What are Fissure Sealants?
Pits in the molars of children are where tooth decay occurs. Fissure sealing is a procedure during which the narrow grooves (fissures) on the chewing surfaces of molar teeth are filled with a fluid to make cleaning easier.
To which Teeth are Fissure Sealants Applied?
Fissure sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent molars. They may also be applied to deciduous teeth if the child is at high risk of tooth decay. The optimum time for Fissure Sealant treatment is in the first months of the eruption of these teeth.
Is it a Painful Procedure?
The Fissure Sealant procedure is painless and very easy.
Is a Check-up Visit Required after the Procedure?
Fissure sealants may wear over time, but studies have shown that 85–90% of fissure sealants remain on the teeth for years. If any loss of Fissure Sealant is noticed, and it is applied again within six months, it will continue to protect against decay.
Despite all these benefits, protecting teeth against decays is almost impossible unless the child maintains oral hygiene and is brought for routine dental check-up visits.