Fissure Sealants

“The professional application of dental sealants onto the chewing surfaces of teeth is an important caries-preventive measure that complements the use of fluoride… their use in combination, has the potential of virtually eliminating dental caries in all children.” – U.S. Surgeon General’s Report.

What are fissure sealants?
When should a tooth be sealed?
Which teeth should be sealed?

1. What are fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are plastic coatings that help to prevent tooth decay when applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth.
- The chewing surfaces of the molar and pre-molar permanent teeth are pitted and grooved with lines and fissures, which are difficult to clean. Decay-causing bacteria thrive in these areas.
- When a fissure sealant is placed into these grooves and fissures, it shields them from plaque and food particles. This reduces the risk of decay.
- The sealant is applied to a dry tooth and is then chemically bonded to it.
- It is a painless and quick treatment. No local anaesthetic is needed.
- Sealants are tooth-coloured and are quite unobtrusive.
- They can last for many years.

Before

After

Return to Questions

2. When should a tooth be sealed?

A tooth should be sealed soon after it has erupted.
- A newly erupted tooth is not yet fully calcified (hardened) and is susceptible to decay.
- The sooner it can be protected by a fissure sealant, the better.
These sealants will be checked by your dentist every six months, as part of the professional oral care program.
Sealants can be repaired or replaced if necessary.

Return to Questions

3. Which teeth should be sealed?

The permanent molars are usually the teeth to be sealed.
Where pre-molar teeth are deeply grooved or pitted, they should also be treated.
As much as 90% of all dental caries in schoolchildren occurs in pits and fissures. The teeth at highest risk by far are the permanent first and second molars.
Baby teeth are not usually treated in this way. However, if the baby teeth are very decayed, it is a sign that the child is susceptible to tooth decay.
The permanent teeth should then be sealed as soon as possible after they erupt.

Return to Questions

This website has been invisibly watermarked to protect the copyright.

Site Map