Why Have Fissure Sealants?
Fissures sealants are a very effective and non-invasive way to prevent cavities in the flat, chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These surfaces are especially prone to developing decay due to the deep fissures and grooves that can easily trap food and bacteria. Sealing these surfaces with fissures sealants creates a smooth, hard-wearing surface that is very easy to keep clean, preventing cavities.
What are Fissure Sealants?
Fissure sealants are made from a special type of resin, similar to composite resin used to restore cavities in teeth, but in a more liquid form that will flow into all the fissures and grooves in these tooth surfaces.
The sealants are painted onto tooth surfaces that have been specially prepared by lightly etching them. This creates a slightly rougher surface that helps the sealant ‘key’ onto the tooth surface more easily. The sealant does harden very quickly, but we may accelerate this process with a special light. Afterwards you will be able to eat and drink normally and your teeth should not feel any different. The sealant is virtually invisible and will not interfere with your bite or occlusion.
We can only use fissure sealants on healthy teeth that do not have any cavities which is why this treatment is frequently suggested for children whose adult teeth have recently erupted.
