Dental Fissure Sealants & Tooth Fissures
Dental fissure sealants are a preventive treatment that can greatly benefit patients by protecting their teeth from decay and cavities. Tooth fissures, which are the deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, are more susceptible to bacteria accumulation and can be challenging to clean properly. Dental fissure sealants, applied by dentists, create a protective barrier on these fissures, sealing them off and preventing bacteria from causing decay.
At Amazing Smiles, our skilled dentists understand the importance of preventive dental care. We offer dental fissure sealants as part of our comprehensive approach to maintaining optimal oral health. By applying these sealants, our dentists help patients avoid the development of cavities and reduce the risk of future dental issues.
Our team of dental professionals is dedicated to restoring and saving your teeth from further decay and cavities. Through regular dental check-ups and preventive treatments like dental fissure sealants, we strive to ensure the longevity and health of your teeth. We provide personalized dental care and work closely with our patients to develop individualized treatment plans that address their specific needs.
If you’re looking for a dental practice that emphasizes preventive care and strives to protect and restore your teeth, look no further than Amazing Smiles. Our experienced dentists are committed to delivering exceptional dental services and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discover the outstanding dental care we provide.
Preventative dental treatment, effectively helping protect teeth
The Process of Getting Dental Fissure Sealants
Examination
Cleaning
Isolation
Conditioning
Application
Curing
Evaluation
The process of getting a dental fissure sealant is quick and comfortable, usually taking only a few minutes per tooth. It is a non-invasive procedure that can provide long-lasting protection for your teeth. Our dentists at Amazing Smiles will discuss the benefits and any necessary aftercare instructions with you to help maintain the integrity of the sealant.
Benefits of Dental Fissures
Dental fissure sealants offer several benefits for patients, particularly in preventing tooth decay and cavities. Here are some key advantages:
- Decay prevention: Fissure sealants create a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, particularly the molars and premolars. This barrier prevents food particles, bacteria, and plaque from getting trapped in the deep grooves and fissures, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
- Early intervention: Fissure sealants are commonly applied to permanent teeth soon after they erupt, providing early protection against decay. By sealing the vulnerable pits and fissures, sealants can prevent the need for more extensive dental treatments, such as fillings or root canals, in the future.
- Long-lasting protection: Dental fissure sealants are durable and can last for several years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. They provide ongoing protection to the tooth surfaces, reducing the risk of decay over time.
- Quick and painless procedure: Getting dental fissure sealants is a simple and painless process. It typically does not require any drilling or anesthesia, making it an easy and comfortable experience for patients, including children.
- Cost-effective preventive measure: Applying dental sealants is a cost-effective preventive measure compared to the potential cost of treating tooth decay and cavities. Investing in sealants can save patients from the expenses associated with more extensive dental treatments later on.
At Amazing Smiles, our dentists are experienced in providing dental fissure sealants to help protect your teeth and prevent decay. By applying sealants, we aim to preserve the health of your teeth and save you from potential dental problems down the road. Regular check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene are essential for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the sealants.
Book a Check-up for early diagnosis
Regular check-ups and cleans are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. At Amazing Smiles, we emphasize the importance of preventive care, including dental fissure sealants. These sealants provide a protective barrier that helps prevent decay in the deep grooves of your teeth, safeguarding them from further damage.
By booking regular check-ups and cleans, you are taking a proactive approach to preventing dental issues and potentially costly treatments in the future.
Our skilled dental team is committed to providing gentle and comprehensive care, ensuring your oral health is in the best hands. Invest in your smile and schedule your next check-up and clean with Amazing Smiles today.
Choose us for Restorative Dental
Our comprehensive range of restorative dental solutions is designed to address various dental concerns and provide lasting results. Whether you require dental fillings, crowns, bridges, or other restorative treatments, we have the expertise and advanced techniques to meet your needs. Take the first step towards a beautiful and healthy smile by booking a consultation with our smile makeover restorative dentists. Let us help you regain your pride in showing off your smile.
Visit your nearest dentist to treat tooth decay before it worsens
Tooth Decay Stages.
Timely treatment of cavities is essential to prevent additional harm to your teeth and gums. Neglecting cavities can result in tooth loss or the development of gum disease if left unattended.
Enamel Caries
Stage One
Dentin Cavities
Stage Two
Pulpitis
Stage Three
As the cavity advances, it can eventually reach the tooth’s pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located. This can lead to intense pain, and it may be necessary to undergo a root canal procedure to preserve the tooth.
Periodontitis
Stage Four
Dental fissure sealants, also known as pit and fissure sealants, are preventive dental treatment that helps protect the vulnerable surfaces of your teeth from decay. These surfaces are typically the chewing surfaces of the back molars, where deep grooves and fissures can trap food particles and bacteria, making them more susceptible to cavities.
The fissure sealant procedure involves applying a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. First, the dentist will clean and prepare the teeth by removing plaque or debris. Then, an adhesive material is applied to the pits and fissures, creating a seal and preventing bacteria from entering. Finally, a tooth-coloured resin or dental cement is applied and hardened using a special light.
By sealing off the grooves and fissures, dental fissure sealants create a smooth, easy-to-clean surface on the tooth, making it less likely for decay-causing bacteria to accumulate. This preventive measure helps reduce the risk of cavities and maintains the overall health of your teeth.
