Tooth Fissure Sealing: Protecting Your Teeth from Cavities

Ever wonder how some people seem to have super-strong teeth that never get cavities? While good brushing and flossing are really important, there’s a special trick many dentists use to give teeth an extra shield – it’s called tooth fissure sealing. Think of it as putting a tiny, invisible raincoat on your teeth to keep the bad stuff out.

This blog post will explain tooth fissure sealing, why it’s so effective at stopping cavities, how it’s done, and who can benefit from it. Let’s dive in and learn how to keep those smiles healthy!

What is Tooth Fissure Sealing?

Imagine your back teeth – the ones you use for chewing. If you look closely at their top surfaces, you’ll see tiny grooves and dips. These are called “fissures” (pronounced “fish-ures”). They’re just part of the natural shape of your teeth.

Tooth fissure sealing is a simple, pain-free dental treatment in which a dentist paints a thin, protective coating onto the tiny grooves and dips on your back teeth. This coating is often called a fissure sealant or dental sealant. Once it dries and hardens, it creates a smooth surface over those tricky grooves.

It’s a bit like filling in tiny cracks in a path with a smooth layer so dirt and pebbles can’t get stuck. The sealant acts as a barrier, preventing food bits and germs (which cause cavities) from settling into those deep, narrow spaces.

Why Are Fissures Vulnerable to Cavities?

Those little grooves and dips (fissures) on your back teeth might seem harmless, but they’re actually a favourite hiding spot for trouble. Here’s why they’re so prone to getting cavities:

• They’re Deep and Narrow: These grooves can be really deep and sometimes even have branches, like tiny canyons. Your toothbrush bristles, even the super-thin ones, often can’t reach all the way into the very bottom of these narrow spaces. This means food particles, sugar, and tiny germs can easily get trapped there.
• Germs Love Them: When food gets stuck, the germs in your mouth have a party. They eat the sugar from the food and then make a kind of acid. This acid is what slowly wears away your tooth enamel, creating a hole – a cavity. Because the germs are tucked away in those fissures, the acid they make stays in contact with the tooth for a long time, doing more damage.
• Hard to Clean: Even with the best brushing technique, thoroughly cleaning these complex surfaces is incredibly difficult. Imagine trying to clean a tiny, winding cave with a big broom—it’s just not going to work perfectly.

So, while the flat, smooth parts of your teeth are easier to clean, those bumpy, grooved chewing surfaces are like natural traps for cavity-causing stuff. This is exactly where dental sealants for cavities come in handy.

Benefits of Tooth Fissure Sealing

Now that you know why fissures are trouble spots, let’s talk about all the good things that come from tooth protection with fissure sealing:

• Stops Cavities in Their Tracks: This is the biggest and best benefit! By sealing off those vulnerable grooves, you’re stopping food and germs from getting stuck and starting a cavity. It’s like putting up a “no entry” sign for cavity-causing bacteria.
• Saves You Time and Money: Preventing cavities means you won’t need fillings later on. Fillings can involve more treatments, and the cost of multiple fillings can increase over time. Fissure sealing is usually a quick, easy, and more affordable way to protect teeth in the long run.
• Painless and Quick: Getting sealants is a very comfortable process. There are no needles, no drills, and it usually takes just a few minutes per tooth. It’s a breeze, especially for kids who might be a bit nervous about the dentist.
• Long-Lasting Protection: While not permanent, fissure sealants can last for many years, protecting teeth on an ongoing basis.
• Good for All Ages (Especially Kids): While often recommended for children, sealants can also benefit adults, especially those with deep fissures and prone to cavities.
• Helps Maintain Healthy Teeth: Sealants help keep natural teeth strong and healthy for longer by preventing cavities. You want to keep your original teeth as long as possible!

In short, preventing cavities with sealants is smart for anyone who wants to protect their smile and avoid dental problems down the track.

