Fissure sealants

In some people, the grooves on the surfaces of the back teeth are too narrow and deep to clean with a toothbrush - the plaque left there leads to dental decay.

Fissure Sealants are a safe and effective way of protecting the teeth at the back of your mouth, teeth which have deep grooves and so are more vulnerable to decay.

We use sealants in two ways: to smooth off the surface of the tooth making it easier to keep clean, and to fill very small holes and so avoid having to drill and fill them.

The process is usually quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes for each tooth. We clean and prepare the tooth with a special solution, then the sealant is then applied and allowed to set hard, usually by shining an ultra-violet light onto it.

Once we've treated you with fissure sealant, we'll check your teeth regularly to make sure the seal remains intact - sealants can wear down over a period of time. We'll also advise you on the best way to clean your teeth to keep them strong and healthy.