Fissure sealing as a prevention of cavities

Fissure sealing is a very effective method for preventing cavities in the molar teeth. It is recommended to apply this preventive measure to both primary (milk) and permanent teeth.

Procedure for preparing the tooth for fissure sealing

The procedure itself is painless and lasts about 10 minutes. The tooth is first prepared, which involves removing soft deposits with a special type of paste and etching the chewing surface of the tooth with acid (which allows the sealant to bond to the tooth). After that, the sealant is applied to the prepared tooth, and it is bonded using a special light. The sealant is applied to the areas where there is the greatest likelihood of cavity formation, such as the fissures of molars and premolars. Fissures are indentations where food and bacterial plaque can accumulate. The bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach these microscopic indentations and remove tiny food particles or dental plaque, which presents a risk for cavities. Fissure sealing creates a “barrier” that protects the tooth from harmful external influences. Once applied to the tooth, the sealant gradually releases fluoride in small amounts, which helps prevent the formation of cavities.

When is fissure sealing performed?

In permanent dentition, fissure sealing is done immediately after the eruption of the first permanent molars around the age of six, as well as after the eruption of other molar teeth. It is very important to perform this right after eruption to minimize the possibility of cavity formation.

Fissure sealing is a very effective and simple method for cavity prevention. Protecting permanent molars from cavities is crucial because early loss of these teeth (due to complications arising from cavities) can lead to orthodontic anomalies. It is important to emphasize that once sealed, the teeth are not resistant to cavities for life. Over time, the sealant can wear off, so it is necessary to regularly check and replace it (every few years). Also, sealed teeth are not 100% cavity-proof, so despite being sealed, these teeth should still be brushed daily.

Given the importance of proper growth and development of primary and permanent teeth, we advise parents to have their children’s molars sealed.