ORAL HEALTH THERAPY

Fissure Sealants in Quakers Hill

Q: How long do sealants last?

Sealants can last several years. They are checked at every dental visit and reapplied if they have worn or chipped. Even a partially worn sealant leaves the area less susceptible to decay than if none had been applied.

Q: Are sealants only for children?

They are particularly recommended for children and teenagers, as the back teeth are the most common site for decay in young patients. They can also be applied to adult teeth with deep fissures considered at risk.

Fissure sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They’re particularly recommended for children and teenagers, as these surfaces are the most common site for decay in young patients.

IN THIS PAGE

↓ What are they?

↓ When

↓ The process

↓ FAQs

What are fissure sealants?

The molars and premolars have deep grooves on their chewing surfaces where plaque and food debris can accumulate. These areas are hard to clean thoroughly, and bacteria can establish in the grooves and cause decay.

Fissure sealants fill these grooves with a protective resin, creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean and more resistant to decay. Applied early, they can significantly reduce the risk of cavities.

When sealants are recommended

When the first permanent molars come through, around age six to seven
Again when the second permanent molars appear, around age twelve to thirteen
For adult teeth with deep fissures considered at risk of decay
As a preventive step for children and teenagers prone to decay

What a sealant appointment looks like

Clean & prepare

The tooth surface is cleaned and prepared. No injections or drilling are required.

Apply

The sealant material is applied to the grooves of the chewing surface.

Set

The sealant is set with a curing light. The appointment typically takes around 30 minutes for multiple teeth.

Questions parents ask about sealants

Do fissure sealants hurt?

No. Fissure sealants are a quick and comfortable procedure with no injections or drilling required.

How long do sealants last?

Sealants can last several years. They’re checked at every dental visit and reapplied if they have worn or chipped. Even a partially worn sealant leaves the area less susceptible to decay than if none had been applied.

Are sealants only for children?

They’re particularly recommended for children and teenagers, as the back teeth are the most common site for decay in young patients. They can also be applied to adult teeth with deep fissures considered at risk.