Fissure Sealants
What is a Fissure Sealant?
Fissure sealant is a plastic coating which is applied to the chewing surface of adult molar teeth to prevent cavities from forming on the chewing surface. Once applied the coating is permanent, and will stay on your teeth for a number of years.
Why do I need fissure sealants?
Your back teeth are known as premolars and molars and have pits and grooves on the biting surface, some of which can be deep and difficult to keep clean with brushing. Food particles can become trapped and this creates a perfect breeding ground for plaque bacteria which if left, will generate cavities. Fissure sealants work by filling the deep pits and grooves making it easier to clean your teeth and thus helping to prevent cavities from forming.
Who needs Fissure Sealant?
Since Fissure Sealant is a preventive method used by dentists or hygienists to prevent dental decay, it is recommended to be placed in teeth with deep pit and fissures which are prone to decay.
If your teeth have deep and sound pit and fissures, you should discuss with your dentist whether you need to have Fissure Sealant on them in order to prevent decay.