Fissure Sealants Cockburn | Cockburn Fissure Sealants

Protect Your Kids Teeth From Cavities with Fissure Sealants

Cavities are a common dental problem among children and teens.

The number one cause of tooth decay is the presence of plaque on the teeth which contains bacteria that produce acids that can damage your teeth if they’re not removed or untreated.

Children have a hard time brushing their own teeth without the supervision of their parents. This means that cavities will likely form as a result of unremoved food debris and in the absence of professional treatment such as sealants or fillings to stop them from progressing.

Fissure Sealant at Gateways Dental Centre has been proven to be an effective solution against tooth decay before it starts! Sealants are a non-invasive and painless technique to protect the teeth against cavities or tooth decay. It is a protective covering made of composite resin that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant creates a firm barrier that prevents food and bacteria from entering the tiny grooves and pits in the teeth and causing decay.

Common Dental Problems that a Fissure Sealants Can Fix

1.) Molar teeth with pits and fissures

Pits and fissures occur naturally, and they can deepen over time, resulting in dental caries. Hence, a child whose teeth have pits and fissures may be a good candidate for dental sealants. Pits are tiny hollows that form on the chewing surfaces of permanent teeth. Fissures are grooves on the tooth surface. In both cases, these areas can quickly get infected with bacteria, which can be difficult to combat even with regular oral hygiene.

Dental sealants cover and seal the grooves and hollows of the tooth, preventing even the most harmful bacteria from growing on it.

2.) Tooth decay and caries risk

The large pits and fissures in the back teeth are more prone to infection because they can easily fill with bacteria. As this bacteria develops, it combines with the starches in your food, transforming them into acids that can damage tooth enamel. If this process causes significant decay, it will eventually spread to the inner pulp of the tooth. This can cause painful and unpleasant damage, as well as permanent dental problems.

Sealants aid in the prevention of bacteria growth, which can contribute to dental deterioration.Fissure sealants appear to be more effective than no sealants in preventing caries in children and adolescents.

The Benefits of Fissure Sealants

The purpose of dental sealants is to prevent cavities by creating a smooth surface across the pits and fissures of our teeth. These pits and fissures are hard areas to keep clean and can easily accumulate food and plaque buildup.

The application of dental sealants is painless and simple. It can even be done during a routine dental checkup. Teeth are carefully cleaned, dried, and a solution called “etch” is used to roughen the tooth surface so the sealant will bond effectively. The etch is rinsed away, and the sealant is applied straight into the deep grooves of the tooth. A special light is used to aid in the drying of the sealant.

The sealants are made of durable materials and can withstand the natural biting force.

Dental sealants can provide cavity protection for as long as five to ten years. During the routine dental check-up, the dentist will examine the condition and maintenance of your dental sealants. Dental sealants might become worn or chipped over time and would need to be replaced.

According to recent research, dental sealants not only help to prevent decay, but they can also stop decay in its early stages. The use of pit-and-fissure sealants on teeth with early carious lesions has been shown to considerably slow the progression of cavities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fissure Sealants

Why are Fissure Sealants important for children?

Usually, children develop their first permanent molars around the age of 6. In many cases, permanent molars are missed during tooth brushing as they grow behind the primary teeth. This can cause plaque buildup and cause damage to both teeth and gums.

In addition, fissures that are deep and narrow pose a risk for decay to develop on the child’s brand new adult teeth. It is not always necessary to seal fissures, but it is a very effective way to prevent cavities.

The Centers for Disease Control found that dental sealants reduce
cavities and provide effective tooth protection for children. It is reported that children aged six to eleven with fissure sealants have nearly three times fewer first molar cavities than those who do not have sealants.

Cavities that are left untreated can cause pain, infection, and even difficulties with eating, speaking, and learning.

At what age should your child visit the dentist for fissure sealants?

