Fissure Sealants | Oxfordshire & Hampshire
A dental sealant is a protective clear plastic layer that is applied onto the chewing surfaces of teeth to 'seal them off' from the plaque and bacteria that cause cavities to form.
Typically, sealants are applied to the molars, because it is these teeth that do the most chewing and have deep crevices in which bacteria can hide. The sealant will fill in and cover any crevices on the tooth to act as a shield from the bacteria. What makes them even better is that the sealant application process is quick and painless!
Why are dental sealants so effective?
Dental decay is most likely to develop on your child's molars when they first erupt at the age of 6. At this age, the teeth' top (or chewing surface) is not fully mineralised, and therefore more susceptible to decay. At the same time, the anatomy of the chewing surface contains numerous grooves and deep pits, known as fissures. These fissures are usually so narrow that toothbrush bristles cannot clean properly. This allows bacteria to flourish and decay to form. By applying a fissure sealant, we make the surface of the tooth smooth – which leaves decay with nowhere to develop. Fissure sealed teeth are 80% less likely to get cavities.
We believe this makes treating their teeth at a young age a worthwhile investment.
How are dental sealants are applied?
The sealant application process at Imogen Dental is quick and painless:
- The sealant is painted onto the tooth, filling depressions and grooves
- Hardening takes place in a matter of seconds with the assistance of dental curing light
- Most applications will last between three and five years with normal chewing and biting.
When should your child get sealants?
The best time to bring your child in for dental sealants is around the time their adult molars begin to erupt (usually age 6).
The sooner the sealants are in place, the less opportunity the oral bacteria will have to build up.
However, sealants are still beneficial, even when applied later on. So, the treatment comes highly recommended for older children too.