The chewing surfaces of back teeth are particularly prone to developing cavities. This is because they contain lots of deep fissures and grooves that can easily trap plaque and food, and toothbrush bristles cannot easily clean these areas. Fissure sealants consist of a very thin plastic coating that seals the chewing surfaces, creating a smooth surface that is easy to keep clean.
Fissure sealants can only be used on teeth that do not have any signs of decay or which don’t have any cavities that have already been filled. If you have young children, your dentist is likely to suggest fissure sealants are applied as soon as the back teeth come through, although treatment can be useful at any age. The procedure is very quick and can be completed during one visit to Enfield Dental Practice.
What Is the Procedure for Applying Fissure Sealants?
Your dentist will thoroughly clean the teeth to be sealed before applying a solution that will gently etch the tooth surfaces as this helps to create a better bond between the tooth and the sealant. Next, the solution is washed off and the tooth is dried before the fissure sealant is painted onto the tooth. It can be left to harden naturally or we may use a special light to help it set more quickly. The sealant doesn’t interfere with the biting or chewing. Sealants should last several years before they need to be renewed.