Fissure Sealants
Left: molar with discoloured central fissure. The slightly dark shadows around the fissure suggest caries is beginning to penetrate into the enamel.
Right: molar with fissure sealed. the black discolouration is gone and the fissure is filled with a white material
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What are fissures?
Fissures (or grooves and pits) are present in all our molar and premolar teeth and very often in our front teeth also. Why are fissures a problem? If they are deep and narrow, these fissures can trap a small amount of bacteria and gradually caries (tooth decay) can set in. Read more: Root canal treatment Discoloured teeth |
What is a fissure sealant?
A fissure sealant is a very thin layer of material that is placed in the groove.
The process of placing a fissure sealant is very much like doing a small restoration (filling). The fissure has to be cleaned, an adhesive applied and the material placed in the fissure. Most modern materials are set by blue light.
How does a fissure sealant help?
By occupying the fissure "sealing" it, the sealant prevents bacteria and sugar from settling back into the fissure. So long as the sealant remains intact and properly bonded to the tooth structure, the seal will remain intact.
How long do fissure sealants last?
As with all dental materials, fissure sealants do wear out with time and usage. Being a very thin material in the first place means that the sealant and the bonding can become worn out after a while. In general, however, sealants can be expected to last 3-5 years without too much difficulty.
Advantages of Fissure Sealants
A problem that is prevented from occurring in the first place is difficult to quantify, but there is clear statistical evidence that fissure sealants reduce the incidence of dental caries.
Where I would recommend fissure sealants
In situations where fissures are have become discoloured and there is significant risk of caries progressing and penetrating in to the enamel and dentine.
I usually do NOT advise that fissure sealants be placed on every single tooth, though this is quite an acceptable practice among dentists.
It is also important to note that placing a fissure sealant is not a one-time thing which will prevent any problem from ever occurring. Fissure sealants need to be monitored regularly, and this is usually done at regular semi-annual dental check ups.
A fissure sealant is a very thin layer of material that is placed in the groove.
The process of placing a fissure sealant is very much like doing a small restoration (filling). The fissure has to be cleaned, an adhesive applied and the material placed in the fissure. Most modern materials are set by blue light.
How does a fissure sealant help?
By occupying the fissure "sealing" it, the sealant prevents bacteria and sugar from settling back into the fissure. So long as the sealant remains intact and properly bonded to the tooth structure, the seal will remain intact.
How long do fissure sealants last?
As with all dental materials, fissure sealants do wear out with time and usage. Being a very thin material in the first place means that the sealant and the bonding can become worn out after a while. In general, however, sealants can be expected to last 3-5 years without too much difficulty.
Advantages of Fissure Sealants
A problem that is prevented from occurring in the first place is difficult to quantify, but there is clear statistical evidence that fissure sealants reduce the incidence of dental caries.
Where I would recommend fissure sealants
In situations where fissures are have become discoloured and there is significant risk of caries progressing and penetrating in to the enamel and dentine.
I usually do NOT advise that fissure sealants be placed on every single tooth, though this is quite an acceptable practice among dentists.
It is also important to note that placing a fissure sealant is not a one-time thing which will prevent any problem from ever occurring. Fissure sealants need to be monitored regularly, and this is usually done at regular semi-annual dental check ups.