Fissure Sealants

The teeth that usually require fissure sealants are  molar teeth where decay most commonly starts. The Australian Dental Association states that fissures of teeth are 5 times more susceptible to develop decay than other tooth surfaces.

Most children benefit from fissure sealants as dental decay is common in teeth with deep grooves (fissures) as bacteria is  easily trapped and tooth-brush bristles cannot remove all debris. Over time, this bacteria produce acids which then can cause tooth decay. If left untreated, pain may occur, leading to large restorations or even tooth loss. This can all be avoided with a simple preventive fissure sealant! Fissure sealants are almost a third of the cost of a filling and are a  great investment; providing prevention and minimising their risk of decay.

Children develop their first adult molars, known as 6 year old molars, usually at 6 to 7 years of age. Sealing these teeth as soon as they erupt in the mouth can be crucial as children at this age often miss brushing these teeth frequently or effectively. During your child’s active maintenance appointment, we will assess their fissures and discuss if sealants is something of benefit.

The procedure of fissure sealants is easier than a filling, with no anesthetic required. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned to allow the sealant to bond strongly to the tooth. The flowable white sealant material is then placed into grooves and set with a bright blue light.  We then check that the sealant is perfect and make sure it is smooth. The aftercare of dental sealants is also simple. Ensuring that your child eats nutritious low sugar food and drinks water keeps those sealants strong. Moreover, practicing good brushing and flossing daily will maintain the sealants.  Attending regular active maintenance appointments will also allow us to keep an eye to ensure the sealants stay strong.

Fissure sealants are a great way to help prevent dental decay in children.  At  Avenue Dental Caloundra, Kawana, Maroochydore, Bli Bli, North Lakes, Baringa, Sippy Downs, Tewantin, Murrumba Downs, Beerwah and Woolloongabbawe have caring dentists and oral health therapists who are talented in placing fissure sealants on children’s teeth.