Fissures are the thin grooves on the chewing surfaces and no matter how well they are brushed, bacteria can still collect within them and eventually cause decay. A fissure sealant is a safe plastic coating applied to the tooth to stop food particles and bacteria from settling in these hard-to-clean grooves.
This preventive treatment is normally given to children whose permanent teeth are starting to emerge, usually between 6 and 7 years. The application process is quick and easy, and there is no need for an anaesthetic or drilling.
Benefits
- Long lasting protection
- Painless treatment
- Invisible once applied
Treatment steps
- The tooth is polished to remove plaque and food debris from the fissure surfaces.
- The surface of the tooth is etched with a special solution.
- After rinsing off this solution and drying the tooth, the sealant is applied with a brush.
- A curing light is used so the sealant will harden and quickly bond with the surface, forming a tough coating
Aftercare
To ensure sealants offer the best protection, it is important they are used in conjunction with a comprehensive dental care routine that includes effective brushing, flossing and a healthy diet. However, treated teeth will have smoother surfaces, so they will be much easier to keep clean.
Sealants can last for many years but regular check-ups are necessary to ensure they continue to remain intact.
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