Dental fissure sealants are commonly recommended for children and teenagers, as their newly erupted permanent molars are particularly susceptible to decay. However, this treatment may also benefit adults with deep grooves on their molars.
Applying dental fissure sealants is a quick, painless, and non-invasive procedure. It provides long-lasting protection for the teeth, with the sealants lasting for several years. However, regular dental check-ups are still important to monitor the condition of the sealants and ensure their effectiveness.
If you or your child have deep grooves or fissures on the chewing surfaces of your teeth, dental fissure sealants can be an excellent preventive measure to safeguard against tooth decay. Consult with your dentist to determine if fissure sealants suit your or your child’s dental needs. Amazing Smiles’s experienced team can provide expert guidance and perform the procedure with utmost care. Protect your teeth and maintain optimal oral health by scheduling an appointment today.
No, dental fissure sealants and dental fillings are not the same. While both treatments aim to protect and restore teeth, they serve different purposes and are used in different scenarios.
Dental fissure sealants are a preventive measure primarily used on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where deep grooves and fissures are more prone to accumulating bacteria and developing cavities. The sealant material is applied to the pits and fissures, creating a protective barrier that prevents bacteria from entering and causing decay. Fissure sealants are typically recommended for children and teenagers, but adults with deep grooves may also benefit from them.
On the other hand, dental fillings are used to restore teeth that have already been damaged by decay or cavities. The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the resulting cavity with a dental filling material, such as composite resin or amalgam. Fillings restore the tooth’s shape, function, and strength while also preventing further decay.
In summary, dental fissure sealants are a preventive treatment applied to healthy teeth to protect them from developing cavities, while dental fillings are a restorative treatment used to repair teeth that already have cavities or decay.
While dental fissure sealants are generally safe and effective, there are a few potential problems that can arise:
- Sealant Wear or Damage: Over time, sealants may experience wear or damage due to chewing forces or grinding habits. This can result in the need for resealing or repair.
- Sealant Dislodgement: In some cases, a sealant may become partially or completely dislodged from the tooth surface. This can occur due to factors such as poor sealant bonding or excessive force on the sealant.
- Decay in Unsealed Areas: Dental fissure sealants only protect the specific areas they are applied to. If decay develops in areas of the tooth that are not sealed, it can still progress and cause dental problems.
- Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in dental sealants. It is important to inform your dentist about any known allergies or sensitivities.
It’s essential to maintain regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of your sealants and address any issues that may arise. Your dentist will assess the integrity of the sealants during routine examinations and can recommend appropriate measures if any problems are detected.
If your fissure sealant breaks or falls off, it is important to contact your Brisbane or Gold Coast dentist at Amazing Smiles as soon as possible. They will assess the situation and determine the best course of action. In some cases, the sealant can be reapplied or repaired.
If the underlying tooth structure is compromised or if there is decay present, your dentist may recommend additional treatment such as a dental filling. It is crucial not to delay seeking dental care in such situations to prevent further damage or decay. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor the condition of your fissure sealants and ensure their longevity.
The cost of tooth sealants can vary depending on factors such as the location of tooth, the complexity of case, and the number of teeth being sealed.
On average, the cost of dental fissure sealants can range from anywhere between $80 to $120 per tooth. It’s important to note that this is a general estimate, and the actual cost may vary. To get an accurate cost assessment, it’s recommended to consult with your dentist directly, who can provide you with specific pricing information based on your individual needs and circumstances. Your local dentist will also determine whether a standard dental filling or tooth sealant is recommended for your individual needs. Both of which differ in pricing.
Additionally, some dental insurance plans may offer coverage for dental sealants (Item Number 161), so it’s worth checking with your insurance provider to determine if this is included in your coverage.
Sealants are also covered under the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) – Item numbers 88161 & 88162.
Cost of Dental fissures vs Dental Fillings
Dental fissure sealants are generally less expensive than dental fillings because they are a preventive treatment that is applied to healthy teeth. Fissure sealants are typically placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay. This procedure involves cleaning the tooth surface, applying the sealant material, and then curing it with a special light. Dental fillings, on the other hand, are used to restore teeth that have already been damaged by decay or fractures. The process involves removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and filling it with a dental material. Fillings require more extensive preparation and materials, hence they are generally more expensive than fissure sealants. It’s important to note that the cost can vary depending on factors such as the dentist’s fees, the location, and the complexity of the procedure.
Dental fissures may be covered by private health insurance in Australia, but it ultimately depends on your specific insurance plan. At Amazing Smiles, we can assist you in understanding your insurance coverage and how it can be utilized to enhance your oral health and dental treatments. Our team is dedicated to helping you make the most of your insurance benefits and ensuring you receive the necessary care for your dental fissures and overall oral health.
Dental Fissure Item Numbers (treatments may differ based on patients’ needs):
- 161 Fissure and/or tooth surface sealing – per tooth
Yes, dental fissure sealants are covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) in Australia. The CDBS provides eligible children with access to basic dental services, including preventive treatments like dental fissure sealants, at no cost to the family. This scheme aims to support children in maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems. At Amazing Smiles, we are proud to participate in the CDBS program and provide quality dental care for children, including dental fissure sealants, to help protect their teeth from decay and cavities.
Dental Fissure Item Numbers For CDBS:
- 88161 and 88162 – Each fissure sealant must be clinically relevant and clinically indicated
We accept all major health funds
