FISSURE SEALING/ PLASTIC COATING

What is it?
It is a liquid plastic, tooth coloured material, that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. It is set hard by a special blue light. It is unobtrusive, very hard-wearing and lasts a long time.

Who needs it and why?
Adults and children have grooves and fissures on their back (molar) and middle (premolar) teeth. These are the teeth we use to chew our food with.

These fissures are ideal ground for germs, which over a period of time attack the tooth and cause cavities and decay. The grooves and fissures act as a trap for plaque and food debris. Unfortunately, no matter how carefully or how often we clean our teeth, the toothbrush bristles simply cannot reach deep enough into some of these fissures to remove these harmful germs.

How is it applied?

1- The dentist or hygienist polishes the chewing surface of the tooth.
2- Prepares the surface with a special material that allows the liquid plastic fissure sealant to seal and protect the grooves and fissures.
3- And, shines the special blue light to harden the surface of the plastic coating.

That is all there is to it! No injections or drilling are necessary.

The Golden Rule
Fissure sealing is a totally preventative measure.

The sooner the vulnerable teeth are sealed the better, as it is too late to seal teeth with decay. Decayed teeth are treated with a filling; something we all like to avoid.