Children's back teeth have deep grooves and pits on their biting surfaces - these are called fissures. They are designed to help break down food efficiently, but they also make ideal hiding places for bacteria and food debris. Toothbrush bristles are often too wide to clean right into the base of these fissures, which means even children who brush well can be susceptible to decay in these areas.
Fissure sealants are a simple, painless, and highly effective preventive treatment that seals these vulnerable grooves before decay has a chance to start. At Accord Dental Practice in Camberley, we recommend fissure sealants as part of a preventive approach to children's dental care.
🦷 Fissure sealants can reduce the risk of decay in back teeth by up to 80%. They are one of the most cost-effective preventive treatments in dentistry and require no injections, no drilling, and no discomfort.
What Are Fissure Sealants?
A fissure sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted onto the biting surface of the back teeth - the premolars and molars. The material flows into the grooves and pits of the tooth and is then set hard using a blue curing light. Once set, it forms a smooth, protective barrier over the most cavity-prone areas of the tooth.
The sealant material is tooth-coloured or slightly translucent, so it is not visible when your child smiles. It does not change the shape of the tooth or affect the bite. The tooth can be used normally immediately after the appointment.
Which Teeth Are Treated?
Fissure sealants are applied to the permanent molar teeth - the large flat teeth at the back of the mouth that are used for chewing. These are the teeth most commonly affected by decay in children and teenagers because:
- They have the deepest and most complex fissure patterns of any teeth
- They erupt when the child is young and oral hygiene routines may not yet be established
- They are at the back of the mouth and can be harder to reach when brushing
In children at higher risk of decay, sealants can also be applied to the primary (baby) molar teeth, though this is less common.
What Age Should Children Have Fissure Sealants?
Timing is important. Fissure sealants are most effective when applied shortly after the permanent teeth erupt - ideally before any decay begins.
- First permanent molars - typically erupt between ages 6 and 7. Sealants should be applied as soon as the tooth has erupted enough to be isolated and dried properly, usually within a few months of eruption
- Second permanent molars - typically erupt between ages 11 and 13. Again, sealants should be applied promptly after eruption
- Premolars - in children at high decay risk, the premolars (which erupt between ages 10 and 12) may also benefit from sealants
If you are not sure whether your child's teeth are ready for sealants, Dr. Gadde will assess this at your child's routine examination and advise on the right timing.
📅 The best time to apply fissure sealants is as soon as the tooth has fully erupted and can be properly isolated and dried - typically within 6 months of the tooth appearing. Waiting too long increases the risk that early decay may begin before the sealant is placed.
What Does the Appointment Involve?
Applying fissure sealants is one of the most straightforward procedures in dentistry. A typical appointment takes around 30 minutes and follows these steps:
- Cleaning - the tooth is cleaned thoroughly to remove any plaque or debris from the fissures
- Drying - the tooth is kept completely dry throughout the procedure. A small piece of absorbent material is placed next to the tooth to keep saliva away
- Etching - a mild acid gel is applied to the biting surface for a few seconds. This roughens the enamel very slightly, helping the sealant bond more strongly to the tooth. It is then washed off and the tooth dried again
- Applying the sealant - the liquid sealant material is carefully painted into the fissures of the tooth
- Setting - a small blue curing light is held over the tooth for a few seconds, which sets the sealant hard almost instantly
- Checking the bite - the dentist checks that the sealant is comfortable and does not interfere with how the teeth bite together
There are no injections, no drilling, and no discomfort. Most children find the appointment completely straightforward. They can eat and drink normally straight after.
How Long Do Fissure Sealants Last?
Fissure sealants are durable and long-lasting. With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, they typically last between 5 and 10 years. They are checked at every routine examination and can be repaired or reapplied if any part has chipped or worn away.
The sealant protects the tooth throughout the years when children are at highest risk of decay - giving the permanent teeth the best possible start during childhood and adolescence.
Do Fissure Sealants Prevent All Decay?
Fissure sealants are very effective at preventing decay in the biting surface grooves - which account for the majority of decay in children's back teeth. However, they do not protect the smooth sides of the teeth between the teeth. Good brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and limiting sugary snacks and drinks remain essential alongside sealants.
Think of fissure sealants as an extra layer of protection that works alongside good habits - not a replacement for them.
Are Fissure Sealants Available at Accord Dental Practice, Camberley?
Yes. Fissure sealants are available for children at Accord Dental Practice, 67 Frimley Road, Camberley, GU15 3EJ. We recommend them as part of our preventive approach to children's dental care.
Children registered on our Accord Kids Essentials Plan (from £4.99/month for ages 0-11 and £7.99/month for ages 12-18) receive 10% off all treatment including fissure sealants, as well as two check-ups and fluoride varnish applications per year as part of the plan.
To book a check-up or to ask whether your child is ready for fissure sealants, call us on 01276 984356 or book online.
Key takeaway: Fissure sealants are a painless, highly effective way to protect children's permanent back teeth during the years they are most at risk of decay. Applied at the right time - shortly after the teeth erupt - they can prevent the need for fillings and protect teeth for years to come. Ask Dr. Gadde at your child's next check-up whether their teeth are ready.