sensitivity even when the dentist prodded with the tool, and it was billed as a preventative measure by the dentist. Is this something that most dentists would recommend (obviously hard to tell without seeing us), or is it simply a way for the dentist to charge for unneeded procedures? I just find it odd since the prior dentist never recommended these procedures for years before, and then new treatments are recommended shortly after change in ownership. I also saw a review online from another prior patient who also complained about unnecessary procedures and fees that have happened after the sale of the dental practice, so it's hard to tell whether we should go ahead with the treatment or find a new dentist.

 

[Dr M]

Good day

Fissure sealants are recommend in certain cases. If the patient has deep fissures, it can seal these fissures to prevent decay. If you have a carious molar, the other molars can be sealed to prevent decay. If there is poor patient compliance with regards to oral hygiene, then the fissures can be sealed. This is common practice with regards to the treatment of children, but also subject to patient finances and consent to the procedure.
With good oral hygiene practices, it is not a necessity to have fissure sealants done.