FISSURE SEALANTS

‘an effective and painless way to prevent tooth decay in your child’

WHAT IS TOOTH DECAY?

Tooth decay, or dental caries, is a common dental problem in children. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth act on sweet foods to produce acid. The acid then destroys the teeth and causes a hole or cavity to form on the teeth.

As much as 80% of all dental caries in schoolchildren occurs in 
pits and fissures

Toothbrushes do not always reach the deeper pits leaving these areas once again exposed to harmful bacteria and their resulting acids.  This is where tooth sealants can help.

HOW DOES A FISSURE SEALANT PREVENT TOOTH DECAY?

The surfaces of the back teeth, especially the molars, have many ‘slope’ and ‘pits’. These uneven surfaces trap bacteria and food particles easily. It is also very difficult to clean these areas with a toothbrush. Therefore, tooth decay can easily develop on these teeth.

 

A fissure sealant covers the uneven surfaces and prevents bacteria and food particles from being trapped on the tooth. This helps to prevent tooth decay.

WHAT IS FISSURE SEALANT?

A fissure sealant is a protective coating of plastic applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth.

HOW IS A FISSURE SEALANT DONE?

 

1.      Tooth surface is cleaned before fissure sealant is applied.
2.      A mild acid solution (blue gel) to 'etch' the surface and make it easier for the pit and fissure sealant to

      stick.
3.      The sealant is applied to a dry tooth.
4.      A beam of special light is used to set the sealant.
5.      Tooth surface sealed with fissure sealant (tooth–colored).

FISSURE SEALANT

-A PAINLESS PROCEDURE

It is almost painless to have a fissure sealant placed on the teeth as no tooth structure is removed.  No local anesthetic is needed.  In fact, fissure sealants can be a good introduction for children who might be afraid of dental treatment.

WHEN SHOULD A FISSURE SEALANT BE PLACED?

Fissure sealants can be placed on the teeth once they have erupted. This is around 6 years old for the first permanent molars and 12 years old for the second permanent molars.

• A newly erupted tooth is not yet fully calcified (hardened) and is susceptible to decay.
• The sooner it can be protected by a fissure sealant, the better.

ARE REGULAR DENTAL CHECK UPS STILL NEEDED AFTER A FISSURE SEALANT HAS BEEN PLACED?

Fissure sealants are only effective in preventing tooth decay when they are in place. Regular dental check -ups are important to ensure that the fissure sealants are in place and to replace partially or fully lost fissure sealants.