What are fissure sealants?
Sealant is most commonly applied to the grooves, known as fissures, and pits of the back molars. These are the most common locations for cavities in the teeth. The procedure can be done by a dentist, a dental hygienist or an oral health therapist.
Fissure sealants are a white or clear composite resin, similar to a white tooth filling. The sealants provide a barrier against bacteria that can cause plaque. They are designed to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
When might someone need fissure sealants?
Your dentist might advise you to have fissure sealants if you have large grooves or pits in your teeth. However you should discuss with your dentist whether or not they are necessary. Not all teeth with fissures need sealants.
Some dentists will recommend sealants for the first molar teeth, which appear at around 6 years of age. The back teeth (second and third molars) emerge at around 13 years and should be checked to see whether sealants might help. Some adults also get sealants.
Your dentist might even recommend a sealant if there is already some tooth decay. The sealant can help limit future decay.
What happens during a dental fissure sealants procedure?
Having fissure sealants applied is a quick and painless procedure. It usually takes a few minutes per tooth and is less complicated than having a cavity filling. There is no need for anaesthetic and usually no drilling.
Your dental practitioner will::
clean and dry the tooth
prepare the tooth surface so that the sealant bonds well
paint on the liquid sealant, which will flow into the deep grooves and pits
bond and harden the sealant with a strong light
check your bite and polish off any excess sealant
What to expect after a dental fissure sealants procedure
You should clean your teeth as usual and practise good oral hygiene. Your teeth will be easier to clean because the brush will reach all surfaces.
Sometimes the sealant falls off — this will usually happen within 6 months. It is a good idea to visit the dentist regularly so they can make sure the sealant is in good condition as part of your routine dental check-up. It can wear down over the of years and will then need to be reapplied.
Benefits and risks of fissure sealants
Sealants are a simple and effective means to reduce tooth decay. They provide extra protection from decay, even to those who drink fluroridated water and brush with fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride in water and toothpaste doesn’t easily reach into deep grooves or pits. Even the bristles of a toothbrush might not reach that far.
Complications are rare but may include an allergic reaction to the sealant, or a change in your bite if the sealant layer is thick.