Fissure sealant is a plastic coat that is put on the grooves and pits of the back teeth to prevent decay on the surface.

Why do patients need Fissure sealant?

Fissure sealant will prevent tooth decay on the surface of the tooth up to 85% of the time.

Who is a candidate for fissure sealant?

Patients with low caries risk can be candidates for fissure sealants. This means that if the patient has many active cavities, they will not be a candidate, because active cavities grow very fast.

Who is not a candidate for Fissure sealant?

Patients that are high risk for decay are not good candidates for fissure sealants. If fissure sealant is applied in this case, there might be decay underneath the sealant and it will be hidden from the dentist.

Can both primary and permanent teeth have fissure sealant?

Yes, dentists can apply fissure sealants for both baby teeth and permanent teeth.

Patient’s in BC need to know that dental insurances will not pay for fissure sealants on primary teeth. If parents are willing to get this treatment done for primary teeth, they can talk with their dentist.

Is there any age limit for fissure sealant?

This treatment will be more beneficial for patients up to 15 years of age.

How is fissure sealant done?

The tooth needs to be dry and isolated from saliva.
A gel will be applied to the tooth and after 20 seconds will be rinsed and dried.
The fissure sealant material will be applied to the grooves and pits of the tooth.
A blue light will be used to make the material hard.
The bite will be checked to make sure it is not interfering with the patients bite.