What is a fissure sealant?
Fissure sealing is a simple preventative procedure carried out by our dentists and hygienists and is a painless way of protecting your children’s teeth from decay.
Pits and fissures are grooves on the occlusal (biting) surface of the pre-molars and molars and are areas prone to cavities as they are difficult to keep clean and are a common food packing area. As the first permanent molars start to erupt at around 6 or 7 years of age these teeth are likely to form cavities if left untreated.
Treatment
The treatment is usually quick and straightforward and only takes a few minutes per tooth. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, prepared with a special solution and dried. The liquid sealant is then applied to the tooth and is set using a curing light.
Sealants are invisible once applied and usually last for many years but your dentist will check them regularly to make sure the seal is still intact.
Aftercare
As the sealant is light cured your child can eat and drink as normal after treatment. The smooth sealed surface is now much easier to keep clean and healthy with normal tooth brushing and also using a fluoride toothpaste.