Fissure Sealants

A guide for parents & patients

Fissures are pits and grooves that naturally occur on teeth. Fissures can be deep and narrow, therefore, toothbrush bristles cannot fit inside to remove the food particles. The fissures can retain food and plaque which place them at much higher risk of developing tooth decay.

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.

The Procedure
  • Teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried to remove food debris and saliva, which can prevent the sealant from sticking correctly to the tooth. In some cases, some shallow drilling may be required.
  • The liquid sealant is applied and a bright light is used to set it.
 
Maintenance Of Sealed Teeth

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:

  • High sugar intake – decay-causing bacteria thrive on sugar (especially sticky foods)
  • Poor dental hygiene – not brushing with a fluoride toothpaste correctly or often enough results in plaque build-up. Flossing between teeth reduces the chance of decay occurring in the surfaces between teeth.
 
References:

Cvikl,B.; Moritz,A.; Bekes,K. Pit and Fissure Sealants—A Comprehensive Review. Dent J (Basel). 2018 Jun 12;6(2):18.