What Are Fissures And Why Are They Important
Fissures are indentations or grooves on the surface of a tooth. Every tooth has a characteristic surface pattern that allows us to bite and chew food efficiently.
However, these indentations are also areas where bacteria can easily accumulate, increasing the risk of cavities. For this reason, fissures are both necessary for the tooth’s function and critical points that require extra protection — especially in children.
What Does Fissure Sealing Mean
Fissure sealing involves coating newly erupted permanent teeth with a special material that fills the grooves. This helps prevent bacteria and food debris from staying in the fissures, reducing the risk of cavities.
This preventive treatment is recommended around the age of 6, when the first permanent molars (six-year molars) begin to erupt. Fissure sealing can also be applied to other teeth in the back of the mouth, such as premolars and second molars.
It is essential to perform fissure sealing immediately after the tooth has fully erupted, as teeth are most vulnerable to decay at this stage.
How The Fissure Sealing Procedure Works
The fissure sealing procedure is completely painless, does not require drilling, and usually takes about 10 minutes.
The procedure is performed as follows:
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The tooth is first polished with a brush and polishing paste to ensure it is completely clean.
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The surface is then etched with a mild acid, similar to the process for placing a filling.
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Finally, the sealant material is applied to the tooth and hardened with a curing light.
Over time, the sealant may wear down slightly, but it can be easily reapplied by the dentist during a check-up.
What Parents Should Know After Fissure Sealing
It is important to understand that fissure sealing does not provide complete protection against cavities. Teeth can still decay in areas between adjacent teeth, where fissures are not present.
Therefore, it is essential for children to maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and to develop healthy dental habits from an early age.
If you are unsure whether it is the right time for your child to receive fissure sealing, a dentist can determine this during a simple examination.
