A guide to preventive dental care
Understanding Fissure Sealants
Fissure sealants cover the deep grooves of back teeth to help reduce the risk of decay. They can be useful for children and teenagers, but not every tooth needs one.
What are fissure sealants?
A fissure sealant is a thin coating placed in the pits and grooves of a tooth, usually on the chewing surface of a molar. These narrow areas can trap food and plaque and be difficult to clean. Sealing them creates a smoother surface that is easier to keep clean.
Sealants protect the covered grooves. They do not make the whole tooth decay-proof or replace brushing, cleaning between teeth and regular dental checks.
When might a sealant help?
The decision depends on the tooth and its risk of decay, rather than age alone. Your dentist checks the grooves, existing decay and how well the tooth can be kept clean.
New adult molars
The first permanent molars usually appear around age six, and the second molars around age twelve. Their grooves may benefit from protection as these teeth come through.
Deep grooves or higher decay risk
A history of cavities or deep, hard-to-clean fissures can make sealants worth considering. Teeth with shallower, easily cleaned grooves may not need them.
During children’s dental checks, we can assess which teeth may benefit and explain the options for your child.
What materials are used?
Two common choices are resin and glass ionomer. Your dentist chooses a material according to the tooth, moisture control and the need for ongoing review.
Resin sealants
These coatings bond to the enamel. Many are hardened with a dental curing light; others set chemically. Keeping the tooth dry during placement helps the material stay attached.
Glass ionomer sealants
These materials release fluoride and may be useful when keeping an erupting tooth completely dry is difficult. They may be less well retained than resin and need closer monitoring or replacement.
Why we use Clinpro
Clinpro is a light-cured resin sealant used at EasyCare. It flows into the grooves and releases fluoride. Its pink colour helps the clinician see it during placement; it becomes an off-white colour when exposed to light.
The colour change alone does not prove that the sealant has fully hardened. Correct curing, placement and regular checks still matter. No brand can guarantee that a tooth will never develop decay.
What happens at the appointment?
Placing a preventive sealant normally does not involve drilling away tooth structure. The dentist first checks whether sealing is suitable or whether the tooth needs other care.
- Clean and prepare. The tooth is cleaned and its surface prepared for the chosen material.
- Place the sealant. The material is applied into the grooves while moisture is controlled.
- Set and check. The sealant is allowed to set or hardened with a light, then the bite is checked.
Common questions
Are fissure sealants worth the money?
For teeth at risk of decay, sealants can be a useful preventive investment. They are not automatically necessary for every child or every molar. Ask which teeth need protection, why they are at risk, the fee for those teeth and what follow-up may be needed before deciding.
How long do they last?
Sealants can last for several years, but they can also wear, chip or come away. Their condition needs to be checked at dental visits. A worn or missing sealant may need repair or replacement; there is no single replacement interval that suits everyone.
What are the drawbacks?
Sealants need monitoring and may need replacing. Uncommon problems include irritation of the surrounding soft tissues. Tell your dentist about known material allergies and contact the practice if your bite feels uncomfortable after placement.
Can adults have fissure sealants?
Sometimes. Adults with suitable grooves may also benefit, depending on the tooth’s condition and risk of decay. A routine dental check-up can help establish whether sealing, monitoring or another treatment is appropriate.
Can a sealant replace a filling?
A sealant is mainly preventive. Some early decay without a hole may be managed by sealing and monitoring, but a tooth with a cavity may need a filling or other treatment. An examination is needed to tell the difference.
Further reading
Would sealants help your child?
Ask us at your child's next visit. We can check the teeth, explain whether sealants are suitable and discuss the cost before you decide.
