Our teeth require regular care and protection to stay healthy at every stage of our lives. Especially in childhood, precautions to be taken for teeth to be healthy are very important. One of these precautions is fissure sealant applications. Fissure sealant reduces the risk of tooth decay by closing the cracks on the tooth surfaces. So, what is fissure sealant and how is it applied?

What is Fissure Sealant?

The parts of the teeth that are prone to decay are especially the cracks on the chewing surfaces. These cracks are the points that the toothbrush cannot reach during the brushing process. Fissure sealant helps prevent tooth decay by closing these cracks on the tooth surface. Fissure sealant material has a fluid structure when applied to the tooth surface. This material is hardened with a special light and forms a permanent layer on the tooth surface.

Who Can Apply Fissure Sealant?

Fissure sealant application is preferred especially in childhood to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Since the cracks in children's teeth are larger, they are more prone to decay. For this reason, dentists usually recommend fissure sealant applications for children between the ages of 6-14. However, adults may also have cracks in their teeth, and in these cases, fissure sealant applications can be performed.

How is Fissure Sealant Application Performed?

Fissure sealant application is a fairly simple procedure. The procedure is performed by the dentist and usually takes 15-20 minutes. During the procedure, the tooth surface is cleaned with a special solution and dried. Then, the fissure sealant material is applied to the tooth surface and hardened with a special light. Once the procedure is complete, the dentist checks the success of the procedure and makes recommendations about the patient's dental care.