Fissure Sealants
Fissure sealants are a simple yet highly effective way to protect the biting surfaces of your back teeth from decay. These surfaces, especially on the molars and premolars, contain natural pits and grooves (fissures) that are often too deep for toothbrush bristles to clean thoroughly.
A fissure sealant is a thin, protective plastic coating, usually clear or tooth-coloured, that is applied to these surfaces. It forms a durable shield, preventing food particles, plaque, and decay-causing bacteria from getting trapped in the vulnerable grooves.
While they are most often recommended for children and teenagers as a key preventive measure (ideally soon after the permanent teeth erupt), sealants also benefit adults with deep fissures or those at a higher risk of decay. At Augustus Road Dental Practice, we believe in proactive preventative care. Fissure sealants significantly reduce the need for future fillings, ensuring a smoother, easier-to-clean tooth surface and long-term dental health.
What does treatment involve?
The procedure for applying fissure sealants is fast, straightforward, and completely painless. It is a non-invasive treatment that requires no anaesthetic or drilling. The process typically takes only a few minutes per tooth:
- The tooth is first thoroughly cleaned to remove any plaque or debris from the fissures.
- A mild, harmless acid solution is applied to the tooth surface for a short time. This prepares the enamel, creating microscopic pores to ensure the sealant bonds strongly and effectively.
- After rinsing and drying the tooth (maintaining a dry environment is crucial), the liquid sealant material is carefully painted directly into the pits and grooves.
- A special bright light is shone onto the sealant to instantly cure (harden) the material, creating a tough, durable barrier.
- The dentist will check your bite and polish the sealed surface to ensure comfort and a seamless finish.
Fissure sealants are one of the most effective preventive measures available in modern dentistry, significantly reducing the risk of decay in the biting surfaces of teeth. A well-applied sealant can last for many years. However, they can sometimes wear down or chip over time due to normal chewing forces.
For this reason, we will always check the condition of your sealants during your regular check-ups. They can be quickly and easily repaired or replaced if necessary to ensure continued protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the application of fissure sealants is completely painless and non-invasive. It is a quick treatment that does not require any drilling or local anaesthetic.
Sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teenagers, ideally as soon as their first permanent molars erupt (usually around ages 6-7). They are also applied to the second set of molars (ages 11-14) as they come through. Adults with deep fissures and a high risk of developing cavities can also benefit.
A well-placed resin sealant can last for many years. They are checked during your routine dental appointments to ensure the seal remains intact. If a sealant wears down, chips, or comes off, it can easily be repaired or replaced during your visit.
Yes. Fissure sealants are a protective barrier, but good oral hygiene is still essential. The sealant actually makes the tooth surface smoother and easier to keep clean with normal toothbrushing and fluoride toothpaste, reducing the risk of decay developing around the edges of the sealant.
Fissure sealants are most commonly applied to the permanent back teeth (molars and premolars). In some cases, a dentist may recommend sealing a baby tooth if the grooves are very deep and the child is considered to be at high risk of early decay.