The Tooth Fissure Sealing Process

Getting your teeth sealed is a straightforward and comfortable process. Here’s what usually happens:

1. Cleaning the Tooth: First, the dentist or dental hygienist will thoroughly clean the tooth that’s going to be sealed. This means removing any food bits or plaque from the grooves.
2. Preparing the Surface: To help the sealant stick really well, the tooth’s surface will be gently prepared. This usually involves putting a special, mild acidic gel on the chewing surface for a few seconds. This gel makes the tooth surface a tiny bit rough, like scuffing up a smooth floor so paint will stick better. It doesn’t hurt at all.
3. Rinsing and Drying: After the preparation gel has done its job, it’s carefully rinsed off, and the tooth is completely dried. It’s really important for the sealant to bond properly.
4. Applying the Sealant: The dentist will then carefully paint the liquid sealant onto the grooves and pits of the tooth. The sealant flows into all the tiny nooks and crannies.
5. Hardening the Sealant: Once the sealant is in place, a special blue light (a “curing light”) is shone onto the tooth for a few seconds. This light makes the liquid sealant harden very quickly, turning it into a tough, protective shield.
6. Checking the Bite: Finally, the dentist will check your bite to make sure the sealant isn’t too high or uncomfortable. If needed, a tiny adjustment can be made.

And that’s it! The whole process is quick and easy, often taking just a few minutes per tooth. You can eat and drink normally right after the appointment.

Materials Used for Tooth Fissure Sealing

Fissure sealants are usually made from safe, durable, tooth-coloured materials. The most common types are:

• Resin-based sealants: These are made from plastic materials, similar to what’s used for some white fillings. They are very strong and bond well to the tooth. Many contain fluoride, which is an added bonus for cavity protection.
• Glass Ionomer sealants: These sealants are also tooth-coloured and can release fluoride over time. This continuous release of fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth enamel even further and resist decay. They are often used when keeping the tooth completely dry is challenging, as they can bond well in slightly moist conditions.

Both types of materials are very safe and have been used in dentistry for many years with excellent results. Your dentist will choose the best type of sealant for your specific needs.

Who Should Get Tooth Fissure Sealing?

While everyone can benefit from protecting their teeth, some people are especially good candidates for tooth fissure sealing:

• Children: This is probably the biggest group! As soon as their permanent molars (back teeth) come through, usually between ages 6 and 12, it’s an ideal time to get them sealed. These new teeth are fresh and don’t have any cavities yet, so sealing them early is the best way to prevent problems. Children are often not the best brushers, so the extra protection is valuable.
• Teenagers: Many teenagers also have deep fissures in their adult teeth and can benefit from sealants, especially as they often consume more sugary drinks and snacks.
• Adults: Even adults can get fissure sealants! If you have deep grooves in your back teeth that haven’t had fillings before and are at a higher risk of cavities, your dentist might recommend sealants. It’s never too late to protect your teeth.
• People with Orthodontic Braces: Sometimes, people with braces find it harder to clean all surfaces of their teeth. Sealants can offer extra protection during this time.
• Anyone Prone to Cavities: If you’ve had many cavities in the past or your dentist notices that your back teeth have particularly deep grooves, sealants can be a great preventative measure.

Ultimately, after examining your teeth, your dentist can tell you if fissure sealing is a good option for you or your child.

Is Tooth Fissure Sealing Safe?

Yes, absolutely! Tooth fissure sealing is considered a very safe and routine dental procedure. Here’s why:

• Non-Invasive: Unlike fillings, no drilling or removal of tooth structure is involved. It’s just a coating applied to the surface.
• Safe Materials: The sealant materials have been thoroughly tested and approved for dental use. They are generally well-tolerated and don’t cause adverse reactions.
• No Pain, No Needles: The process is entirely painless and doesn’t require any injections or anaesthetics. This makes it particularly good for children or anyone who might be anxious about dental treatments.
• Fluoride Benefits: As mentioned, many sealants release fluoride, which is known to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.

There have been discussions in the past about very tiny amounts of BPA (Bisphenol A) in some dental materials, including some sealants. However, research has shown that the amount, if any, released from sealants is extremely low and well within safe limits, posing no health risk. The protective benefits of sealants far outweigh any theoretical risks.

When you visit your dentist Endeavour Hills, feel free to ask any questions you have about the safety of fissure sealants – they’ll be happy to reassure you.

