Fissure sealing

Fissure sealing is a common procedure in paediatric dentistry aimed at protecting teeth against decay. This preventive procedure is quick and pain-free, and requires no drilling, which is great news for both the young patient and the parents.

Fissures are grooves that separate the bumps on the tooth crown.
The shape and size of fissures are different from person to person, and affect the risk of tooth decay.

Deep and narrow fissures trap food, creating a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria, as well as favourable conditions for tooth decay.

If coupled with poor oral hygiene, it’s just a matter of time before a cavity forms.

• The purpose of fissure sealing is to cover them to stop food from getting in, and facilitate cleaning.
• The procedure is performed by a dentist.
• It is a quick a pain-free procedure that does not require the use of anaesthesia.
• It includes cleaning the surface of the tooth, removing food debris, and preparing the tooth for sealing.
• Cleaning is performed using a rotating brush and a professional cleaning paste.
• Once the paste residue is rinsed, the tooth is dried and isolated with a cotton roll and saliva ejector.
• The isolated tooth is covered by an etching liquid or gel, rinsed, dried, after which the sealant is applied and a curing lamp is used to transform the liquid into a solid sealant.
• This marks the final step of the procedure.
• It is necessary to isolate the tooth from saliva, because saliva contamination may cause sealant failure.

During the procedure, it is important to keep track of the amount of used material to avoid interferences in occlusion and articulation, as well as mechanical stress and contraction of the material.

The sealant colour matches the colour of the tooth, giving it a natural appearance. Fissure sealants last between 3 to 5 years, and often longer than that.Studies show that a well-placed and regularly checked sealant will provide long-lasting protection from decay. It will protect the fissure system for as long as it remains intact and bonded in place. If the sealant wears off or gets detached, the tooth will need to be resealed.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding biting into hard foods will increase the longevity of the sealant. Fissure sealing is just one of the many prevention measures to take for ensuring healthy teeth in adulthood.

Regular visits to the dentist, good oral hygiene, and a healthy and proper diet remain essential for maintaining your child's oral health.