Fissure Sealants
A history of tooth decay doesn’t always mean regular trips to the dentist for a filling!
A fissure sealant is a protective barrier placed onto the chewing surface of the teeth and is used as preventative measure for those at a high risk of developing dental decay or caries.
The barrier effectively seals the deep fissures and groves from accumulating bacteria and allows effective cleaning. This essentially reduces the risk of demineralisation and dental decay on these surfaces.
Prevention is always better than a cure
Fissure sealants are used on the chewing surface of molars and premolars as a preventative measure to help protect and preserve vulnerable tooth structure. Sealants have been proven to be very effective at reducing tooth decay in these areas and although generally recommended for children’s newly erupted back teeth, adults with decay-free teeth may also benefit.
The chewing surfaces of the molar and premolar teeth have many deep fissures, grooves and pits. This anatomical feature helps to grind up our food prior to swallowing.
Prevention
Although essential, these deep fissures and pits can be very difficult to keep clean, often trapping decay causing bacteria and food particles. It can also be very difficult to get a toothbrush right into these areas, making thorough cleaning problematic.
Fissure sealants are non-invasive and once placed, these surfaces are much easier to clean effectively which lowers the bacterial load and acid production. Essentially lowering the risk of demineralisation and dental decay.
Early detection
There are a number of factors that help to identify if the placement of fissure sealants is the right preventative treatment option for each individual.
Some of these factors include the eruption time and anatomy of the molars, an individuals diet and also the mineralisation status of the molars.
At Brush 32 our proactive approach means early detection of demineralisation and decay is critical. A Diagnocam laser is another revolutionary tool used at Brush 32 to facilitate this.
Because this tool is so accurate at detecting early signs of tooth demineralisation and early tooth decay, we are able to utilise it to help us foresee possible future oral health issues, taking a proactive and minimally invasive approach to your treatment.
The light source at the head of the device illuminates the tooth outwards from the root to the tooth surface.
A digital video camera shows the scene live on the screen of your choice.
The tooth becomes a light conductor, making the tooth structures visible: Any areas with demineralisation, decay or cracks that the light comes across on its way to the tooth surface are clearly demarcated and visibly darker.
The Diagnocam has been developed to assist in the early detection of demineralised and decayed lesions. This is done by using light waves.
Benefits of the Diagnocam include:
-
No radiation
An image of the examined tooth is created without x-ray radiation
-
Simple
Light is shone through the tooth, and carious spots become visible
-
Timely
If decay is detected early, there are often more options for minimally invasive treatment
Procedure
Fissure sealants are a non-invasive treatment procedure and can be quickly completed at Brush 32 by our highly trained Dental Hygienist.
Initially, the tooth or teeth are cleaned and dried to remove debris. A specialist etching solution is applied to the tooth surface to slightly roughen the tooth surface, improving the adhesion between the sealant material and the tooth surface.
The etching solution is washed off, and your teeth are dried.
Following this, the fissure sealant material will be painted over the deep fissures, and this may be set with a special blue light or left to harden naturally. You’ll be able to eat and drink normally soon after leaving.
And just like that.. the procedure is complete!
Ready to book your appointment with Brush 32?
Contact us today to book in your treatment, or if you have any questions about the dental services we offer.