Fissure Sealants

Why are fissure sealants important?

Fissure sealants (or fissure seals) are a tooth-coloured protective coating, painted into the deep grooves and natural pits of the back molars. The sealant protects the tooth by preventing food particles and bacteria from getting stuck in the deep grooves, particularly in places that are difficult to clean.

It is a preventative treatment that is commonly used on permanent teeth in both adults and children. We commonly recommend these in cases where there is a poor oral hygiene ‘hotspot’ or for molars with deep grooves.

Are fissure seals necessary for adults and children?

Fissure seals are not a standard service recommended to all patients, however, they can be a powerful preventive measure taken for teeth that commonly will require fillings.

They are more common in children, and we will recommend them to parents for susceptible adult teeth after they have erupted.

Having a fissure sealant placed is a painless experience and protects your teeth from decay. Early prevention in younger patients can lead to longer term healthier teeth and gums.

How long do fissure sealants last?

Sealants are durable and can last for years but this depends on the quality of its application and how well each patient looks after them. We recommended patients with fissure seals have regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure they have not fallen out, chipped, or worn away.

The fissure sealant process

The fissure sealant procedure is straightforward and painless, so no local anaesthesia is needed.

The process involves scrubbing the tooth clean with a paste, cleansing the tooth with a solution to remove any remaining debris, rinsing with water, and finally, painting on the protective sealant. Simple!

After you have had your fissure sealants placed, your teeth will function as normal but it is recommended to refrain from consuming hard and chewy foods for 24 hours. This will allow the fissure sealant to fully set and bind to your tooth and reduces the risk of it falling out.

Learn more about Fissure Sealants

To find out whether fissure sealants could help you or your child, get in touch with us today on (07) 3343 2100 to discuss your dental situation or book your next appointment online.