Pit and Fissure Sealants

What is a fissure sealant?

Sealants are a safe and painless way of protecting your child’s teeth from decay without the need of any injections. A sealant is a protective plastic coating, which is applied to the biting surface of the back teeth. When the fissure sealant is placed, it forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.

Who should have them?

Most children from the age of 6-14 years can greatly benefit from having their permanent back teeth sealed.

Which teeth should be sealed?

Sealants are only applied to the back teeth – the molars and premolars. These are the teeth that have pits and fissures on their biting surfaces. Your dentist will tell you which teeth should be sealed after they have been examined.

What is involved?

The process is usually quick and straightforward taking only a few minutes per tooth.

Step 1: The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, prepared with a special solution and dried.
Step 2: The liquid sealant is then painted on the tooth surface
Step 3: sealant sticks to the tooth and is hardened under a blue light
Step 4: the tooth is sealed giving full protection

Will my child feel it?

No, its totally pain free, and the teeth do not feel any different afterwards.

How long do they last?

Sealants can last many years. Your dentist will regularly make sure that the seal is still intact.

How much does it cost?

Independent: £15 per tooth.

Synergy kids plan: Free, including all replacements as necessary.