Fissure sealants are effective in preventing tooth decay by providing a physical barrier that stops food, bacteria and plaque acids from contacting the tooth surface. Treatment is simple, painless and non-invasive.
Fissure sealants are commonly applied to the back teeth (molars and premolars) as soon as the teeth erupt.
Dental check-ups every six to twelve months are recommended so that tooth decay or sealant loss can be detected and treated. A sealant can be easily replaced if partially lost due to normal wear and tear. Sealed teeth do not require any special home treatment or dietary changes. Although the fissure sealant protects the biting surface of the treated tooth from decay, untreated surfaces and other teeth are still at risk. It is important to regularly brush and floss your teeth. Try and avoid the factors that increase the risk of tooth decay such as:
Cvikl,B.; Moritz,A.; Bekes,K. Pit and Fissure Sealants—A Comprehensive Review. Dent J (Basel). 2018 Jun 12;6(2):18.