Fissure Sealants

Fissure sealants are the best way to keep the teeth free of plaque. Please see the article below for more information.

Ask our dentists whether sealants can put extra power behind your prevention program

What are Pits and Fissures? What is Fissure Sealant?

Fissure Sealant Sealant is a simple and highly effective method to prevent pit and fissure decay.

A pit is a small pointed depression in dental enamel while a fissure is a developmental line fault related to genetic factors, which is usually found in the chewing surface or cheek side of a tooth. These pit and fissures can be deep or shallow. For example: Chewing surfaces of permanent molars usually have more fissures and deeper pits.

Hidden dangers:

The pit and fissures are often so deep that it is difficult for the bristles of a toothbrush to clean the plaque deposits in the area - leaving teeth vulnerable to decay.

What is in the Fissure Sealant?

a kind of resin-base restorative material
harden by light-curing
tasteless
white or tooth coloured
does not cause any allergies or have any side-effects

Treatment Procedure:

Acid-etching so that the sealant will bond to the enamel

Application of sealant

Light curing to harden the sealant

Ideal properties of Fissure Sealant:

Fissure Sealant can bond to the enamel tightly to provide a wall of defence which seals the pit and fissures. This helps to keep dental bacteria away from the area and reduces the chance of pit and fissure decay.

Durability:

With proper oral care habit and application procedure, Fissure Sealant can last for many years without re-application.

Maintenance:

Annual dental check-up is recommended for dental professionals to examine the retention of the Fissure Sealant, and to re-apply if necessary. This could ensure the effectiveness of the sealant.

Who needs Fissure Sealant?

Since Fissure Sealant is a preventive method used by dentists or dental professionals to prevent dental decay, it is recommended to be placed in teeth with deep pit and fissures which are prone to decay.

If your teeth have deep and sound pit and fissures, you should discuss with your dentist whether you need to have Fissure Sealant on them in order to prevent decay.

Oral Health Education Unit, Department of Health