Although more and more dental professionals emphasize the need for sealing “six-year molars” in children, many parents are still unsure what fissure sealants are or why their child needs them. Like any good parent, you want to do your homework and understand what fissure sealing really means.
What are fissure sealants?
Take a moment to run your tongue over the molars at the back of your mouth. Do you notice the tiny grooves and pits? These are called “fissures,” and they are highly susceptible to germs and bacteria that accumulate when food particles – especially sugars – get trapped inside them.
The fissure sealing procedure
The tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned of food debris, then dried and isolated with cotton. A fluoride-releasing composite material is applied to the cleaned tooth and hardened with a special UV light. This protective layer reduces your child’s risk of cavities by up to 80%.
It is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia, because the procedure is painless. No drilling is needed either – another huge advantage!
As a parent, your primary goal is to protect your child. So you may wonder whether fissure sealing is necessary and safe.
Yes, fissure sealing is completely safe and carries minimal risk for your child during the procedure or while the material remains on the teeth.
What are the benefits of fissure sealants?
The main benefit is cavity prevention. In a study comparing school-aged children with and without sealed fissures, children without sealants were three times more likely to develop cavities than their peers who had them.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants are designed to protect your child’s teeth for at least 3–5 years, and in some cases up to 10 years if well maintained. During your child’s regular dental checkups, the dentist will check the sealants to ensure they are intact and 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 6–12, children’s first permanent teeth start to appear. These permanent molars have deep grooves on the chewing surfaces, where food particles easily get trapped, making them highly prone to cavities. Even toothbrushes often cannot reach these deep fissures. That’s why sealing them as soon as the first permanent teeth erupt is recommended – it can reduce the risk of cavities by up to six times.
