Fissure Sealing

While your kids might do their best to clean their teeth, those molars and back teeth can be pretty hard to get to when you’re still learning about dental hygiene. That’s why fissure sealing is such an important treatment in kids’ dentistry.

Through fissure sealing in our Epping clinic a protective layer can be added to the teeth, protecting the grooves from developing decay. At Serenity Smiles Dental, we take a gentle approach to children’s dentistry and would love to help you care for your children’s teeth over the long term.

Fissure Sealing

While your kids might do their best to clean their teeth, those molars and back teeth can be pretty hard to get to when you’re still learning about dental hygiene. That’s why fissure sealing is such an important treatment in kids’ dentistry.

Through fissure sealing in our Epping clinic a protective layer can be added to the teeth, protecting the grooves from developing decay. At Serenity Smiles Dental, we take a gentle approach to children’s dentistry and would love to help you care for your children’s teeth over the long term.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

During your child’s routine check ups, your dentist will inspect the molars. The molars with deep grooves are more susceptible to decay because of their shape. The depth, texture and enamel on the grooves can make it virtually impossible to keep them clean. In many cases, even if the child were to practice meticulous dental care, because of the anatomy and position of the grooves, cavities could still form. Covering the fissures with a dental sealant in Epping can protect them against decay.

Baby teeth should be cared for with the same level of interest as the adult teeth. The baby teeth act as guides for the permanent teeth and your kids will need some of their baby teeth until they are 13. Not only that, children need to learn sound dental hygiene habits from a young age.

Is Fissure Sealing Different To Fillings?

Yes, the fissure sealing process is different to fillings, although the materials we use may be the same. With a filling we need to drill into the enamel of the tooth in order to remove the infected matter and position the filling. This process makes the tooth weaker.

With fissure sealing the sealant is an additional layer to the tooth, and this layer may last a few years. Even though the sealant can last as long as five or 10 years your dentist should inspect it at every visit to make sure the coating is still present.

What Can You Expect During The Fissure Sealing Process?

First, the grooves of the tooth need to be thoroughly cleaned. A stain is used to check that the tooth is actually clean and that no bacteria are present. After this the grooves are sealed with an epoxy resin, which is a durable and long lasting substance.

The process is relatively quick and pain-free but it’s always a good idea to explain it to children beforehand so they know what to expect. Sometimes younger children feel safer sitting on their parents’ laps or holding your hand.

When Should Sealants Be Applied To The Teeth?

Sealants are best applied after the permanent teeth have emerged, which is usually around the ages of 6 or 7. Sealants are not only beneficial to kids’ teeth, adults’ molars should be protected with sealant too.

Are you looking for a friendly family dentist to take care of your dental health? Contact our practice in Epping and find out more about regular dental check ups and fissure sealing for your child. (02) 9158 6753