Fissure Sealants for Kids and Adults
Protect Teeth From Decay Before It Starts
Fissure sealants help protect the deep grooves of back teeth from tooth decay.
They are commonly used in children’s dentistry as permanent teeth come through, but can also help teenagers and adults.
PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE
What Is a Fissure Sealant?
A fissure sealant is a thin protective coating applied to the grooves of back teeth to help prevent decay.
It seals areas that can be difficult to clean with a toothbrush and is usually tooth-coloured or clear.
Fissure sealants can help:
- Protect deep grooves from decay
- Make teeth easier to clean
- Reduce trapped food and bacteria
- Help prevent future fillings
Why Are Back Teeth More Prone to Cavities?
The biting surfaces of your back teeth aren’t completely smooth. They contain natural grooves and crevices that help with chewing. Some are shallow and easy to clean, while others can be very narrow and deep, sometimes narrower than the bristles of a toothbrush can effectively reach.
When plaque and food collect inside these grooves, the risk of decay can increase even when someone brushes their teeth regularly. A fissure sealant covers these vulnerable grooves with a protective layer, helping create a smoother and more cleansable surface.
Who Should Consider Fissure Sealants?
CHILDREN
Fissure sealants are especially useful when permanent molars begin to erupt. These new teeth can have deep grooves that are harder to clean, making them more vulnerable to decay.
TEENAGERS
Teenagers may also benefit from sealants if their permanent teeth have deep fissures that are difficult to keep clean.
ADULTS
Adults can also benefit from fissure sealants if healthy teeth have deep grooves that regularly trap food or plaque.
Sealants are recommended only where they are suitable for the individual tooth.
Fissure Sealants vs Fillings
Fissure sealants and dental fillings serve different purposes, depending on whether a tooth is being protected or repaired.
Fissure sealants are used primarily to protect deep or vulnerable grooves before significant decay develops. They create a protective barrier over areas that can be difficult to clean with a toothbrush.
Dental fillings are used when part of the tooth has already been damaged by decay or another problem and needs to be restored.
The aim of preventive dentistry is to identify teeth at risk early and, where possible, protect healthy tooth structure before a filling becomes necessary.
Fissure Sealants and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Eligible children may be able to access fissure sealants under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). The CDBS provides eligible children with Medicare benefits towards a range of basic dental services, which may include examinations, cleans, X-rays, fillings, extractions and fissure sealing. Our team can help you check your child’s eligibility before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are fissure sealants only for children?
No. Although fissure sealants are commonly used for children and teenagers, adults with healthy teeth and deep grooves may also benefit from them.
Does getting a fissure sealant require drilling?
For a healthy tooth being treated preventively, drilling is generally not required. The tooth is cleaned and prepared before the sealant is bonded over the grooves.
Does my child need fissure sealants on every back tooth?
Not necessarily. Some teeth have shallow grooves that are relatively easy to clean, while others have deep pits and fissures that are more vulnerable to decay. We assess each tooth individually.
Can fissure sealants fall out?
Sealants can gradually wear or occasionally chip over time. We check them during routine dental visits and can repair or replace them when appropriate.
Can you eat after having fissure sealants?
In most cases, yes. Once the material has been set, you can generally eat and drink normally.
At what age should my child get fissure sealants?
There isn’t one specific age for every child. We generally assess the teeth as the permanent molars erupt, with the first adult molars commonly appearing at around six years of age. Your child’s individual tooth anatomy and risk of decay will determine whether sealants are recommended.
Are fissure sealants covered by Medicare?
Fissure sealing may be covered for eligible children through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), subject to Medicare eligibility and available benefits.
Help Protect Their Teeth Early
If your child has newly erupted permanent teeth or you have been told that you or your child has particularly deep grooves, our team can assess whether fissure sealants may provide additional protection.