Fissure Sealant Application in Children: Protection Against Tooth Decay
Fissure sealants are an important dental treatment used to prevent tooth decay in children. These protective coatings cover deep grooves and cracks (fissures) on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, preventing food residues and bacteria from accumulating in these areas. This reduces the risk of caries formation.
Importance of Fissure Sealants
Fissures in children’s teeth, especially in the back molars, are usually very narrow and difficult to clean with bristles. Fissure sealants smooth these areas, making tooth brushing more effective and reducing the risk of caries.
Fissure Sealant Application Process
Fissure sealant application is a simple and painless procedure:
- Cleaning the Tooth: Firstly, the tooth to be covered is thoroughly cleaned.
- Drying and Preparation of the Tooth: The tooth is dried for good adhesion of the sealant and its surface is prepared with a special solution.
- Application of Fissure Sealant: The sealant material is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth and hardened (polymerised) with a special light.
- Final Check: After the application, the dentist checks whether the sealant has set correctly.
Who is it suitable for?
Fissure sealants are usually applied when permanent teeth erupt in children and young people. It is especially recommended for children who are prone to caries. However, since every child’s tooth structure is different, it is best to be assessed by a dentist.
Advantages of Fissure Sealers
- Effective Caries Prevention: Greatly reduces the risk of caries on chewing surfaces.
- Long Term Protection: When properly applied and well maintained, it can provide years of protection.
- Easy Application: The procedure is quick and painless, which reduces the time children spend in the dental chair.
Conclusion
Fissure sealants are an excellent way to protect children’s dental health. By helping to prevent cavities, they allow children to keep their teeth healthy and reduce future dental problems. It is important to talk to a dentist to find out if fissure sealants are suitable for your child’s dental health.