Prevention is better than a cure!
The most common area cavities form is on the biting surfaces of our back teeth. These areas are easily seen and brushed, BUT are they??!!
When our teeth develop, they form a series of grooves or pits called fissures, which can vary in size from shallow to very deep. Bacteria grows in these areas but usually cannot be simply cleaned away as the physical size of a toothbrush bristle cannot reach into these deep crevices. Add on top sticky foods and sugars which get stuck in these grooves it continues to feed the bacteria to eventually cause a cavity and subsequent filling!! YUCK!
There is a SOLUTION to prevent this from happening; it is called a FISSURE SEALANT
What are fissure sealants?
A fissure sealant is usually a white plastic liquid that is flowed into the deep grooves of a healthy tooth. It is set with a light to form a hard barrier to starve any bacteria underneath and make it a glassy smooth surface, so our tooth brushing is much more effective. This is a very straight-forward procedure with minimal to no preparation work on the tooth and no local anaesthetic, applying a fissure sealant is quick and painless.
Newly erupted teeth are not as strong as teeth that have been there for many years, making our 6 and 12-year-old permanent molars ‘softer’. This means that fissure sealants are ideal treatment for our younger patients, our children. Our professional recommendation is the sooner a fissure sealant is placed, the sooner it is protecting the tooth from forming a cavity.
What to expect after a fissure sealant is placed?
Your teeth should feel no different than prior having the sealant in place. You should clean your teeth as usual and practice good oral hygiene habits. Teeth will be easier to clean as the brush will reach all surface.
Sometimes sealants can fall off or wear down over the years. It is recommended to visit your dentist on a regularly so that they can make sure the sealants are in good conditions as part of your routine dental examination.
Benefits and risks of fissure sealants?
Sealants provide extra protection and are a simple and effective way of reducing tooth decay.
Complications are extremely rare but may include an allergic reaction to the sealant material.
Call us today to have an assessment of your child teeth or your own by one of our highly qualified dental practitioners here at Morphett Vale Dental Care