East Street Dental Practice.

 

FISSURE SEALANTS

We are able to offer patients the benefits of fissure sealing as a private treatment option. Whilst NHS dental care provides for treatment of decayed teeth (sometimes with a sealant if appropriate), it does not provide such on a routine basis. Current wisdom is that those who have a decay free set of "baby" teeth do not require their adult teeth sealing, you can however elect to pay for this privately.

Why seal?

The chewing surfaces of all molar and pre-molar teeth (these are the large ones at the back) are covered with small pits and fissures which extend right down into the tooth itself.  However well or often your children brush their teeth these fissures are very difficult to clean thoroughly, food particles and bacteria stick in them and will eventually cause decay.  Even fluoride in drinking water or toothpaste, which helps protect the smooth sides of the teeth, can't protect these high risk areas against decay.

How sealants can help ?

The sealant is a tough resin coating which is applied to the chewing surface of molar and pre-molar teeth, after the tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned and prepared. It dries rock hard in a very short time and penetrates and completely seals the fissures, thus preventing any food particles or germs from getting in.  The smooth surface is easier to clean with a toothbrush and in no way affects the normal chewing function of the teeth.

Does it hurt?

Not in the least.  The process involves cleaning the tooth surface then applying the paint like sealant. 

When should it be done?

It is best to get the teeth sealed as soon as each individual permanent molar and pre-molar has fully erupted.  This being between six and eleven years of age.

Where’s the evidence?

Try this link! http://www.update-software.com/abstracts/AB001830.htm