Fissures are grooves usually found on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They are difficult to keep clean so there is more risk of decay. A sealant is a protective plastic coating, which is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.
Fissure sealants are applied to the back teeth but occasionally teeth at the front of the mouth have small grooves or pits that will benefit from being sealed.
The dentist will:
Dental decay easily starts in the grooves of the teeth if they are not sealed.
Sealants should be applied as soon as the back teeth start to come through and the child is compliant enough to have the treatment done (this varies from child to child).
The first permanent teeth usually start to come through at between 6 and 7 years of age. The rest are usually sealed as soon as they appear which can be any time between 11 and 14 years of age.
Fissure sealants protect teeth from decay.
They can last for years. They can wear over time or fall out. Your dentist will want to check them regularly to make sure that the seal is still intact. They can be replaced if there is no decay underneath.
Yes of course. The smooth, sealed surface is now much easier to keep clean but nothing can completely protect your teeth from too much sugar in the diet. Sealants are only part of your child’s preventative dental care.
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Carton Dental
Silken Gardens
Dublin Rd
Maynooth
Co. Kildare
W23 X2T7
Ireland