fissure sealants

What are fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are tooth coloured hard plastic protective coatings placed into the deep grooves and pits (small hollows) on the chewing surfaces of adult molar teeth in order to prevent cavities forming.

Why place fissure sealants?

The chewing surface of a molar (back tooth) contains deep natural pits and grooves (fissures).  Some teeth have deeper grooves than others. The bristles of a toothbrush are too large to reach in to clean these areas which allows the plaque bacteria collect and stay. Food particles also become trapped there. These plaque bacteria eat any sugar from the diet and make acid as a byproduct, which destroys the tooth and over time forms a cavity (decay). In fact these deep fissures are where dental decay occurs the most often.  Fissure sealants work by filling in these deep uncleanable pits and grooves, preventing decay and making it smooth and much easier to clean.

When is the best time to place them?

The permanent molar teeth start erupting around age 6 and are most vulnerable to developing decay in the first few years in the mouth. Thus ideally sealants are placed as soon as these teeth come through, usually between 6 and 7. The other adult molars appear later and are ideally also sealed immediately, usually between 11-14 years old. Sealants are beneficial in adults of any age to prevent decay, especially for teeth classified as high risk eg a history of decay in fissures of other teeth.

How long will fissure sealants last?

Once applied the coating is permanent, and will stay for a number of years. Over time sealants can wear and sometimes areas will need to be topped up or replaced. It is necessary to check them regularly to make sure the seal is still intact, which forms part of the regular exam of the mouth.

What is involved?

The process is quick, straightforward and completely painless, taking several minutes per tooth:
The tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried.
The chewing surface is prepared to accept the fissure sealant.
The fissure sealant is applied to the tooth using a small brush.
The sealant is then set and hardened by concentrated beam of bright blue light.
Feel free to ask me more about this procedure. I will assess you and/or your child’s situation and let you know if fissure sealing could be of benefit and the best time to proceed.