Where the toothbrush cannot reach
The pit and fissure sealing is a preventive procedure, consisting in sealing the tooth fissures and pits present on the surface of posterior teeth using a special light-cured substance, which releases the fluoride compounds, additionally protecting the teeth. In the fissures on the surface of posterior molar and premolar teeth fragments of food and tartar are deposited. The depth of fissures makes practically impossible their thorough cleaning. For this reason, the molar teeth’s fissures are the most frequent point of origin of tooth decay process.
Why seal kids’ teeth?
Thanks to the sealing of tooth pits and fissures, plaque build-up in difficult to brush places is eliminated and the risk of tooth decay is minimised. For sealing, healthy teeth that are free of tooth decay and fissure discoloration are qualified. In order to guarantee full effect of sealing, the procedure must be carried out as early as possible, when the tooth fissures have not yet demineralised or decayed. The teeth most requiring fissure sealing are the first permanent teeth (sixth) – it’s good to perform the procedure within 4 to 6 months from their eruption. The older children, aged 11-13, have their second permanent molars sealed, as well.
Decription of procedure
The procedure is painless and takes a few minutes per tooth. First, the tooth’s surface is dried out and then cleaned with a paste. After preparing the tooth, its fissures are sealed and then light-cured. Finally, the dentist checks the tightness of the seal. Correctly applied seal lasts on teeth for several years.
We recommend check-up visits every 6 months, in order to check the tightness of the seal.