Dental fissure sealants are a protective layer applied on the chewing teeth (the molars) to reduce tooth decay. Applying a sealant is quick and painless and can be done by your dental practitioner.
Sealant is most commonly applied to the grooves, known as fissures, and pits of the back molars. These are the most common locations for cavities in the teeth. The procedure can be done by a dentist, a dental hygienist or an oral health therapist.
Fissure sealants are a white or clear composite resin, similar to a white tooth filling. The sealants provide a barrier against bacteria that can cause plaque. They are designed to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
What happens during a dental fissure sealants procedure?
Having fissure sealants applied is a quick and painless procedure. It usually takes a few minutes per tooth and is less complicated than having a cavity filling. There is no need for anaesthetic and usually no drilling.
Your dental practitioner will:
- clean and dry the tooth.
- prepare the tooth surface so that the sealant bonds well.
- paint on the liquid sealant, which will flow into the deep grooves and pits.
- bond and harden the sealant with a strong light.
- check your bite and polish off any excess sealant.
