Children’s teeth in their early development are especially vulnerable to tooth decay.  To combat this, the team at Sunshine Coast Smile Centre can apply a pit and fissure sealant.

A completely pain-free procedure that takes around five minutes per tooth, the sealant is a pink or tooth coloured liquid similar in consistency to nail polish, which flows into the grooves of the back teeth, setting hard after only a couple of minutes.  This makes the tooth smooth, easier to clean and creates a protective barrier against plaque and bacteria build-up.  The sealant also contains fluoride for added tooth protection.

The teeth are cleaned thoroughly with a mild solution or gel no stronger than vinegar or a citric acid such as lemon juice, which makes the surface of the tooth slightly rough ensuring a strong bond is achieved.  After a few seconds, the solution is rinsed away with water and the tooth is dried.

The ideal time to apply tooth sealant is immediately following the emergence of the first permanent molars, around age six and then after the permanent adult premolars come through, between the ages of eleven and fourteen.  However, there may be occasions when primary (baby) premolars require sealants, especially if there is a likelihood of them developing tooth decay.

Although mainly used on children’s teeth, many adults also choose to have fissure sealant treatment to aid in the prevention of tooth decay.  Sealants cannot be applied to teeth with detectable decay, therefore following a thorough assessment appointment; the Sunshine Coast Smile Centre team will advise if dental sealants are suitable for you.