What are Fissure Sealants? Fissure sealants can be done once your child’s permanent back teeth have started to come through (usually at the age of about six or seven) to protect them from decay. This is where the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are covered with a special thin plastic coating to keep germs and food particles out of the grooves.
Sealants are only applied to the back teeth – the molars and premolars. These are the teeth that have pits and fissures on the biting surfaces. Your dentist will tell you which teeth should be sealed after they have examined them. Some teeth naturally form with deep grooves which can be sealed others with shallow ones may not need sealing.
The process usually only takes a few minutes per tooth and can be carried out by either a dentist or dental hygienist. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, prepared with a special solution, and dried. The liquid sealant is then applied and allowed to set hard –usually by shining a bright light onto it.
It is totally pain free, and the teeth don’t feel any different afterwards.
The sealant can last for as long as 5 to 10 years.
It is still important for your child to continue brushing their teeth twice a day. The smooth sealed surface will make it much easier to keep the back teeth clean and healthy with normal toothbrushing. Using a fluoride toothpaste will also help to protect their teeth.
Speak to us here at College Street Dental Centre, Petersfield, for more information on how to get the treatment carried out for your child, by phoning 01730 263180 or email info@smileabout.co.uk
For further information or advice contact College Street Dental Centre in Petersfield, Hampshire on 01730 263180
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