Everybody has teeth with fissures and pits on the top chewing surfaces. Fissures are like tiny grooves while pits are more like small hollows. If they run too deep, they can turn into areas where bacteria plaque accumulates, causing tooth decay. Fissure sealants are a proven, safe and effective way to protect the fissures and pits in teeth from tooth decay and cavities.
What are fissure sealants made of?
Fissure sealants are made of a fluoridated resin-based liquid coating that when applied, forms a hard protective layer over a pit or fissure. This seal keeps food residue and oral bacteria from penetrating into these hard to clean areas.
What teeth are suitable for fissure sealants?
Fissure sealants are only suitable for your back teeth, which include the premolars and molars. The top biting surfaces of these teeth usually have fissures or grooves that are naturally deep. If they are not sealed, they have the potential to decay and deepen through the action of bacterial acid. On the other hand, shallower fissures and pits which are easily accessed via brushing and oral hygiene, probably won’t require sealing.
How are fissure sealants applied?
Fissure sealant treatment is a fast, simple dental procedure that takes a couple of minutes to perform on each tooth. Before application, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and prepped with a special cleaning solution. Your dentist then uses a dental tool to apply the liquid resin sealant drop by drop. Once the sealant coating is applied, it is cured with a blue light until maximum hardness sets in.
Can you feel fissure sealants?
No, you can’t feel fissure sealants at all because they are applied topically, and not near any nerves or sensitive gum tissue. Your teeth shouldn’t feel any different from before treatment.
When should fissure sealants be used on children’s teeth?
Fissure sealants are most beneficial when applied as soon as the first permanent molars emerge from the gums at ages 6 to 7 years. As the rest come through, fissure sealants can be applied to children’s teeth up until 14 years old.
Do fissure sealants last a long time?
Fissure sealants usually last several years with normal chewing activity. It all depends on the wear and tear over time. But as long as your child attends regular checkups, their dentist can check and re-apply sealants as required.
