Fissure Sealants Brisbane
At Implant art, our primary objective is to prioritise dental disease prevention. To achieve this, our experienced dentists utilise dental sealants, also known as fissure sealants, as a proactive measure on all posterior teeth when a patient is susceptible to tooth decay.
We can effectively deter a lifetime of potential fillings by preventing the need for even one filling. The typical replacement cycle for fillings occurs approximately every 10 years. Our commitment to preventive dentistry ensures a healthier and happier smile for our valued patients. Contact us to discuss our fissure sealants in Brisbane and nearby suburbs.
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What is Fissure Sealant?
A fissure sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars) to help prevent dental decay. These chewing surfaces often have deep grooves and fissures that trap food particles and bacteria, making them more susceptible to cavities.
The fissure sealant material is typically a tooth-coloured resin that flows into and bonds to the pits and fissures of the tooth’s surface. It acts as a physical barrier, sealing vulnerable areas from plaque and bacteria, reducing the risk of decay.
Fissure sealants are commonly used for children and teenagers, as their newly erupted permanent teeth are most susceptible to decay. However, they can also benefit adults with deep grooves and fissures in their teeth. Regular dental check-ups allow the dentist to monitor the condition of the sealants.
At Implant Art, we offer quick and painless sealant for teeth. Our sealant dentists use the latest techniques to make preventive dental treatments a common and painless procedure for kids and adults. We focus on preventing tooth decay.
How Much Do Fissure Sealants Cost?
The cost of dental sealants can vary depending on several factors. It includes the dental practice’s location, the dentist’s experience, the number of teeth being sealed, and the material used for the sealants. Generally, dental sealants are considered a cost-effective preventive dental procedure compared to the potential expenses of treating tooth decay.
In some cases, sealants for teeth may be covered by dental insurance, especially for children. Insurance plans typically cover preventive treatments like sealants.
You can contact us to get an accurate cost estimate. We can offer you detailed pricing based on your specific needs. Investing in preventive dental treatments like fissure sealants can save you from potentially higher expenses and dental problems in the long run.
Our Dental Fissure Sealants Procedure
At our dental practice, the dental fissure sealant procedure involves simple and painless steps to protect your teeth from decay effectively:
The entire process is quick and comfortable, and no anaesthesia is required. Dental fissure sealants serve as an essential preventive measure. It reduces the risk of tooth decay and helps you maintain a healthy and confident smile. Regular check-ups will allow us to monitor the condition of your gum seal teeth. We can provide any necessary touch-ups or reapplications to ensure long-lasting effectiveness.
- Examination: Our experienced dentist will carefully examine your back teeth, specifically focusing on the molars and premolars. This examination helps identify the teeth that would benefit most from fissure sealants.
- Cleaning and Preparation: Once the targeted teeth are identified, we will thoroughly clean the tooth surfaces to remove any plaque, debris, or bacteria. After cleaning, the teeth will be dried, and a gentle acid etching solution will be applied. This etching creates a textured surface that enhances the sealant’s adhesion.
- Sealant Application: Our dental professional will skilfully apply the dental fissure sealant onto the chewing surfaces of the treated teeth. The sealant is a tooth-coloured resin that effectively flows into the grooves and fissures of the tooth, forming a protective shield.
- Curing and Evaluation: If necessary, the sealant will be cured using a specialised dental light, ensuring it hardens and securely bonds to the tooth surface. Once the sealant is in place, we will evaluate its coverage and integrity to ensure that it provides comprehensive protection against decay.
Are Fissure Sealants Worth It?
Yes, fissure sealants are generally considered worth it, especially for individuals at risk of developing tooth decay, particularly children and teenagers. They offer several benefits that make them a valuable preventive dental treatment:
- Effective Decay Prevention: Sealants create a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. It seals off deep grooves and fissures where food particles and bacteria can accumulate. Fissure sealants significantly reduce the risk of cavities by preventing these areas from becoming a breeding ground for decay-causing bacteria.
- Cost-Effective: The expense of applying sealants is much lower than treating dental cavities, root canals, or other more invasive procedures required to address tooth decay.
- Pain-Free and Non-Invasive: The application does not require anaesthesia. You can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
- Long-Lasting Protection: Fissure sealants can last several years when correctly applied and maintained. It provides continuous protection against decay during that time.
- Suitable for Various Age Groups: Children and teenagers are the primary beneficiaries of this treatment due to their newly erupted permanent teeth. But adults with deep grooves and fissures can also benefit from this preventive treatment.
- Promotes Better Oral Health: By preventing tooth decay, sealants contribute to better oral health and help maintain a healthy and confident smile.
Notably, fissure sealants are not a substitute for proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Instead, they complement these efforts and add a layer of protection against decay.If we recommend fissure sealants as part of a preventive dental care plan, it’s a worthwhile investment to maintain good oral health and reduce the likelihood of future dental issues.
When Might I Need Fissure Sealants?
You may need dental sealants if you have specific risk factors or dental conditions that make you more susceptible to tooth decay, particularly in the back teeth (molars and premolars). Here are some situations when a dentist might recommend sealants:
- Children and Teenagers: They are prime candidates for fissure sealants as their permanent molars and premolars emerge. Applying sealants on these newly erupted teeth helps protect them during their vulnerable phase and reduces the risk of cavities.
- Deep Fissures and Grooves: If your back teeth have deep grooves or fissures, they are more likely to trap food particles and bacteria, making them harder to clean properly. Dental sealants create a protective barrier, reducing the risk of decay in these challenging-to-clean areas.