How Long Does Fissure Sealing Last?

Fissure sealants are durable but aren’t meant to last forever. Generally, a good quality fissure sealant can last for 5 to 10 years or even longer.

However, their lifespan depends on a few things:

• Chewing Habits: If you grind your teeth, chew on hard things like ice or pencils, or have a very strong bite, the sealant might wear down or chip away faster.
• Oral Hygiene: While sealants provide protection, good brushing and flossing are still super important. Keeping your mouth clean helps the sealants last longer.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Your dentist will check your sealants at your regular check-up appointments. They can spot any chips or wear early on and suggest reapplication if needed.
• Type of Sealant: Some sealant materials might be more durable than others.

Even if a sealant wears down, it often doesn’t wear away completely. Sometimes, only parts of it might chip off or become thinner. This is why regular checks are so important – so your dentist can keep an eye on them.

Aftercare for Sealed Teeth

Looking after sealed teeth is super easy – it’s pretty much the same as looking after all your other teeth!

• Brush Twice a Day: Continue brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. The sealant is a shield, but brushing removes food and plaque from all tooth surfaces.
• Floss Daily: Flossing is still important to clean between your teeth, where sealants aren’t present.
• Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: While sealants protect the chewing surfaces, other parts of your teeth can still get cavities from too much sugar. Try to keep sugary treats to meal times.
• Avoid Chewing Hard Things: Try not to chew on really hard lollies, ice, or other non-food items, as this can chip or damage the sealant (and your natural teeth!).
• Regular Dental Check-ups: This is crucial! Your dentist will check the condition of your sealants at every routine check-up. They can make sure the sealants are still intact and doing their job. A sealant can easily be repaired or reapplied if it has chipped or worn away.

Good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to your dentist in Endeavour Hills will ensure that your sealants last as long as possible and keep your teeth protected.

When Should Fissure Sealing Be Redone?

As mentioned, sealants aren’t always permanent. Here’s when they might need to be redone:

• Chipping or Cracking: If you notice a piece of the sealant has chipped off, or if your dentist sees a crack during your check-up, it means the protective barrier is no longer complete.
• Wearing Away: Over time, with chewing, the sealant can simply wear thin or wear away, especially on parts of the tooth that get a lot of chewing force.
• Loosening or Falling Off: Sometimes, a sealant can become loose or even fall off completely. This is uncommon, but if it happens, it must be replaced.

Your dentist will check the integrity of your sealants at your routine check-ups. If they see any signs of wear or damage, they will recommend reapplying or repairing the sealant. The good news is that reapplying a sealant is just as quick and easy as the first time! It’s a simple process to keep the protection going.

The Cost of Tooth Fissure Sealing

The cost of tooth fissure sealing can vary a bit depending on your dental practice and where you live. However, it’s generally a very affordable treatment, especially when you compare it to the cost of getting a filling later on!

• Per Tooth: Sealants are usually charged per tooth.
• Private Health Insurance: If you have private health insurance with dental cover, a portion of the cost (or sometimes even all of it) might be covered. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider.
• Prevention vs. Treatment: Remember, investing in fissure sealing is an investment in prevention. It can save you more significant costs and discomfort down the line by avoiding cavities and the need for fillings, which are generally more expensive.

It is best to discuss the exact cost with your dentist when you visit for a check-up. They can give you a clear breakdown of the fees.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Tooth fissure sealing is a wonderful, simple, and effective way to protect your teeth, especially those back molars, from the dreaded cavity. By creating a smooth, protective shield over the tiny grooves and dips, fissure sealants stop food and germs from getting trapped and causing trouble.

It’s a quick, painless, and affordable treatment that offers long-lasting protection, particularly for children and teenagers who are just getting their adult teeth. It helps prevent cavities with sealants and keeps those smiles bright and healthy for years to come.

Ready to Protect Your Smile?

Don’t wait for a cavity to appear! If you’re interested in learning more about tooth fissure sealing for yourself or your child or scheduling an appointment, please contact our friendly team at your local dentist in Endeavour Hills. 

Endeavour Smiles Group is here to help you keep your teeth strong and healthy!