Fissure Sealants in Vaughan

What Are Fissure Sealants?

Fissures are the narrow grooves naturally found on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Some fissures are shallow and relatively easy to brush, while others are deep enough that toothbrush bristles may not reach the bottom effectively.

A fissure sealant is a flowable plastic or resin-based polymer coating applied by our dentist over these pits and grooves in the teeth. The material bonds to the tooth enamel and hardens to form a smoother protective surface. This physical barrier helps prevent food debris and cavity-causing bacteria from settling into areas that are difficult to clean.

Sealants do not replace brushing, flossing, fluoride, professional dental cleanings, or regular dental examinations. Instead, they provide targeted protection for the chewing surfaces most vulnerable to trapped plaque and food, protecting your teeth from decay and infection.

Who Can Benefit From Dental Sealants at Expo City Dental?

Fissure sealants are commonly recommended for children and teenagers as their permanent molars emerge. However, adults with healthy, unrestored back teeth and deep grooves may also benefit. Our dentists can assess the condition and shape of your teeth during a routine dental check-up and determine whether sealants should be included in your preventive dental care.

Our dentist in Vaughan may recommend fissure sealants for:

• Children whose first permanent molars have emerged, typically around age six
• Preteens and teenagers whose second permanent molars have emerged, often around age twelve
• Children with deep pits and grooves in their baby teeth who have an elevated risk of cavities
• Teenagers with cavity-prone permanent molars
• Adults with deep grooves in otherwise healthy molars or premolars
• Patients who have difficulty cleaning the chewing surfaces of their back teeth thoroughly
• Patients with a history of cavities or other factors that increase their risk of tooth decay

Every patient is different. During your examination, the dentist will check whether the tooth has already developed decay, contains an existing restoration, or is suitable for sealing. Parents can also ask about sealants during a visit for pediatric dentistry in Vaughan.

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How Are Fissure Sealants Applied?

Applying a fissure sealant is generally quick, comfortable, and minimally invasive. It does not normally require drilling or local anesthetic.

The process usually involves the following steps:

• Examining the tooth: The dentist checks the tooth and confirms that a sealant is appropriate.
• Cleaning the chewing surface: Plaque and food debris are removed from the pits and grooves.
• Keeping the tooth dry: The tooth is isolated because moisture can interfere with how well the sealant bonds.
• Preparing the enamel: A mild conditioning gel is applied briefly to create a surface to which the sealant can adhere.
• Applying the sealant: The liquid sealant material is carefully painted into the pits and fissures.
• Hardening the material: An advanced curing light is used to set the sealant.
• Checking the bite: Dr. Farzin, our local dentist in Vaughan, confirms that the sealed tooth feels comfortable when the patient bites down.

Several teeth can often be treated during the same appointment. The exact length of the visit will depend on how many teeth are being sealed and how easily they can be kept clean and dry during application.

What Is the Difference Between a Sealant and a Filling?

A fissure sealant is primarily a preventive treatment. It is applied to a vulnerable chewing surface to help stop decay from developing within its pits and grooves.

A dental filling is a restorative treatment used when a tooth has already been damaged by a cavity, fracture, or another concern. The damaged area is treated before the filling material is placed to restore the tooth’s structure.

If an examination shows that a tooth already requires restoration, our dentists may recommend a dental filling instead of a preventive sealant.

Protect Your Smile in Concord, Vaughan at Expo City Dental

Visit Expo City Dental for an assessment with a dentist in Vaughan. Our dental team can examine your teeth or your child’s teeth, explain the available preventive treatments, and recommend care based on your individual oral health needs.