Introduction

Chewing (occlusal) surfaces on back teeth are four times more likely to become decayed than other smooth surfaces. ( The National Oral Health Survey of School Children 1997).

What Are Fissure Sealants?

Fissure sealants are special plastic materials used by dentists to seal off pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) from bacteria and fermentable foods in the mouth.

Why Fissure Sealant?

Sealants used together with proper brushing and diet control help to prevent decay from starting within the deep fissures of teeth.

Who Require Fissure Sealants?

Fissure sealants are placed on those:

• children who have had caries experience on one or more of their first and second permanent molars.
• children with special needs e.g. the handicapped, the medically compromised and the socially disadvantaged.

When To Seal?

The best time to seal is when the tooth has erupted enough to enable good moisture control and the fissures are fully visible.

Molar tooth with deep fissures

How Is It Done?

The tooth is cleaned, etched and dried before the sealant is applied. When hardened, the sealant will form a protective coating over the pits and fissures.

During treatment		After treatment

Is It Painful?

The application of sealants is easy and painless. No cutting of the tooth is required.