What are Fissure Sealants?

If you have a child, our dentist might well discuss using fissure sealants to protect their adult back teeth soon after they erupt. Fissure sealants consist of a thin plastic coating that protects the

chewing surfaces of back teeth. These teeth have quite deep fissures and grooves that easily trap food and bacteria, and they can be tricky to brush thoroughly. By coating these teeth with a thin layer of plastic, we can create a smoother and easier-to-clean surface that is completely sealed, preventing infection and decay.

What is the Process for Fissure Sealants?

The procedure for placing fissure sealants is quick and entirely painless. First, we will clean the teeth thoroughly before lightly etching them with a special solution. This creates a slightly rougher surface so the sealant will bond with the teeth more strongly. The solution is removed, and the teeth are dried. The sealant is painted onto the clean, dry tooth surfaces and soon hardens.

Fissure sealants are durable and will last for several years but can be replaced as needed.