Despite our best oral hygiene efforts it can be difficult to eliminate bacteria from all tooth surfaces. Left uninterrupted, the bacteria in plaque can live in the pit and fissures of our teeth, producing acids which cause tooth decay.
A fissure sealant is a tooth-coloured plastic film professionally applied to these deep grooves (fissures) to assist in preventing the buildup of plaque acids on the enamel surface of teeth.
A good time to apply sealants is soon after permanent teeth are fully erupted.
How a Fissure Sealant is placed:
- The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried before applying the sealant.
- The liquid sealant is placed onto the surface of the tooth and flows into the pits and fissures. The liquid is then set with a curing light.The pits and fissures are now sealed and the tooth surface is smooth and easy to keep clean.
Sealants will be checked during your child’s regular dental visit. Monitoring of oral hygiene routines and diet still continue to be the major influencing factors contributing to preventing dental decay.