Fissure Sealant

Fissure sealant applications are a preventive dental treatment used to protect the deep grooves (fissures) on the chewing surfaces of teeth and to help prevent cavities.
These grooves, especially common on the back teeth (molars), can trap food particles and bacteria, creating an ideal environment for tooth decay.
Therefore, protecting these areas is crucial for maintaining oral health, particularly in children and adolescents.

Fissure sealants are typically applied during childhood—either before the permanent teeth have fully erupted or shortly after they emerge.
This period is when fissures are most vulnerable to decay.
The procedure involves applying a special sealant material to the chewing surface of the tooth.
The sealant, usually tooth-colored, coats the grooves and acts as a barrier, preventing food and bacteria from accumulating in these hard-to-clean areas.

The main advantage of fissure sealants is cavity prevention.
Although tooth enamel is naturally strong, the deep and narrow nature of fissures makes them difficult to clean with a toothbrush—thus increasing the risk of decay.
Sealants reduce this risk and help preserve oral health.
They also help smooth out the chewing surface, supporting better chewing function.

The application process is quite simple.
First, the dentist evaluates your teeth and identifies the areas where sealants are needed.
The tooth surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Then, the sealant material is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth.
The entire procedure typically takes just a few minutes and allows the patient to return to daily activities immediately afterward.

The longevity of fissure sealants depends on the patient’s oral hygiene and dental care habits.
After application, it’s important to maintain regular brushing and attend follow-up appointments as recommended by your dentist.
Over time, sealants may wear down or crack; in such cases, your dentist can reapply them during routine check-ups if necessary.

In addition to preventing cavities, fissure sealants are an effective way to support and protect children’s dental health.
With this preventive treatment, children and adolescents are more likely to maintain a healthy oral structure and face fewer dental problems later in life.
Dentists aim to preserve long-term oral health by combining sealant applications with personalized oral hygiene education.