Are you looking for a way to protect your teeth and prevent cavities? We specialise in applying fissure sealants to help patients of all ages avoid the formation of cavities and tooth decay. Keep reading to find out more about this dental service, and whether it’s right for you.

What are fissure sealants and what are they used for?

This is a dental treatment used to protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars) from cavities and tooth decay.

The chewing surfaces of your teeth have deep grooves and pits called fissures. These fissures can trap food particles and bacteria, making them vulnerable areas for cavities to form. Fissure sealants are a plastic resin material that is applied to the chewing surfaces, filling in these fissures and creating a smooth, protective barrier.

The main purposes and benefits of fissure sealants are:

  • Cavity prevention: Dental sealants block out food and bacteria from getting trapped in the tooth fissures, significantly reducing the risk of cavities forming in these areas.
  • Protection for children/teens: The chewing surfaces of newly erupted permanent molars and premolars are most susceptible to cavities, so sealants are very beneficial for children and teenagers.
  • Cost-effective: Applying sealants is much less expensive than treating cavities that have already formed and require fillings or other restorations.
  • Long-lasting: With proper care, sealants can last for many years before they may need to be reapplied.

How are these applied?

Fissure sealants are applied through a fairly simple dental procedure. Here are the typical steps for applying:

  1. The teeth that will be sealed are thoroughly cleaned to remove any plaque, food debris or discoloration from the fissures and pits.
  2. The chewing surfaces of the teeth are slightly roughened or etched using an acidic gel. This helps the sealant material adhere properly to the tooth.
  3. The etching gel is rinsed off and the teeth are completely dried with air to prepare for sealant application.
  4. The liquid sealant resin is carefully painted onto the fissures and pits of the teeth using a small brush or tip.
  5. Once the sealant is in place, it is hardened and bonded to the tooth using a special curing light that activates the chemicals in the sealant material.
  6. After curing, the dentist evaluates that the sealant has formed a protective seal over the grooves without any gaps or air bubbles.

The whole process is quick, easy and completely painless since it doesn’t involve any drilling or removal of tooth structure.

Are there any restrictions after getting fissure sealants?

There are typically no restrictions after getting sealants. Patients can resume their normal activities and diet immediately after the procedure.

Where can I go if I need fissure sealants?

If you’re looking for a Melbourne dentist because you require fissure sealants, contact us and we will provide you with a modern, caring approach to your dental health.

Our Dental Practice specialises in various dental disciplines such as:

We offer high-quality dental services at our clinic to patients from Greenvale and surrounding suburbs like Craigieburn, Tullamarine, Pascoe Vale, Airport West, Melbourne Airport, Mickleham, Oaklands Junction, Attwood, Roxburgh Park, Meadow Heights, Westmeadows, Campbellfield and Donnybrook.