Fissure Sealants
When children brush their teeth on their own, it’s very common that we see teeth in the mouth that are regularly missed. Over time, if not treated accordingly, plaque build-up can lead to unwanted tooth decay and cavities in the grooves or crevices of the tooth.
A fissure sealant is a dental sealant that is put into the crevices of a tooth to prevent bacteria and plaque from building up and causing cavities. Fissure sealants are most commonly used on molars, as these teeth have many deep crevices that can be difficult to clean.
Does my child need fissure sealants?
Fissure sealants are most commonly recommended in children to help protect their teeth from cavities while they are still developing adequate brushing and flossing skills. The sealant is simply coated on the tooth’s surface or the crown of the tooth and will begin to harden, ultimately, forming a barrier against plaque and bacteria build-up.
Do I need fissure sealants as an adult?
Adults can benefit from fissure sealants to protect their teeth from cavities. If you have deep grooves or crevices in your teeth, or if you are at high risk of developing cavities, you may want to consider getting fissure sealants.
Are fissure sealants necessary?
If you choose not to get fissure sealants, plaque and bacteria will build up over time and can cause tooth decay and cavities. If not treated adequately and soon enough, this can lead to further more severe dental issues down the track.
Thus, fissure sealants are necessary if you want to protect your teeth from these problems. Your dentist will discuss the treatment with you during your professional check-up and clean appointment.
Fissure Sealants Macquarie
If you are unsure whether you need fissure sealants, book your appointment today. They will be able to examine your teeth and assess whether the sealant solution is right for you.
To apply fissure sealants, your dentist will first clean the tooth surface and dry it thoroughly. Then, they will apply a thin coat of sealant material to the chewing surface of the tooth. The sealant material will harden quickly, so there is no need for a temporary restoration.
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people find that they can eat shortly after their fissure sealants are applied, while others find that they need to wait a little longer before they can enjoy a meal.
Generally speaking, it is best to wait until the sealant has had a chance to set and harden, which usually takes around 24 hours.
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to one of our dentists.
Fissure sealants usually last for up to three years. However, the lifespan of a fissure sealant may vary depending on various factors such as how well it has been applied, oral hygiene and diet.
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to one of our dentists.
General dentistry involves diagnostic and preventative services for your teeth and overall oral health. Our philosophy is that prevention is better than a cure.
Our aim is to provide our patients with the best cosmetic dental results possible. We utilise the latest modern technological advances in dentistry to ensure that our patients receive unparalleled care.
The Macquarie Dental team ensures patients with existing or arising dental issues are given a thorough treatment plan to achieve the best possible results for their long term oral health.
The Macquarie Dental team takes an educational approach when catering to children, to ensure the whole family feels fully informed about any dental issues that we’ve expressed concern about.