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Fissure Sealant: Dental Caries Prevention

A fissure sealant is a preventive dental treatment in which the grooves of the back teeth are coated with a plastic material to protect against tooth decay.

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Things worth knowing about "Fissure sealant"

A fissure sealant is a preventive dental treatment in which the grooves of the back teeth are coated with a plastic material to protect against tooth decay.

What Is a Fissure Sealant?

A fissure sealant is a preventive dental procedure in which the natural grooves and pits (known as fissures and pits) on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) are coated with a thin layer of plastic resin material. These grooves are particularly susceptible to tooth decay because food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped in them and are difficult to remove with a toothbrush alone.

When Is a Fissure Sealant Recommended?

Fissure sealants are most commonly recommended for children and adolescents shortly after their permanent molars have erupted. This typically occurs around the age of 6 to 7 years for the first molars, and between 11 and 14 years for the second molars. Adults with deep fissures or a high risk of tooth decay may also benefit from sealant treatment.

Children shortly after the eruption of permanent teeth
Individuals with deep or hard-to-clean fissures
People with an elevated risk of tooth decay
Patients with limited oral hygiene ability

How Is a Fissure Sealant Applied?

The procedure is painless and generally does not require anesthesia. It typically involves the following steps:

Cleaning: The chewing surface of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned to remove plaque and food debris.
Etching: A mild acid gel is applied to roughen the tooth surface, helping the sealant material bond more effectively.
Application of sealant: A thin, liquid plastic resin is carefully applied to the fissures and spread evenly.
Curing: The material is hardened using a special blue light (photopolymerization lamp).
Check: The dentist checks the bite and smooths any excess material.

How Effective Are Fissure Sealants?

Studies have shown that fissure sealants can reduce the development of tooth decay on the chewing surfaces of molars by up to 80 percent. The protective effect typically lasts several years, provided the sealant remains intact. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor the condition of the sealant and renew it if necessary.

Materials and Safety

Fissure sealants are primarily made from composite resins (resin-based materials). In the past, some materials contained Bisphenol A (BPA), which raised safety concerns. However, modern sealant materials are generally BPA-free or release only minimal amounts that are considered safe according to current scientific standards. Glass ionomer cement-based materials are also available as an alternative.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

In many countries, the cost of fissure sealants for children and adolescents is covered by public health insurance. In Germany, for example, statutory health insurance (GKV) covers sealant treatment of permanent molars for children aged 6 to 17 years. For adults, costs are typically paid out of pocket or covered by supplemental dental insurance.

References

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde (DGZMK) – S3 Clinical Guideline on Fissure Sealants, 2021.
Ahovuo-Saloranta A et al. – Pit and fissure sealants for preventing dental decay in permanent teeth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017.
World Health Organization (WHO) – Oral Health: Key Facts. Geneva, 2023.

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