When your child’s adult back teeth first emerge, they are cavity-free, and fissure sealants can help to keep them that way! We recommend fissure sealants are applied soon after your child’s adult back teeth erupt because they cannot be used on teeth that already have decay or fillings.
Fissure sealants are made from a thin, flowable plastic material that is applied to the large chewing surfaces of adult back teeth. These surfaces have lots of deep grooves and fissures that can be tricky to clean with a toothbrush. Sealing these surfaces helps to prevent decay-causing bacteria and food from becoming trapped, creating a surface that is smooth and easy to clean.
Fissure sealants are quick and painless to apply. First, we will clean your child’s teeth before lightly etching the tooth surfaces that are to be sealed because this helps to create a stronger bond between the sealant and the tooth. Next, the sealant is painted onto the tooth and is quickly hardened using a curing light. That’s it!
The material used is quite durable, so it should be several years before your child needs another application, but we will check the condition of their fissure sealants on every visit.
All dental and cosmetic procedures carry potential risks as well as benefits. The information provided on this website is general in nature and not a substitute for professional advice. Individual treatment outcomes may vary. Dentists practising at Australia Dental Burpengary are independent practitioners, registered with the Dental Board of Australia, and are solely responsible for the dental services they provide. No testimonials, guarantees, inducements, or offers are made or implied through this site in accordance with AHPRA advertising guidelines (effective 2 September 2025).
