Benefits of Fissure Sealants
Fissure sealants are usually recommended for children after 6 years or after their permanent teeth erupt. If their teeth already show signs of dental caries, fissure sealants can help protect those teeth by removing the decay and preventing the spread to the surrounding teeth.
Some benefits of fissure sealants for children include:
- Fissure sealants create a protective barrier over the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, preventing food particles and bacteria from getting trapped in the deep pits and grooves and reducing the risk of tooth decay.
- The application of fissure sealants is non-invasive and painless, making it suitable for children who may be anxious about dental procedures. No drilling or anaesthesia is required, ensuring a comfortable experience for young patients.
- Sealants make it easier for children to brush their teeth as they smoothen the teeth surfaces, preventing plaque buildup and food particles from getting stuck in the teeth.
- Fissure sealants reduce the risk of cavities, preventing the need for more extensive and invasive dental treatments in the future.
- Fissure sealants can last for several years with proper care and maintenance. They provide durable protection against decay, especially during the cavity-prone years of childhood and adolescence.
Fissure Sealant Treatment in North Fremantle
Fissure sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which often feature deep pits and grooves prone to trapping food particles and bacteria, leading to decay. By creating a smooth barrier, fissure sealants facilitate easier cleaning and reduce the risk of cavities. While typically recommended for children and adolescents as their permanent molars emerge, adults with deep tooth grooves may also benefit from this treatment.
Here’s how the procedure works:
- Our dentists will examine your child’s teeth, determining the need for fissure sealants. Not everyone may need sealants, but they’re usually recommended for patients with deeper grooves and a higher susceptibility to tooth decay.
- The tooth enamel surface will be cleaned and dried to prepare for the sealant application. Any early signs of decay will also be addressed at this point.
- There’s no need for injection or anaesthesia as the cleaning is only done of the tooth enamel.
- A solution is applied to the tooth surfaces to create a slightly rough texture, allowing the sealant to adhere better to the tooth.
- A liquid fissure sealant solution made of tooth-coloured resin is applied to the grooves and pits of the teeth.
- It’s then hardened with a curing light, which usually takes only a few seconds. Once your sealant is set, you can leave with enhanced tooth protection and eat or drink as soon as you like.
Fissure sealants are a highly effective preventive treatment to protect against cavities. However, they are not permanent. They can crack, chip or wear down. In such cases, reapplication may be required to reinforce the protection. Regular dental checkups, a healthy diet low in sugars and processed foods and good oral hygiene practices are essential in preventing tooth decay. We also offer fluoride treatments to strengthen the tooth and lower the risk of tooth decay. As part of our personalised hygiene plans and preventive treatments, our dentist can assess your child’s teeth and recommend tailored treatments to ensure optimal oral development and healthy teeth and gums.
Keeping Little Smiles Bright and Healthy
At Superior Smiles, we aim to make dental care easy for you and your family. With a holistic approach, we focus on the link between oral and overall health, identifying potential problems early to provide targeted treatments that help protect your child’s natural teeth and promote healthy growth, nurturing their smiles with gentle and preventive dental care.