Fissure Sealants
As part of our preventive approach, we offer fissure sealants, a protective treatment for children’s teeth.
Protect Your Child’s Teeth from Cavities with Fissure Sealants
Looking for a way to protect your child’s newly erupted teeth from decay? Fissure sealants are a simple treatment which involves covering the teeth chewing surfaces with a protective barrier. This procedure is not automatically required but where warranted is of great value in helping prevent tooth decay, making the teeth pits and grooves easier to clean.
At Heathcote Dental Surgery, we believe prevention is the first step towards maintaining healthy teeth for life. Instilling good oral hygiene habits with proper instruction and preventive treatments makes whole mouth cleaning easy for children, helping form a strong foundation for optimal oral health. When you bring your child to our gentle dentists for a visit, be it for a dental checkup or a procedure, we aim to provide a positive experience with a warm and friendly environment and treatments tailored to their developing needs.
What are Fissure Sealants?
Fissure sealants are a coating made of clear or tooth coloured material. They are applied to the grooves and fissures of the molars and premolars. The sealant fills these surfaces, acting as a shield to protect the teeth and making them flatter for easier brushing.
Fissure sealants are commonly used for children over six years or more, typically 18 months after the eruption of permanent teeth. Our dentist may advise fissure sealants in cases where children have larger grooves or are already showing signs of dental caries. These grooves can trap food particles and bacteria, making it difficult for children to clean these areas effectively, even with regular brushing and flossing.
What Happens During a Fissure Sealant Procedure?
One of the main benefits of fissure sealants is that they are non-invasive, and no anaesthesia is needed for the procedure. Children can undergo the treatment comfortably without experiencing any pain or discomfort.
Here’s what you can expect during a fissure sealant treatment:
- Our gentle dentist begins with a thorough examination of the child’s teeth to identify any developing problems and the teeth with deep fissures. The teeth will then be cleaned and dried to prepare them for sealant application.
- The tooth surface is prepared for the fissure sealant by applying a mild acidic solution or gel on the chewing surfaces of the targeted teeth. This etching process creates a slightly rough texture, enabling the fissure sealant to adhere securely to the enamel.
- Our dentist will then apply the liquid fissure sealant onto the prepared tooth surface. This sealant is a flowable resin material that flows into the deep grooves to create a physical barrier.
- A curing light is used to set and harden the liquid sealant. The light activates specific compounds within the sealant material, causing it to solidify and bond firmly with the tooth enamel. This process is quick and typically takes only a few seconds. Some fissure sealant materials do not require a curing light for setting. These materials can chemically bond and harden without the need for the curing process.
- After the sealant is set, the dentist will check your child’s bite to ensure that the sealant does not interfere with the bite alignment. Any excess sealant is carefully removed and smoothed for a comfortable bite and a natural chewing surface.
While fissure sealants are durable and long-lasting, they are not permanent. Over time, fissure sealants can wear down or chip, and the protective layer they create on the tooth’s chewing surface may become less effective. Regular dental checkups and consistent oral hygiene habits are vital to ensure the health of your kid’s teeth. Fissure sealants are just an additional form of protection against cavities for younger children.
Keep your Child’s Smile Healthy and Happy with Preventive Dentistry
At Heathcote Dental Surgery, we’re dedicated to keeping you and your family’s smile healthy for life. From preventive dental treatments such as dental cleaning and fissure sealants to general dental treatments like dental fillings, we’re here to help your child maintain their teeth and gums and achieve optimal oral health.
