Fissure Sealant Dental Treatments

Fissures are natural grooves on the biting surfaces of teeth, particularly on the back teeth (molars). Because these grooves can be deep and narrow, they may sometimes trap food and be harder to keep clean, which can increase the risk of cavities.

A fissure sealant is a thin protective material that can be applied to the chewing surface of molars. The sealant forms a smoother surface, which may make it easier to clean and may help reduce the risk of decay in these areas.

Fissure Sealants in Adelaide

When are sealants considered?

Sealants are often considered for children once their permanent molars and premolars have come through, usually around ages 6 and 12. Your dentist can assess whether sealants may be appropriate based on your child’s individual risk of developing decay.

What to expect

Applying a sealant is generally a simple procedure. The tooth surface is cleaned, prepared, and the sealant material is placed onto the grooves where it quickly hardens.

While sealants may help lower the risk of cavities in molars, they are not a substitute for a balanced diet, daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental visits.

If you’d like to know whether fissure sealants may be suitable for you or your child, please contact our friendly team to book an appointment.

Fissure Sealants FAQ’s

The grooves (fissures) on the chewing surfaces of teeth can sometimes be very deep and narrow, making them harder to clean with a toothbrush.

Food particles and bacteria may collect in these grooves, which can increase the risk of cavities over time.

Fissure sealants are a thin protective material placed into the grooves. By creating a smoother surface, they may help reduce the chance of food and bacteria getting trapped and make the tooth easier to clean.

Sealants can last for several years, but like any dental material, they may wear down over time. During routine dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of sealants and let you know if they need to be repaired or replaced.

Applying a sealant is usually a straightforward procedure and does not involve drilling or removing tooth structure. The tooth surface is cleaned and prepared, and then the sealant is applied and set. Most people find the process comfortable and quick.

Sealants are most often used for children and teenagers once their adult molars have come through (around ages 6 and 12), but in some cases, adults with deep fissures may also benefit. Your dentist can advise based on individual needs.

Fissure sealants create a protective coating over the grooves of teeth, which may make them easier to clean and can help reduce the risk of decay.

By lowering the chance of cavities developing in these hard-to-reach areas, fissure sealants may reduce the likelihood of needing fillings in the future.

Sealants work best as part of an overall prevention plan that includes daily brushing, flossing, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits.

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