What are pit and fissure sealants?

  • They are a procedure that is recommended for your kids, but what exactly does it entail?
  • Pits and Fissures are natural in tooth anatomy, however, they can deepen over time. Deep pits and fissures are the small lines and grooves that can be seen on the upper biting (occlusal) surface of a tooth. 
  • These pits and fissures can often trap food and can harvest bacteria, leading to dental caries. 
  • In order to prevent this from occurring, pit and fissure sealants are recommended for children that frequently visit the dentist  for fillings. Even early blackening of teeth (caries) if witnessed by the parents. 
  • Preventive sealants can be applied to almost every child so that their teeth are secured from decay
  • The sealants usually last many years but need to be checked regularly by a dental professional to ensure the sealant is intact and that no decay has formed underneath. If you have noticed that your child has deep pits and fissures or is waiting to have sealants placed
  • It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and diet to prevent caries in these areas.
Unprotected grooves and lines are prone to decay due to food lodgement like the first picture of the collage. The Second picture shows tired bacteria, as they are unable to attack the teeth as they are sealed with the pit and fissure sealant.