Fissure Sealants
Fissure sealants are the best way to keep the teeth free of plaque. Please see the article below for more information.
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Ask our dentists whether sealants can put extra power behind your prevention program
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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.
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Hidden dangers:
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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.
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What is in the Fissure Sealant?
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a kind of resin-base restorative material
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harden by light-curing
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tasteless
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white or tooth coloured
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does not cause any allergies or have any side-effects
Treatment Procedure:​
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Acid-etching so that the sealant will bond to the enamel
Application of sealant
Light curing to harden the sealant
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Ideal properties of Fissure Sealant:
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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.
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Durability:
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With proper oral care habit and application procedure, Fissure Sealant can last for many years without re-application.
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Maintenance:
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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.
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Who needs Fissure Sealant?
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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.
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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.
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Oral Health Education Unit, Department of Health