- History of Dental Decay: Your dentist may recommend dental sealants to prevent further tooth decay and protect your teeth from future damage.
- High Caries Risk: If you are at a higher risk of developing caries (tooth decay), either due to your diet, oral hygiene habits, or medical conditions, fissure sealants can be an effective preventive measure.
- Orthodontic Patients: Individuals getting braces or aligners may find it challenging to clean their teeth thoroughly, especially the back teeth. Sealants can help protect these teeth during the orthodontic treatment period.
- Reduced Salivary Flow: Saliva is crucial in neutralising acids and protecting teeth from decay. If you have a condition that reduces saliva production, dental sealants can provide added protection for your teeth.
- Patients with Special Needs: People with physical or cognitive disabilities may face challenges in maintaining proper oral hygiene. Sealants can offer extra protection for their teeth.
Our sealant dentist will evaluate your specific risk factors and oral health condition before recommending the application of fissure sealants. Regular dental check-ups and discussions with our dentist will help determine if dental sealants are a suitable preventive measure for your dental health.
What Should I Do After I Have Dental Fissure Sealants?
Maintaining good oral hygiene and following a few simple guidelines is crucial.
Avoid chewing on sticky or hard foods for the first 24 hours to allow the sealants to bond fully.
Continue brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush and flossing once daily to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Limit sugary and acidic foods and attend regular dental check-ups for the dentist to monitor the condition of the sealants.
If you experience any issues or changes in the sealed teeth, promptly inform your dentist.
By following these steps, you can ensure the effectiveness and longevity of your fissure sealants, providing valuable protection against tooth decay.
What are the Benefits of Fissure Sealants?
If you are prone to tooth decay, sealant for tooth can offer an ideal solution. These thin, protective coatings applied to the back teeth effectively reduce the risk of cavities by sealing off deep grooves and fissures. It prevents food particles and bacteria from accumulating in these vulnerable areas. It creates a barrier to provide long-lasting protection and helps maintain optimal oral health.
The treatment procedure is quick, painless, and non-invasive, making it suitable for both children and adults. It acts as a proactive measure to prevent dental decay and potential future dental issues and allows you to enjoy peace of mind.
What are the Alternatives to Fissure Sealants?
While dental sealants are an effective preventive measure against tooth decay, several alternatives can also help protect teeth from cavities:
Fluoride Treatments:
Regular treatments, either as gels, varnishes, or mouth rinses, can strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay.
Dietary Modifications:
Reducing the intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages can help minimise the risk of cavities.
Dental Varnishes:
These are applied to the tooth surface to provide a protective barrier against decay. However, they are more suitable for smaller areas of concern.
Regular Dental Check-ups:
Attending routine check-ups allows the dentist to identify early signs of decay and provide appropriate preventive measures.
Proper Oral Hygiene:
Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Saliva Stimulants:
If you have a dry mouth, you can use saliva stimulants or artificial saliva products to maintain a more protective oral environment.
The most suitable alternative will depend on factors like age, oral health condition, and risk of tooth decay. We can recommend the most appropriate preventive measures tailored to your specific needs. Combining these alternatives with good oral hygiene practices will contribute to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Are Fissure Sealants Necessary for My Child?
Children’s newly erupted permanent molars and premolars often have deep grooves and fissures that can trap food particles and bacteria, making them more susceptible to cavities. Dental sealants create a protective barrier, reducing the risk of decay in these vulnerable areas. If your child has a history of dental decay, practices poor oral hygiene, or has deep fissures in their back teeth, dental sealants may be necessary to provide an added layer of protection. However, you can schedule a consultation with our sealant dentist. We will evaluate their oral health condition to determine if sealants are the most appropriate preventive option for your child.
Are Fissure Sealants the Same as Fillings?
Fissure sealants are a preventive dental treatment designed to protect teeth from developing cavities. They are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to seal off deep grooves and fissures. It prevents food and bacteria from getting trapped in these vulnerable areas.
On the other hand, fillings are restorative dental treatments used to repair teeth that already have cavities or decay. When a tooth is affected by decay, the damaged part is removed, and the cavity is filled with materials like amalgam or composite resin to restore the tooth’s function and structure.
Does My Child Need to be Numb for a Fissure Sealant?
Applying dental sealants is a painless and non-invasive process. The treatment involves cleaning and preparing the tooth’s surface before applying the sealant material. No drilling or removal of tooth structure is required. The dentist or dental hygienist will paint the sealant onto the chewing surface of the back teeth, and the material will bond to the tooth as it hardens.
The entire procedure is quick and comfortable, and your child can resume normal activities immediately after the appointment. Tooth sealant application act as a preventive measure to protect your tooth from cavities. There is no need for anaesthesia or numbing agents during the process.
My Child has Fissure Sealants – Does that Mean They are 100 Per Cent Protected from Decay?
It is crucial to combine fissure sealants with regular and consistent oral hygiene practices to ensure maximum protection against tooth decay. It includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and maintaining a healthy diet low in acidic and sugary foods. Regular dental check-ups are also essential for your child’s dentist to monitor the condition of the sealants. It will allow your dentist to provide necessary touch-ups or reapplications to maintain their effectiveness. By following these steps, you can enhance the protection offered by gum seal teeth and promote your child’s long-term oral health.
Contact Us
Our dental practice in Brisbane is committed to providing top-quality preventive dental care for your family. Our experienced dentists offer fissure sealants in Brisbane to protect your teeth from tooth decay, ensuring a cavity-free smile and optimal oral health. We use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest techniques to make the procedure quick, painless, and comfortable. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and give your family the best protection against dental decay.