What are Fissure Sealants?
A sealant is a material which covers the grooves of teeth. These grooves are refereed as “Pits” and “fissures”.
A pit is minor depression on the tooth surface whereas fissures are the channels that occur naturally on the biting surface of a tooth. It consists of a very thin plastic coating that is placed over the chewing surface of back teeth.
Most of the teeth at backside have grooves however, the teeth at the front side have pits and fissures.
Fissure Sealants are one of the painless treatments to protect your children’s teeth from tooth decay. Sealants help to protect your teeth from bacteria and food debris on the chewing surfaces.
The fissure sealant treatment is helpful for both children as well as an adult to reduce the risk of cavities in the teeth.
Fissure sealants create an invisible layer which protects around the tooth surface without any discomfort.
How Many Types of Fissure Sealants?
The dental fissure sealants are classified into different types based on the following factors:
- Plastic Based Sealants
- Polyurethanes
- Cyanoacrylates
- Bisphenol a Glycidyl Methacrylate
- Resin Based Sealants
- Glass Ionomer Sealants
- Fluoride Containing Sealants
- Fluoride releasing sealants
- Non-Fluoride releasing sealant
- Moisture-resistant Sealants
- Colored versus Clear Sealants
- Sealants with Bonding Agents
When Should Sealants Be Used?
Sealant is considered as one of the preventive measures for dental fissure. Sealants are typically applied when primary molars first emerge.
Depends upon the oral health of the child, the sealants may keep going for the life of the primary tooth.
Generally, the durability of sealants depends on the oral habits of an individual children. If possible, its good to use dental sealants early on.
What is The Procedure for Placing Fissure Sealants?
Placing fissure sealants is a comparatively painless and simple process that can be done by a dentist. It can be done in a few minutes, only when patient cooperates with the dentist.
It also depends on the type of sealants and manufacture being used. Fissure sealant should never be viewed as a replacement for standard brushing, flossing or dental visit.
The fissure sealants application steps are as follows:
- The teeth that are to be sealed are completely cleaned.
- Each tooth is then dried or another absorbent material is put around the tooth to keep it dry.
- An acidic substance is put on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, which causes the sealant bond to the teeth.
- The teeth are then flushed and dried.
- The sealant is then placed to the grooves of the tooth and after that harden with unique blue light.
- At last sealants are polished down.
What are The Benefits of Fissure Sealants?
Sealants are the most powerful dentistry tool to recover tooth decay, pit and fissures caries in children which is beneficial for us.
They give a simple and fuss-free method to defeat against the tooth decay.
Following are some benefits of the dental pit and fissure sealants:
- Sealants are the fastest procedure to prevent cavities.
- It is cost-effective treatment both time-wise and financially.
- It protects the tooth enamel from plaque and acids.
- Sealants can be used for both children as well as adults.
- It is completely painless treatment.
- If the application technique is perfect, dental sealants can be lifetime.
- Sealants can be used for the prevention of caries.
- Sealants have proven to be safe and effective treatment.
Why are Sealants Used?
Pit and fissure sealants were designed particularly for these preventive effects:
- Sealants possess the pits and fissures of teeth with a gum material.
- Due to filling, bacteria are not able to go into deep grooves.
- Sealants reduce the pits and fissure easily during brushing and biting.
What is the indication for sealants?
Indications for the use of pit fissure sealants are given here:
- Poor oral health
- Teeth having deep pits and fissures which causes decay
- Newly erupted teeth
- Enamel hypoplasia
- Patients who have a caries-active period (ages 6-15 years)
Describe the contraindication to Dental Sealants?
Rarely, Dental sealants may cause contraindication such as:
- Absence of pits and fissures.
- Sealants should not be placed on partially erupted.
- Apparent occlusal decay.
- High caries activity in the oral cavity.
- Interproximal decay.
- Insufficient eruption of a tooth.
- Soon to be lost primary teeth.
- Poor patient cooperation in dental chair.
What Materials are Used for Pit and Fissure Sealant?
The material used for sealant pit and fissure are mentioned below:
- Glass Ionomer Cement
- Flowable Resin Composite’
- Compomer
What are some problems with sealant?
There is some basic problem after having dental sealants:
- Etching
- Bite interference by sealant
- Blocked contact due to too much sealant material
How Much Does a Fissure Sealants Cost?
The treatment of removing the tooth cavities with sealants is the easiest process. The cost of pit and fissure sealants procedure will depend on numerous factors which are mentioned below:
- Location of the patient
- Usage of material for the sealant
- Number of molars that require in this procedure
- Your Insurance
- The price rate at a dentist office
- Reimbursement policies for replacement and repair
What is The Age Ranges for Sealant Application?
If your child’s facing deep pits and fissure on molars and premolars, its good to seal them to prevent further damage. Sealing is prescribed 6 months after a teeth’s ejection, deep pits and fissures in teeth, particularly molars and premolars.
The age ranges for sealant application are given below:
- 3-6 months for primary molars
- 6-7 years for 1st permanent molar
- 11-13 years for 2nd permanent molar and premolars
If anyone wants to get further details on dental health, including hygiene, teeth cavities, nutrition for strong teeth, tooth decay, dental check-ups etc. then call and whats up at Ekdantam Dental Clinic on +91-9782601131.
Our professional team are here to enquire your situation carefully. We are happy to discuss your problem and provide suitable treatment in your budget.For more information on fissure sealants, to book your appointment!!
FAQs
While pit and fissure sealants are commonly applied to children’s permanent molars as a preventive measure, they can also benefit adults, especially those prone to developing cavities in the deeper grooves of their teeth.
While pit and fissure sealants are commonly applied to children’s permanent molars as a preventive measure, they can also benefit adults, especially those prone to developing cavities in the deeper grooves of their teeth.
No, the application of pit and fissure sealants is a quick and painless procedure. It does not typically require any drilling or anesthesia, making it a comfortable experience for both children and adults.
On average, pit and fissure sealants can last for several years with proper care. Regular dental checkups are essential to monitor the condition of the sealants and determine if any touch-ups or reapplications are necessary.
While pit and fissure sealants provide added protection, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups. Avoiding sticky and hard foods can also help prolong the lifespan of the sealants.
There are no specific dietary restrictions after getting pit and fissure sealants. However, it is advisable to limit the intake of sugary and sticky foods to maintain overall oral health and prevent the risk of tooth decay.
Yes, pit and fissure sealants can be removed by a dentist if needed. This procedure typically involves the removal of the sealant material followed by thorough cleaning and assessment of the tooth’s condition.
