So you follow a great oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice, flossing daily, and your front tooth looks picture perfect. But those back teeth? They are in trouble because of the cavity they are carrying. Don’t worry, there is a solution to your problem.
“Pit and Fissure Sealants” work well for many patients to prevent cavities in teeth.
In this article, let’s explore everything you need to know that you might be searching on the internet about pit & fissure sealant, the types of pit and fissure sealants, and much more.
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What Are Pit and Fissure Sealants?
Have you ever noticed those little lines, dips, and highs on your molars? That is what dentists call pits and fissures. Those pits and fissures are natural, but make perfect hiding spaces for the cavity.
Now, let’s understand pit and fissure sealants. Pit and fissure sealant is a thin protective coating that is applied like paint on your cavity spots and tooth surface. They first clean the plaque and then fill those gaps with sealant to create a smoother surface.
By applying pit & fissure sealant, dentists create a shield on your tooth to protect it from decay.
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How Do Sealants Work?
The sealant is a liquid that flows into your teeth’s crevices and when dried becomes hardened to form a protective layer that prevents food and bacteria from hiding in these areas.
Sealant creates a physical shield that:
- Blocks bacteria from reaching the tooth enamel.
- Prevents food particles from being stuck.
- Creates a smoother surface that is easier to clean and maintain
- Reduces the risk of decay in future
The best part about this pit & fissure sealant is that it does not hamper your daily life.
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Who Needs Pit and Fissure Sealants?
Pit and Fissure Sealants are a game changer for many, but they particularly help the following people:
- Kids and teenagers – When permanent molars come out, they are more at risk of decay. That’s why dentists recommend getting sealant applied to protect these new teeth
- Adults with deep crevices- Many adults have deep crevices that trap more food and bacteria in them
- High cavity risk patients – Patients with weak enamel, past history of cavities, need protection from sealants
- People with poor oral hygiene – People who struggle with poor oral hygiene may get help in protection from pit & fissure sealant
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Benefits of Pit and Fissure Sealants
The benefits of Pit and fissure sealants are not just cavity and tooth decay prevention they are as below:
- The application has zero involvement in drilling or any discomfort procedure.
- Prevention is much less expensive than treating them.
- Treatment for fissure in teeth and Pits in teeth sealants does not take more than one appointment.
- Sealants help in protecting the natural teeth.
- Fewer cavities mean fewer stressful dental treatments in the future.
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The Application Process: What to Expect
The entire procedure typically takes only a few minutes per tooth, requires no anesthesia, and patients can eat and drink immediately afterward.
The application process of pit & fissure sealants is pretty straightforward:
- Cleaning- First, the tooth surface is cleaned to remove built-up plaque.
- Preparation- A get is applied to roughen the tooth surface to help the sealant bond properly with the tooth surface
- Rinsing – The gel is rinsed and dried
- Application – The liquid is applied in crevices to smooth the surface of the tooth
- Curing – UV light hardens the liquid
- Evaluation – The dentist checks if the sealant is aligned with your bite.
The procedure does not take more than one appointment and does not need any anesthesia, and you can eat immediately after the pit and fissure sealants treatment.
Types of pit and fissure sealants
There are typically three main types of sealants as follows:
Light cured sealants in this type of pit and fissure sealants are applied, and they harden when kept under blue UV light. This is the most common type of use, which offers durability to create a strong bond with the tooth surface
Glass ionomer sealants discharge fluoride over time, offering protection against tooth decay. This sealant is for teeth that have not fully erupted. This type of types of pit and fissure sealants is less durable than resin based sealants.
Flowable composite sealants are a great combo of the protective quality of sealant and the strength of dental fillings. This is ideal for people with heavy chewing pressure forces.
Your dentist can help you choose the right types of pit and fissure sealants according to your fissure in teeth & pit in teeth situation.
Are Sealants Safe and Effective?
Dental fissure in teeth and pit in teeth sealants effectiveness are documented by many. Many research papers have shown that they can reduce the risk of cavities.
And the materials used in modern dental sealants have been tested to be completely safe.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Pit and fissure sealants can stay intact for around 5-10 years. However, they should be kept in check regularly for any damage.
Here are a few factors that affect the durability:
- Biting habits
- Teeth grinding
- Oral hygiene practices
- Quality of the application
Routine visits are important so that dentists can easily do touch ups if needed.
Sealants vs. Fillings: What’s the Difference?
Many people think and ask us if sealants and fillings are the same, but in reality they are not. That’s why it is important to understand the difference between pit and fissure sealants VS. fillings
Pit and fissure sealants are preventive treatments that are done before the cavity starts building up. This procedure does not require any drilling or removal of teeth.
Filling is a restorative treatment that is done after the cavity has already done the damage. They involve removing the cavity and replacing it with filling material.
It is pretty clear that pit & fissure sealants are for preventive care, while filling is for the damage that has already happened.
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Cost of Pit and Fissure Sealants in India
In India, for pit and fissure sealants dentist can cost you between ₹1500-2500 per tooth. The price of pit and fissure sealants depends on many factors like:
- Clinic location,
- type of material used
- Dentist’s expertise, etc.
Many insurance plans do cover dental fissure treatment for children and teenagers, but not for elders. Without insurance, the cost of pit & fissure sealant treatment is less than the cost of cavity treatments
Aftercare Tips for Sealants
Here are few aftercare tips for pit and fissure sealants
- Follow your oral hygiene routine consistently
- Avoid hard candies and sticky food
- Show up for dental check ups regularly
- Limit sugary drinks and snacks
- Wear a night guard if you have teeth grinding habit
Conclusion: Are Sealants Worth It?
If there is a cavity preventive treatment thats reasonable, painless, and less time-consuming, it’s pit and fissure sealants treatment. They are more beneficial for kids who are developing their habits and might need some extra protection.
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FAQ
Q1. What are pit & fissure sealants?
Ans. Pit and fissure sealants protect teeth with a clear plastic coating. The sealant fills deep grooves to stop food and bacteria from settling into the back teeth.
Q2. Where do you put pit and fissure sealant?
Ans. Sealant is applied in the crevices of back teeth also called as molars where cleaning with toothbrush is difficult.
Q3. What are the risks of fissure sealant?
Ans. There might be initial discomfort, which goes away as time passes other than that there is no risk as such
Q4. What age group is pit and fissure sealant for?
Ans. 6-14 years is the right age group for pit and fissure sealant treatment. It is the age where permanent molars and premolars erupt out and need extra protection.
Q5. What are the disadvantages of sealants?
Ans. Sealants are not permanent and require regular dental checkups and touch-ups.
Q6. What is fissure sealant used for?
Ans. Dental fissure sealant is used in preventing tooth decay by creating a protective layer over your tooth.
