Fissure Sealants
By creating a thin protective layer over these harder-to-clean areas, fissure sealants help reduce the chance of food and bacteria becoming trapped.
Fissure sealants are a preventative dental treatment designed to help protect teeth from decay. Applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, fissure sealants create a protective barrier over the natural grooves where food particles and bacteria often collect.
Fissure sealants are commonly recommended for children as their permanent teeth develop, although adults may also benefit from this treatment.
What is a fissure sealant?
A fissure sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to the grooves and pits of the back teeth, particularly the molars and premolars.
These teeth naturally have uneven chewing surfaces, making some areas difficult to clean thoroughly with regular brushing. Over time, food particles and bacteria may accumulate in these grooves, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Fissure sealants help cover these areas, creating a smoother surface that is easier to clean and reducing the risk of cavities developing in the treated grooves.
Who are fissure sealants suitable for?
Fissure sealants are commonly recommended for children and teenagers, particularly when their permanent molars begin to emerge.
The first permanent molars generally appear around six years of age, followed by the second permanent molars at approximately 12 years of age.
Adults with deep grooves in their teeth may also benefit from fissure sealants, depending on their oral health and individual risk of tooth decay.
Your dentist will assess your teeth and advise whether fissure sealants are a suitable preventative treatment.
What does the fissure sealant process involve?
Applying fissure sealants is generally a straightforward procedure completed during a dental appointment.
The process typically involves the following steps:
- Cleaning the tooth: Your dentist cleans and prepares the chewing surface to remove plaque and debris.
- Preparing the surface: A conditioning solution is applied to help the sealant bond to the tooth.
- Applying the sealant: The protective material is carefully placed into the natural grooves and pits of the tooth.
- Hardening the material: Depending on the sealant used, a special curing light may be used to harden the material.
- Checking the sealant: Your dentist checks the finished sealant and ensures your bite feels comfortable.
Fissure sealants generally do not require drilling or anxiety focused solutions when applied to healthy tooth surfaces.
How long do fissure sealants last?
Fissure sealants may remain effective for several years, although their lifespan varies depending on the material used, oral hygiene habits and everyday wear.
During regular dental examinations, your dentist will check the condition of existing sealants and advise whether repairs or reapplication are necessary.
While fissure sealants help reduce the risk of decay, regular brushing, flossing and dental examinations remain important for maintaining oral health.
Frequently asked fissure sealant questions
Yes. Although commonly recommended for children, adults with deep grooves in their molars or premolars may also benefit from fissure sealants. Your dentist will assess whether this treatment is appropriate for your teeth.
Fissure sealant application is generally painless and does not require drilling or local anaesthetic when treating healthy tooth surfaces. Your dentist will explain the procedure before treatment.
No. Fissure sealants help reduce the risk of decay in the grooves of treated teeth, but they do not protect every tooth surface. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and regular dental examinations remain important.
Fissure sealants may wear down or become damaged over time. Your dentist will examine existing sealants during routine appointments and recommend repair or replacement where needed.
Ask your dentist about fissure sealants
Fissure sealants are one option for helping protect teeth from decay, particularly in areas that are difficult to clean through regular brushing.
If you would like to learn more about fissure sealants for yourself or your child, book a dental appointment to discuss your oral health and available preventative treatment options.