The first molar normally appears around the age of six, following the baby teeth. It is preferable to have these molars sealed with dental sealants as soon as they emerge. When the rest of the molars appear, which can happen at any age up to 14 years old, the dentist can seal them if needed.

Can all children have fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are a preventive treatment approach, but they are not required for all children.

Some children do not require fissure sealants as each individual case is unique. Our assessment of each child is based on their age, the likelihood of a tooth falling out, decay history, and other health and dental factors. A thorough oral examination can determine whether your child would benefit more from sealants.

Who is a candidate for Fissure Sealants?

The use of fissure sealants in children’s dentistry is recommended if the child has a high risk of developing decay in the pits and fissures of their teeth. Children are sometimes stubborn when it comes to practising good dental hygiene routines. The application of sealants helps support the health of their teeth with proper guidance on good diet and brushing techniques.

On the other hand, no matter how diligently your kid cleans and flosses their teeth, properly removing bacteria and other nastiness from fissures is difficult if the grooves are too narrow. The pits and crevices in teeth that cannot be cleaned therefore provide a home for bacteria, making it much easier to cause tooth decay.

How are fissure sealants performed?

The procedure of sealant application is usually simple and quick, requiring only a few minutes for each tooth.

The dentist will clean and condition the surface of the tooth and then dry it.
The sealant is applied to the surface of the tooth and seeps into the position.
Sealant adheres to the tooth and hardens when exposed to blue light.
The tooth is sealed up, providing full protection.
The dentist will examine your bite and remove any excess sealant.

Do you have to fissure all your child’s teeth?

The fissure sealant is a treatment option used to prevent caries or tooth decay from developing. Yet, it may not be necessary for some children. The dentist will perform a thorough assessment to determine which teeth and how many teeth should receive dental sealants. In addition, there are several factors that need to be considered whether sealants are necessary and beneficial for your child’s oral health.

How long do fissure sealants last?

Fissure sealants are made of durable material that is expected to last at least a number of years (five to ten years), depending on the quality and how they are carefully applied.

Are Fissure Sealants safe for your child?

Most parents are understandably concerned about the safety of dental sealants for their children.

Fissure sealants are considered painless and non-invasive procedures as no injections or drilling are required. Moreover, there are no reported negative effects from sealants. However, some children and adults may have allergic reactions to some or all sealant materials.

Our dentists and staff are happy to talk about your concerns and answer your questions concerning dental sealants for your children.

What happens if you don’t seal the fissures of your child’s teeth?

If we highly encourage fissure sealants for your child, it will be for valid and objective reasons, which will be discussed with you during your child’s appointment. If there is a serious risk of decay, fissure sealants are preferable for keeping teeth protected rather than having them exposed.

We understand that other parents may be hesitant due to financial or practical concerns. We can assure you that it is often less expensive than dealing with extractions or other dental treatments. And there is also a lower likelihood of pain for the child.

What are the possible alternatives for fissure sealants?

Fluoride varnish is a type of dental treatment that can prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or even stop it from becoming worse. A fluoride varnish strengthens tooth enamel by using fluoride minerals.

Despite fluoride varnish treatments, cavities cannot be completely prevented. Children can get the best benefits from fluoride varnish treatments if they brush with fluoride toothpaste regularly, floss regularly, get regular dental care, and have a healthy diet.

Can you have fluoride treatment after fissure sealants?

The application of fluoride treatment following fissure sealants is determined by the dentist. If necessary, a fluoride treatment every 6 or 12 months is recommended, depending on your dental health or the dentist’s advise.

Can adults have fissure sealants?

While brushing and flossing are essential components of any dental hygiene routine, sealants give additional protection for the grooves and pits of the teeth.

We often recommend sealants for children and teenagers since tooth decay can begin soon after teeth emerge. On the other hand, adults can also benefit from sealants. Since the risk of cavities never goes away, a sealant can be applied to an adult’s teeth that do not have cavities. Our dentists prescribe this preventative treatment for both adults and children to ensure that your smile is cavity-free for life.