Although an increasing number of dental professionals emphasize the need for sealing the molars in children, many parents are still unsure what it is or why their child needs it. Like any good parent, you want to do your homework and understand what fissure sealing is.
What Are Fissure Sealants?
Take a moment to touch the molars at the back of your mouth with your tongue. Notice the grooves and pits in them? These are called “fissures” and are very susceptible to germs and bacteria that accumulate when food particles, especially sugars, get trapped in them.
The Fissure Sealing Procedure
The tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned of any food debris, then well dried and isolated with cotton. On the cleaned and isolated tooth, a fluoride-enriched composite material is applied, which is then hardened using a special UV lamp. This protective layer reduces your child’s risk of cavities by 80%.
The procedure is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia because it is painless. No drilling is needed either, which is a major advantage!
As a parent, your primary goal is to protect your child. Therefore, you may wonder whether fissure sealing is necessary and safe.
Yes, fissure sealing is safe and carries minimal risk for your child during the procedure or while the composite material is on the teeth.
Benefits of Fissure Sealing
The ultimate benefit of fissure sealants is that they help your child avoid cavities. In a study comparing school-age children with and without sealed fissures, children without sealants were three times more likely to have cavities than their peers who had sealed teeth.
How Long Do Sealed Fissures Last?
Fissure sealants are designed to protect your child’s teeth for at least 3–5 years, and up to 10 years if properly maintained. During your child’s regular dental check-ups, the dentist will inspect the sealants to ensure they are still in place and have not cracked or worn down. If damaged, they can be quickly and easily repaired.
When Is the Right Time for Fissure Sealing?
Between the ages of 6 and 12, children’s first permanent teeth erupt. These permanent teeth have grooves on the biting surfaces where food easily collects, making them prone to cavities. In deep fissures or pits, even brushing is not very effective.
Therefore, it is recommended to seal fissures as soon as the first permanent teeth appear, which can reduce the risk of cavities up to six times.
