How do fissure sealants work?

Fissure sealants can help to prevent cavities in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

Although practicing proper oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, is helpful when it comes to keeping tooth decay at bay, there are some other ways in which issues like cavities can be prevented.

One of the most effective ways of preventing cavities, particularly in children, is to have fissure sealants applied.

The treatment is completely painless and relatively quick to perform.

What are fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are a thin coating of composite resin that is painted onto the chewing surface of the teeth to protect against cavities and other damage.

Fissure sealants act as a barrier between the teeth and the bacteria that can cause tooth decay and cavities.

The sealants applied to areas of the mouth that are hard to reach with a toothbrush, such as the pits and grooves of the molar teeth.

Once fissure sealants have been applied, food and bacteria are unable to get into the grooves of the teeth, and the risk of tooth decay and cavities forming is reduced.

How is fissure sealant treatment done?

Before fissure sealants are applied to the teeth, your dentist will professionally clean the teeth and remove any plaque or bacteria on each tooth.

Once the teeth have been cleaned and dried, they have to be prepared to ensure that the sealant will bond correctly. The liquid sealant resin is painted onto the teeth so that it can enter the deep grooves of each tooth. The resin is a strong material and will last for many years.

After the resin has been applied to the teeth, a special blue light is used to set the sealants in place.

Finally the dentist will check your bite pattern and polish off any excess sealant if necessary.

Every time your child visits the dentist, the fissure sealants will be checked to ensure they have not worn down.

Why should you consider fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are particularly well suited to individuals who have large grooves or pits in the teeth — your dentist will be able to advise you as to whether the treatment is right for your child.

Fissure sealants are very helpful in reducing the risk of tooth decay, and along with practicing proper oral hygiene and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups. Overall fissure sealants are an effective means of maintaining optimal oral health.

In fact, once your fissure sealants have been placed, you may find it easier to clean your teeth properly as your toothbrush will be able to reach all the surfaces of your teeth.

How can we help?

At Kitchener Street Dental, we offer fissure sealants that are made from a durable resin material which are designed to last for many years. However, we do recommend that you have them checked on a regular basis. Fissure sealants can be reapplied if they have worn down over time.

To find out more about our general dentistry, please have a look here. If you would like to make an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.