Fissure Sealants
Dental sealants have been described as the ‘biggest advance in preventive dentistry since fluoride’. The sealant fills the deep pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth where plaque-causing bacteria hide so that they have no chance of causing decay. Back teeth in particular are more susceptible, and depending on how deep the pits and grooves are, these areas can be difficult to clean with a tooth brush – no matter how hard you try. Application of the dental sealant is a simple painless procedure and absolutely no “drilling” is required. The sealant is hardened with a fibre-optic light and forms a protective coating over the tooth. Sealants are most effective if applied as soon as practical after the eruption of the teeth and early application ensures the pits and grooves are protected before decay can begin. They cause no obstruction to flossing and do not inhibit the normal development of the teeth in any way. Dental sealants play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay. However because they can only be applied to the chewing surfaces and not in between teeth, it is still most important to maintain an effective oral hygiene program of brushing at least twice and flossing once every day, together with regular visits to your dentist for check-ups.
