Dental decay is one of the most common oral health problems people face today. It is caused by bacteria that thrive on the sugars and starches in your diet. As these bacteria feed, they produce acid that attacks the enamel and dentin of your teeth, causing cavities. To prevent this from happening, many people turn to fissure sealants. Fissure sealants are a type of dental treatment that helps prevent cavities by sealing the deep grooves and pits in your teeth.
What are Fissure Sealants?
Fissure sealants are a protective coating applied to molars and premolar chewing surfaces to prevent tooth decay. They are made of a plastic material applied to the grooves and pits of the teeth, sealing them off from plaque and bacteria that can cause decay. Fissure sealants are usually recommended for children and young adults, as the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars can be difficult to clean and are more susceptible to decay.
The fissure sealants are long-lasting and provide an affordable and effective way to protect teeth from decay. Fissure sealants play a critical role in maintaining good oral health and can help prevent the need for more invasive and costly dental treatments in the future.
Why are Fissure Sealants Necessary?
Fissure sealants are a protective dental treatment that aims to protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth from decay. These teeth have deep grooves that can be difficult to clean properly, making them vulnerable to cavities. Fissure sealants fill these grooves, creating a smooth surface that is quick, easy to clean, and less prone to decay.
Fissure sealants are especially important for children and teenagers, who are more likely to develop cavities in their molars due to their diet and oral hygiene habits. Dentists recommend fissure sealants for children as soon as their permanent molars come in, usually between 6 and 14.
Fissure sealants are also beneficial for adults with a higher risk of decay, such as those with a history of cavities or gum disease. They can also be useful for individuals who have difficulty cleaning their back teeth due to physical limitations or mobility issues.
How are Fissure Sealants Applied?
Fissure sealants are a preventive dental procedure that helps to protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth from decay. The process of applying fissure sealants involves the following steps:
- Cleaning the teeth: The dentist will clean the teeth thoroughly to remove any debris or plaque that might interfere with the adhesion of the sealant.
- Isolation of the tooth: The dentist will isolate the tooth to be treated with a rubber dam to keep it dry and free of saliva.
- Etching the tooth surface: The dentist will then use an etching solution to roughen the tooth surface, which will help the sealant adhere better.
- Applying the sealant: The dentist will then apply a thin layer of the sealant material to the tooth’s etched surface. The sealant will then be cured using a special light.
- Finishing the process: After the sealant is cured, the dentist will check the bite to make sure it is comfortable and polish the sealant’s surface to ensure a smooth finish.
The entire process of applying fissure sealants is quick, painless and non-invasive. The sealants will last several years and must be checked and replaced if necessary. It is important to keep the teeth clean and to attend regular check-ups with the dentist to maintain the longevity of the sealants.
How Do Fissure Sealants Prevent Decay?
Fissure sealants are a preventive dental treatment used to protect the chewing surfaces of molars from tooth decay. They are a thin plastic material applied to the deep grooves and fissures of molars to prevent bacteria and food particles from entering and causing decay.
The deep grooves on the biting portion of molars can be difficult to clean, making them susceptible to decay. Bacteria and food particles can accumulate in these grooves, forming plaque and cavities. Fissure sealants create a smooth, sealed surface over the grooves, making it difficult for bacteria and food particles to penetrate and cause decay.
Benefits of Fissure Sealants
There are several benefits to using fissure sealants, including:
1. Prevention of Decay
The primary benefit of fissure sealants is their ability to prevent decay. By sealing the deep grooves and pits in your teeth, fissure sealants help to prevent food, plaque, and bacteria from settling in and causing cavities. This process can help to protect your teeth from painful and costly dental problems.
2. Cost-Effective
Fissure sealants are a cost-effective way to prevent decay. Fissure sealants are much less expensive compared to the cost of a filling or crown. This feature makes them a great option for people who want to safeguard their teeth from decay without breaking the bank.
3. Painless
Fissure sealants are painless to apply. The process is quick and straightforward, and the material used is painless. This characteristic makes fissure sealants a great option for people who are nervous about dental treatments.
4. Long-Lasting
Fissure sealants can last for several years, which means you can enjoy the benefits of this treatment for a long time. During your regular dental check-ups, your dentist will assess the condition of your fissure sealants and replace them if necessary.
5. Easy to Maintain
Fissure sealants are easy to maintain. You must continue practising good oral hygiene for good dental health, such as brushing and flossing, which can help keep your teeth healthy.
Conclusion→
Fissure sealants are an effective way to prevent painful and costly dental decay. Creating a barrier between the tooth and harmful substances can help protect your teeth and maintain good oral health. If you’re concerned about the risk of dental decay, speak to our dentists at Your Healthy Smile about the benefits of fissure sealants and whether they’re right for you. Regular dental visits, good oral hygiene practices, and fissure sealants can all play a role in preventing painful and costly dental decay. You can book an appointment through the official Your Healthy Smile website or call us at (02) 9670 6991 to learn about fissure sealants procedures.