Fissure Sealant in Maple Ridge
Serving Maple Ridge and Surrounding Areas
If you’ve been visiting the dentist lately, you might have heard about “sealants” from your dentist or other patients. This article focuses specifically on fissure sealants and covers why you might need them, how they can protect your teeth, what the application process entails and achieve your best smile.
What are dental fissure sealants?
Fissure sealant is a coating made from protective and safe plastic material. The treatment involves the application of a thin, protective layer to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, typically the back teeth (molar teeth and premolars). The hardened coating acts as a barrier, preventing food and plaque from getting into the fissures and causing tooth decay.
As we all know, dental decay can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and other problems. Sealants are designed to help protect your teeth from tooth decay. Sealants prevent tooth decay and is most commonly used in children and young adults whose permanent teeth (especially permanent molars) are still developing.
How do dental fissure sealants Work?
They work effectively by a shield between your teeth’s surface and food, bacteria and other substances that would otherwise get into your teeth’s grooves and cause tooth decay. You must still brush your teeth and maintain a regular dental hygiene routine.
Typically, people with sealants who adhere to a regular dental hygiene program have fewer cavities than those without sealants.
The sealant is usually made of plastic, applied to the tooth’s surface in a liquid form, then hardened using a special light. Once the sealant is set, it creates a smooth, sealed cover on the tooth, making it difficult for plaque and bacteria to adhere and multiply. As a result, the tooth is protected from decay and cavities.
Do I need fissure sealants?
Teeth with deep grooves typically need sealants, whereas teeth with shallow grooves may not. However, this can vary from person to person, as certain people may be more at risk for developing cavities even with deep grooves on their teeth.
People typically receive sealants as soon as their permanent teeth come in, which for most people is at 6-7 years old and continues until they are 11-14.
How Are fissure sealants Applied?
The process is relatively simple and typically involves the following steps:
Cleaning: the dentist cleans and dries the tooth to eliminate any plaque or debris from its surface.
Isolation: Dentists isolate the tooth with a rubber dam or other dental dam to prevent saliva from interfering during the procedure.
Application: the dentist applies the liquid adhesive onto the tooth surface and spreads it evenly into the grooves and fissures using a small brush..
Hardening: The dentist then uses a special light, such as a blue light, UV light, or halogen light, to harden the sealant.
Finishing: the dentist examines the tooth and removes any excess sealant. They recommend regular checkups to monitor wear and chipping and to reapply or inspect the adhesive for wear and chipping.
The procedure takes only a few minutes per tooth and is usually painless. Some people may feel slight pressure or discomfort during the process, but this is generally minimal and temporary.
Sealants, also known as premolars and molars, are only applied to your back teeth. This is because your back teeth have fissures/grooves and pits/small hollows on the biting surface. Food, bacteria and other substances can quickly get into these grooves and pits, resulting in cavities, gingivitis, and other problems related to tooth decay.
How long do fissure sealants last?
The longevity can vary depending on several factors, such as the type used, the location of the tooth, and the individual’s oral hygiene. On average, sealants for teeth last for years, but the longevity can vary between 1 to 3 years.
However, they should be routinely checked by your dental professional so that the dental professional can ensure that the seal hasn’t eroded over time. Sometimes, when a sealant deteriorates, food or bacteria gets underneath the coating. This may cause dental decay, so checking teeth with sealants is essential.
Good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, also help prolong the life of a fissure sealant by reducing plaque and bacteria on the tooth.
Notably, dental fissure sealants are not permanent and must be reapplied or checked for wear and chipping by a dentist. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to detect and treat problems early on and ensure the sealant provides adequate protection.
Fissure sealants Application at Westgate Dental Centre
Give yourself and your family effective preventative measure that can aid in preventing decay and cavities. At Westgate Dental Centre, our team of experienced dental professionals is dedicated to providing high-quality fissure sealant treatment to protect your teeth for years.
Look no further than Westgate Dental Centre for a dependable and trustworthy dental practice for your dental fissure sealants need. We invite you to schedule an appointment today and experience exceptional dental services. Don’t wait; contact us today and take the first step toward a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Our Dental Services. We take pride in our preventative continuing care program and offer treatments in preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry and children’s dental sealants.
If you have tooth decay, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible or better, prevent tooth decay. Our dentist can fill the decay with a filling or seal the tooth. Book us now.
