Your dentist or dental hygienist can provide you with Pit and Fissure Sealant Treatment to help reduce the risk of tooth decay. The sealant is a special protective coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard barrier that prevents food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in your teeth and causing tooth decay.

Preventing tooth decay

Saliva, small food particles and bacteria form together in the difficult to clean areas of your mouth to create plaque. If not removed, the bacteria feeds on the carbohydrates in the plaque to create energy so that it can reproduce. A by product of this process is the production of acid which can destroy the tooth and cause tooth decay. Over time small holes known as a cavities can develop on the tooth. Bacteria can then enter the softer dentine layer beneath the hard enamel layer. Without treatment the plaque and bacteria can enter the pulp which contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. These can become infected and create dental abscess which cause severe toothache. A simple way to help prevent this process is with the application of pit and fissure sealants.

The sealant is only applied to your back teeth as these are the teeth that have small holes and grooves on their surfaces. Not all teeth are suitable for fissure sealants and your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to advise you if it is a suitable treatment after they have examined them. Some teeth naturally have deep grooves which will need to be sealed whilst others have shallow ones which do not require pit and fissure sealants.

Pit and fissure treatment is easy to provide and generally only takes a few minutes for each tooth. First the tooth is thoroughly cleaned with a special solution and then dried. The sealant is then applied and allowed to go hard. This is usually aided with a special curing light.

Benefits of pit & fissure sealants

The treatment can reduce the risk of plaque and and harmful bacteria forming in your teeth which can cause tooth decay
Sealed teeth are generally easier to clean.
It is a simple and cost effective preventive treatment to provide

FAQ’s

Does pit and fissure treatment hurt?

Not at all. It is a completely pain free treatment and you cannot feel anything afterwards.

How long do the sealants last for?

The sealant material can last for several years. Your dentist and dental hygienist will however check that the seal is intact at each visit and. If not some teeth may need to have it reapplied so that no decay can form beneath the sealant.

Is the treatment suitable for everyone?

Usually the treatment is only applied to permanent or adult teeth and can be applied once these teeth have fully emerged.

Get in touch

To discuss how Far Headingley Dental Care can provide you or your children with Pit & Fissure Sealant please complete the enquiry form on this page or call our practice on 0113 275 1323 during normal office hours.