KEEP AWAY DECAY!

What are fissure sealants?

Teeth have deep grooves called fissures. A fissure is five times more likely to develop decay than other tooth surfaces. A fissure sealant is a coating that’s placed onto these grooves to prevent cavitycausing plaque and food accumulation.

Baby teeth set the groundwork for your child’s adult smile, so keeping those little teeth free from decay is key. Here, DR PAULINE LEE of Smilefocus shares how fissure sealants can help.

Why are fissure sealants especially beneficial for children?

Children get their first permanent molars at around six years old. These molars grow out behind the primary teeth and are often missed during tooth brushing. If the fissures are very deep and narrow, the child is at risk of developing decay on his or her brand new adult teeth. If a cavity forms, we have to drill into the tooth; this commits that tooth to a lifetime of replacement fillings as they wear down or chip over time.

Dental treatment can be stressful, especially for children. Avoiding cavities altogether is the best approach – and sealants are a time-proven, easy, and effective tool I use for my young patients. While not absolutely necessary, sealants are a very effective means of cavity prevention.

What’s the process like?

The placement of tooth-coloured fissure sealants is painless and non-invasive, as it requires no injections or drilling. The tooth is cleaned and dried before the sealant is applied, then cured with a blue light. Over time, the patient may wear the sealant down and, in some cases, small areas may chip off; but sealants can be reapplied as needed.

Smilefocus

#08-02/03 and #08-07/08 Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Boulevard

6733 9882 | 6834 0877 smilefocus.com.sg