Dental Fissure Sealants

All molars and premolars have fissures to some degree. If fissures are very deep and narrow, toothbrush bristles cannot fit or reach inside to clean the teeth and remove food particles. Trapped food attracts bacteria, which multiply within the fi ssures and make a sticky coating called plaque. Plaque acids eat into the tooth enamel and cause decay.

A fissure is fi ve times more likely to develop decay than other tooth surfaces. In children and adolescents, the chewing and biting surfaces of molars and premolars are most vulnerable.

Fissure sealants are plastic coatings that fi ll the fissures and protect teeth from dental plaque and acids.

Many studies have shown that fissure sealants are effective in reducing the occurrence of tooth decay. On a tooth surface with completely sealed fissures, protection is 100%. As the fi ssure sealant wears down, protection is reduced. However even after fi ve years the risk of decay is half that of an unprotected tooth.

Treatment is painless and non-invasive, with a coat of the sealant applied to a cleaned tooth. The liquid sets in minutes and forms a physical barrier that stops food, bacteria and plaque acids from contacting the tooth surface. Fissure sealants may be white, clear or tinted.

The application of a fi ssure seal is a simple process that can be performed by your dentist, therapist or hygienist. The general procedure involves cleaning and drying the tooth thoroughly (saliva and food debris can prevent the sealant from bonding properly) and in some cases some shallow drilling.

The tooth is then treated with a weak acid gel or chemical solution to ensure the bonding of the sealant. The liquid sealant is then applied (sometimes an additional resin is necessary underneath) and set with a curing light.

The sealant is quickly set to form a durable plastic coating, some sealants have fluoride release to further strengthen teeth. The bite will be checked to ensure it is correct and comfortable. The bite should not feel any different.

Whilst an intact fissure sealant offers excellent protection, your dentist can not guarantee that the treatment will prevent decay on the other tooth surfaces.

Maintenance of a fissure seal: A regular checkup as recommended every 6-12 months. This allows the early detection of sealant loss or tooth decay. A sealant can be easily replaced if partially lost due to wear and tear.

Reduce the factors that increase the risk of tooth decay such as:

1. Frequent sugar intake – decay causing bacteria thrive on sugar. However, it is not the quantity of sugar you consume but the frequency. Constant snacking throughout the day will prolong the presence of acid
2. poor dental hygiene – not brushing with fluoride toothpaste correctly or often enough results in a plaque build-up. A lack of flossing increases the risk of decay starting between teeth
3. Low dietary fluoride intake – fluoride is essential in early childhood and throughout life for the development and maintenance of strong teeth
4. Damaged teeth – cracks or chips allow bacteria easy access to your tooth, so protect your teeth from damage by wearing a mouthguard during sports or a splint for grinding at night during sleep

Enjoy your smile