Fissure Sealant
What Is a Fissure Sealant?
Fissure sealant covers deep grooves and pits on molar chewing surfaces with a caries-preventive resin. It is non-invasive and not a filling.
The main indication is sound enamel. Existing cavitated decay must be treated; non-cavitated lesions require separate clinical assessment.
Application Process
The tooth surface is cleaned, etched, bonded and the sealant material is placed into the fissures. It is hardened with light.
Anaesthesia is usually not required, and the procedure is short. If cooperation cannot be achieved, the visit may be postponed.
Difference from a Filling
A filling removes decayed tissue and restores a cavity. Fissure sealant creates a protective barrier on a sound surface.
If cavitation is present, restorative treatment is planned first; sealant is not caries treatment.
Who Is Suitable?
Children with high caries risk, deep fissures and newly erupted first or second permanent molars may be assessed.
It is not automatic for every child and should be planned with brushing, fluoride and dietary education.
Follow-up and Limits
Sealant does not promise complete protection. Wear, fracture or loss is checked at control visits and renewal may be needed.
Caries can still develop on unsealed surfaces or sealant margins, especially with frequent sugar intake and poor brushing.
Regular dental check-ups are important for monitoring sealant integrity. Hygiene education should be given together with the sealant; it is not sufficient protection alone.
Six-year and twelve-year molars are commonly assessed for sealants; they are not applied automatically to every tooth. When an orthodontic appliance is worn, fissure access may become harder and is reassessed at check-ups.
The sealant material is light-cured and occlusion is checked after application. If the child cannot cooperate, the visit may be postponed; forced application is not recommended.
At control visits, sealant integrity, marginal leakage and the need for additional application on newly erupted teeth are assessed. Frequent sugary snacks and insufficient brushing can reduce effectiveness.