Everything You Need to Know About Dental Fissure Seals

Dental fissure seals are an essential part of dental care. They help prevent tooth decay and protect your teeth from cavities. But what are they, exactly? And what can you expect during the procedure? Here’s everything you need to know about fissure seals.

What Are Dental Fissure Seals?

Dental fissure seals, also known as sealants, are protective coatings applied to the grooves and pits of teeth, particularly molars, to prevent decay. They act as a barrier, keeping out food particles and bacteria that can lead to cavities. The application process is quick, painless, and involves cleaning the tooth, applying the sealant, and hardening it with a special light. Sealants are most effective for children and teenagers but can also benefit adults.

During a dental checkup and clean, your dentist might recommend sealants as an additional preventive measure. They significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay, making dental hygiene easier and more effective.

What Is The Benefit Of Dental Fissure Seals?

Dental fissure sealants provide a protective barrier over the grooves and pits of molars, significantly reducing the risk of tooth decay. They are especially beneficial for children, as these areas are prone to trapping food particles and bacteria, leading to cavities. The procedure is quick, painless, and helps make teeth easier to clean. Sealants can last several years with proper care, offering an effective and cost-efficient preventive measure against dental issues​.

Who should get fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are most effective in children and adolescents, as their teeth are more likely to have deep fissures. However, adults can also benefit from the treatment, especially if they have had previous cavities in their back teeth. If you are worried about tooth decay, talk to your dentist about whether fissure sealants suit you.

How are fissure seals done?

Your dentist or orthodontist typically does fissure seals. The sealant material is put into your teeth’ fissures (grooves) to help fill them in and prevent food, plaque and tartar from building up in them. Fissure seals are often done on the back teeth (molars), where the grooves are deeper and more likely to trap food and plaque. Sealing these back teeth can help prevent tooth decay. The sealant material is a plastic resin that bonds to the tooth enamel. It is clear or white, so it is not very noticeable. Fissure seals can last for several years before they need to be replaced.

What to expect after getting fissure sealants?

After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. However, this is usually temporary and will resolve within a few days. You should also avoid chewing hard foods for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Otherwise, there are no restrictions on what you can eat or drink—brushing and flossing regularly after dental fissure seals to keep your teeth healthy and prevent decay.

How long do fissure sealants last?

Dental fissure seals can last for many years, depending on how well they are taken care of. Generally, it is recommended that patients have their seals checked every six months to ensure that they are still in good condition. Over time, the sealant material can wear down, exposing the tooth to decay-causing bacteria. In addition, the sealant can also become stained or discoloured, making it less effective at protecting the tooth. To prolong the life of dental fissure seals, patients should avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can damage the sealant and brush and floss regularly to remove plaque buildup. With proper care, dental fissure seals can help protect teeth from decay for many years.

Dental fissure seals at Robelle Dental Centre Australia

Sealants are a great way to protect your teeth from cavities. If you have questions about dental fissure seals or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact the best dentists in Springfield. We would be happy to help you keep your smile healthy and cavity-free!