Prevent Tooth Decay with Fissure Sealants
Fissure sealants are a clear or tooth coloured coating applied to back teeth that can prevent up to 80% of cavities and tooth decay. Along with fluoride, sealants have been one of the biggest advancements in the fight against tooth decay.
Due to the highly uneven surface of molar teeth, and how back teeth form as we age from childhood to adult, the chewing surface of our back teeth is highly vulnerable to decay and cavities.
What Is a Dental or Fissure Sealant?
Due to the susceptibility of molars and premolars to tooth decay, and the difficulty cleaning these microscopic pits and fissures correctly, fissure sealants are one of the best preventative treatments available to stop tooth decay.
Applying the fissure sealant is a straightforward process. Your dentist will first clean your teeth, dry them, and treat them with an acidic solution that helps bond the fissure sealant to the tooth. Then your dentist will apply a thin coat of the sealant to teeth and use a high-intensity light to cure or harden the sealant.
As the sealant wears over time it needs to be checked at regular intervals and replaced every few years.
Are Fissure Sealants Safe?
Absolutely yes! Fissure sealants have been in use for over 30 years now and multiple studies have shown that they are both effective in the prevention of cavities, and extremely safe. If you have any doubts, check out this long-term study by the American Dental Association.
Fissure sealants are not a substitute for conscientious care and cleaning of your teeth but work in tandem with good oral care habits to help prevent tooth decay and fight cavities.
If you have any questions or want more information about fissure sealants, call one of our clinics today and book a consultation to discuss your options.