What is a fissure sealant?
A fissure sealant is not the same as a filling. A filling will restore a cavity in a tooth, while a fissure sealant offers excellent protection and prevents the fissure from needing a filling. The fissure system in a tooth is made up of grooves and pits typically found on a back tooth’s biting surface and can be prone to future decay.
The pits and fissures are often deep and narrow and can be difficult to clean. The bristles of a toothbrush can be too thick and inefficient at removing trapped food or bacteria. The fissures are 5 times more likely to decay than other tooth surfaces and the risk is greatest in the first 5 years of the tooth erupting. Bearing this in mind, the fissure sealant has become a common preventive procedure for children once their first permanent molars erupt at around 6 years of age. At between 11 to 14 years of age the other permanent teeth erupt. These molars and premolars can be sealed if they are at risk of decay.
At Willow Dental Care in Norwest, our dentists can examine your child’s fissures to see if sealing them could be a good preventive strategy. The dentist can take photos to show you how deep the fissures are, or if food or plaque are being trapped and take x-rays to assess for hidden decay. Often its best to wait until the tooth is fully erupted unless there is a history of decay in which case an early GIC based sealant can be applied. Even baby teeth can be sealed or older adult teeth if needed.
How is fissure sealant treatment done?
The dentist will assess and examine the mouth and teeth and advise you if fissure sealants are necessary. Some teeth have flat smooth fissures and no history of decay and may not need fissure sealants. The dentist will always be checking for decay, in which case a fissure sealant would not be done.
Fissure sealing does not hurt and is not invasive. Fissure sealants always start with a thorough clean of the tooth surface. The fissure system is then coated with an etchant so the sealant will bond to the enamel. This is rinsed and dried and then kept dry for the procedure to work. Adhesive resin and/or liquid sealant is painted on and cured with a light so that it sets hard. We often explain it simply by saying that it’s just like painting nail polish, but on teeth.
How long do Fissure Sealants last?
Fissure sealants can wear down over time and can chip. People who chew a lot of ice and nuts will wear their sealants out faster. At 6 monthly check-ups your dentist will be looking at how the fissure sealant is going. Typically, once the tooth is past the first 5 years the risk of the tooth decaying has halved and the decision about whether to replace it will be made based on the patient’s personal decay risk. If the fissure sealant needs a top up or repair this can be pick up easily as the fissure sealant is visible and white on the tooth surface.
Regular brushing, flossing, a low-sugar diet, and fluoride are also key components to decay prevention.
Is there any risk with fissure sealants?
There is no reported toxicity of fissure sealants. Some children find dental procedures uncomfortable and may not tolerate a lot of cleaning, washing or drying or have a sensitive gag reflex. Your dentist can help with all these issues. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your dentist.
As a preventive measure Fissure sealants are affordable, and prevent more costly dental treatment such as fillings. For more information on the cost of a fissure sealant and appointment availability please call Willow Dental Care on 8610 6697.