Fissure sealants or dental sealants are used to protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth. If you take a look at these surfaces you’ll see they have quite intricate grooves and fissures that help grind up food. These grooves and fissures can be deep and tricky to keep clean, trapping food and bacteria. This increases the risk of tooth decay and is the reason why we suggest using fissure sealants. Sealants seal over the grooves to stop food or bacteria from penetrating thereby reducing the risk of decay.
What Are Fissure Sealants?
Fissure sealants consist of a thin layer of flowable plastic that is painted onto the clean chewing surfaces, completely sealing all the deep grooves in the teeth and creating a smooth and easy-to-clean surface. We use a hardwearing sealant that is similar to composite resin filling material. The sealant is virtually invisible and can quickly be applied during one easy visit to Redcliffe Dental.
When Is the Best Time to Have Fissure Sealants?
We recommend applying fissure sealants soon after the adult teeth have erupted and before any cavities can form. This is because fissure sealants are only suitable for healthy teeth and cannot be used on teeth that already have cavities or fillings.
How Long Will Fissure Sealants Last?
Every mouth is different but with good care fissure sealants can last for many years and well into adulthood for kids. If necessary and the situation is suitable, they can be reapplied.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are fissure sealants for kids?
Fissure sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the deep grooves of a child’s molars. They help prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped and causing tooth decay.
When are fissure sealants recommended?
Sealants are typically recommended when adult molars erupt—around age 6 or 12—but they may also be applied to baby teeth with deep pits or grooves that are hard to clean.
How long do fissure sealants last in children?
Fissure sealants can last several years. The dentist will review them at each check‑up and top them up or replace them if needed to ensure effective protection.
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