What is Fissure Sealant and How is it Applied?
Oral and dental health is a cornerstone not only of an aesthetically pleasing smile but also of our overall health. The key to healthy teeth is, of course, regular brushing and proper oral hygiene. However, it’s not always as easy as we think. Tooth decay, which occurs especially during childhood and adolescence, cannot be prevented by brushing alone, regardless of how careful you are. The main reason for this is the small grooves and indentations found on the chewing surfaces of our teeth.
These grooves and indentations are called “fissures.” While they help us grind food, they also serve as hiding places for bacteria and food debris. Toothbrush bristles often can’t fully reach these narrow spaces, creating a favorable environment for cavities to develop. This is precisely where one of the preventative solutions of modern dentistry comes into play: fissure sealants.
It’s a simple yet highly effective method, particularly applied to children and teenagers after permanent teeth erupt, and significantly prevents the formation of cavities. Furthermore, this painless and quick procedure helps preserve healthy teeth for many years.
What is Fissure Sealant?
Fissure Sealant is the process of coating the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth with a special, clear or white protective material. The primary purpose of this treatment is to protect the areas of the teeth most prone to decay. These small indentations and protrusions, particularly on the chewing surfaces of the molars, make it easy for food particles and bacteria to accumulate. No matter how carefully you brush, your toothbrush may not always be able to fully reach these narrow areas. This is where this treatment comes into play, acting as an invisible shield.
In short, fissure sealants consist of a thin layer applied to the tooth. They don’t fill, cut, or alter its shape. They simply preserve the existing structure. In other words, they smooth the chewing surfaces of your teeth, largely preventing food or bacteria from adhering to these areas. When applied as soon as permanent teeth emerge, they significantly reduce the risk of cavities, especially in children and adolescents.
What is the Purpose of Fissure Sealants?
The most important purpose is to protect teeth against decay. Newly emerging permanent molars, especially in children and teenagers, are one of the areas most prone to decay. This is because the chewing surfaces of these teeth have deep, narrow grooves. No matter how careful you are, children’s tooth brushing habits often fail to adequately clean these areas. This allows bacteria to easily settle, food debris to remain there for extended periods, and cavities to begin to appear.
- The chewing surfaces of the teeth are coated with a thin layer, making them smooth. This:
- It prevents food debris and bacteria from adhering to these deep grooves.
- The risk of cavities is significantly reduced.
- Teeth remain healthy and strong for a long time.
- Children can benefit from a simple and painless method of protection without the need for dental treatment.
In fact, you can view fissure sealants as a small but significant investment in your child’s teeth. This preventative treatment at a young age can help prevent the pain, treatment processes, and costs associated with cavities in later years. Furthermore, the fact that the procedure is painless, quick, and easy makes it easy for children to accept this treatment.
Which Teeth Can Fissure Sealants Be Applied to?
Fissure sealants are generally applied to the areas of the chewing surfaces of teeth where the grooves are most dense, namely the permanent molars. These teeth are both the teeth most used during chewing and the most prone to decay due to the deep indentations on their surfaces.
Fissure sealants are particularly beneficial in children:
- When the first molars, also known as the 6-year-old teeth, begin to erupt,
- When the second molars, also known as the 12-year-old teeth, enter the mouth,
Fissure sealants can be applied to premolars and even deciduous molars if necessary.
Fissure sealants aren’t just for children. They also offer a protective solution for adults who are at high risk of cavities or whose teeth have deep grooves and pits. In short, anyone with teeth prone to decay, whether child or adult, can benefit from fissure sealants.
How is Fissure Sealant Applied?
Fissure sealant application is one of the easiest and most painless procedures in dentistry. In fact, it often doesn’t even require anesthesia. It’s a quick, preventative procedure that even children can tolerate. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Teeth Cleaned
First, the tooth surface to be treated is thoroughly cleaned using special brushes and cleaning pastes. This ensures that any remaining plaque or food particles are completely removed.
Teeth Dryed
After the cleaning is complete, the tooth is dried. This step is crucial because the surface of the tooth must be dry for the fissure sealant to adhere properly to the tooth.
Etching Stage
A special acid gel is applied to the tooth surface for a very short time. This gel creates microscopic roughness on the tooth surface, allowing the fissure sealant to adhere more firmly.
Fissure Sealant Application
A thin layer of clear or white fissure sealant is applied to the prepared tooth surface. This material spreads into the grooves on the tooth, completely covering them.
Light Curing
The applied fissure sealant is hardened by a special light device for a few seconds. This creates a durable and protective layer on the tooth.
Checkup and Final Touches
In the final stage, the dentist ensures the tooth is not causing discomfort during chewing. Minor adjustments are made if necessary, and the procedure is completed.
All these steps take no more than 10–15 minutes on average. This makes it a very practical procedure for children and a reassurance for parents.
Advantages of Fissure Sealants
Painless: No pain is felt during application.
Fast: Completes in a few minutes.
Protective: Significantly reduces the risk of cavities.
Long-Lasting: Continues to protect teeth for years with regular checkups.
Non-Damaging: Applied without damaging tooth tissue.
How Long Does Fissure Sealant Last?
Fissure sealants can last a long time when applied correctly. However, they can wear or break over time. Therefore, regular dental checkups are important. The dentist will check the sealant’s integrity and may replace it if necessary.
