Fissure Sealants Melbourne

In the realm of preventive dentistry, fissure sealants emerge as an invaluable tool in safeguarding your smile from the clutches of tooth decay. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the significance of fissure sealants, their role in fortifying your teeth, and why early intervention is key to maintaining optimal oral health.

At Mulgrave Dental Group, we understand the crucial role that a complete smile plays in your overall health, confidence, and quality of life. Tooth replacement goes beyond aesthetics – it's about maintaining oral health, restoring function, and enjoying the benefits of a beautiful smile.

Let's delve into why replacing missing teeth is so essential.

What Are Fissure Sealants?

Fissure sealants are a remarkable dental solution designed to shield your teeth, particularly the molars and premolars, from the lurking threat of decay. These thin, protective coatings are meticulously applied to the chewing surfaces of these back teeth, forming a potent barrier against the onslaught of cavity-causing bacteria. Two critical points regarding fissure sealants:

The grooves and fissures that adorn the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars, while serving a functional purpose, can also be the Achilles' heel when it comes to tooth decay. These intricate crevices provide a haven for food particles and bacteria, rendering them challenging to clean effectively through regular brushing alone.
Early intervention is the cornerstone of oral health, and fissure sealants exemplify this principle. By applying sealants to the vulnerable fissures, we proactively shield your teeth from decay-causing factors, such as food debris and bacteria. This preventive measure not only bolsters your dental health but also minimises the need for more invasive treatments in the future.

Are Fissure Sealants Safe?

Fissure sealants wield a sophisticated strategy to shield your teeth from the clutches of decay. Let's unveil the meticulous process by which these protective barriers are applied and how they stand strong against the threats posed by bacteria and food particles.

Application Process: The journey begins with a thorough cleaning of the teeth to ensure they are free of any debris. The teeth designated for sealant application are isolated and kept dry to ensure optimal bonding. A gentle etching solution is applied to the chewing surfaces to create a micro-rough surface, enhancing the adherence of the sealant material.

Sealant Material and Its Properties: The sealant material is a durable resin, usually in liquid form, which is applied to the grooves and fissures of the teeth. This resin is specifically designed to flow into the deep contours of the teeth and bond securely to the enamel.
Creating a Protective Barrier: Once applied, the sealant material is either cured using a special light or left to naturally harden. This solidifies the resin and creates a robust protective barrier. This barrier forms an impenetrable shield against the intrusion of bacteria and food particles into the fissures, minimising the risk of decay.
Continuous Protection: Over time, the sealant remains intact, enduring the pressures of chewing and daily wear and tear. The smooth surface of the sealant makes it easier to clean during regular brushing, reducing the chances of decay in these vulnerable areas.

Science & Precision

Fissure sealants employ science and precision to create an invisible armour for your teeth. With their ability to prevent cavities in hard-to-reach areas, they stand as a testament to modern dentistry's commitment to proactive oral health care. By embracing this preventive measure, you're taking strides towards preserving your smile's brilliance and vitality.

Are Fissure Sealants Necessary?

Fissure sealants serve as a frontline defense against tooth decay and cavities, offering a range of benefits that safeguard your teeth and promote long-term oral well-being. Let's explore their protective prowess and the advantages they bring to the table.

1. Prevention of Tooth Decay and Cavities: Fissure sealants create an impermeable barrier that seals off intricate fissures and grooves on molars and premolars. By blocking entry points for bacteria and food particles, sealants effectively reduce the risk of cavities and decay in these vulnerable areas.

2. Targeted Protection for Vulnerable Areas: Particularly beneficial for children and teenagers developing dental hygiene habits, fissure sealants provide targeted protection. They are especially crucial during formative years when cleaning deep fissures on back teeth can be challenging.

3. Cost-Effectiveness in Preventive Care: Fissure sealants embody the adage "prevention is better than cure" in dentistry. This proactive investment can save you from potential costs and discomfort associated with more invasive treatments for tooth decay. They serve as a cost-effective measure, mitigating the need for fillings or extensive dental procedures down the line.

Enamel Erosion

Certain daily habits increase the need for fissure sealants. Chewing on hard objects like ice or pencils can create microcracks in teeth, making them vulnerable to decay. Inadequate oral hygiene, particularly in hard-to-reach molars, allows bacteria to thrive in fissures. Regular consumption of sugary or acidic foods accelerates enamel erosion.

Who Should Get Fissure Sealants?

Fissure sealants extend their protective embrace across various age groups, offering a shield of defense against tooth decay. Let's delve into the diverse spectrum of individuals who can reap the invaluable protection that fissure sealants provide.

1. Children & Teenagers: Fissure sealants are particularly advantageous during the developmental phase of dental hygiene habits. They bridge the gap by protecting intricate fissures on molars and premolars, preventing decay during crucial formative years.

2. Adults: Even adults with deep dental fissures or a history of tooth decay can benefit from fissure sealants. They can be applied to adjacent teeth to prevent further deterioration, even after decay has emerged.

3. Early Application for Children: Early application of fissure sealants as soon as permanent molars and premolars erupt is a proactive measure. It ensures that these teeth remain shielded from the beginning, preventing the need for invasive treatments in the future.

4. Cases of High Susceptibility to Decay: Individuals with challenging-to-clean deep fissures are prime candidates. Those with a history of cavities or high susceptibility to decay can also benefit, as fissure sealants provide an extra layer of defense.

Our Fissure Sealant Process

The journey towards strengthening your teeth through fissure sealants is incredibly simple, painless, and minimally invasive. Allow us to guide you through the steps of this preventive procedure, address any concerns you may have, and illuminate the smooth experience that awaits you.

Thorough Tooth Examination: Our process begins with a comprehensive examination of your teeth, focusing on molars and premolars. Our skilled dentist identifies teeth with deep fissures that could benefit from the application of sealants.
Cleaning and Precise Isolation: Selected teeth are gently cleaned to ensure they are free from debris and plaque. The teeth are carefully isolated to maintain a dry environment during the procedure, optimizing the bond between the sealant and enamel.
Application of Etching Solution: A gentle etching solution is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This creates a micro-rough texture, enhancing the adherence of the sealant material.
Skillful Sealant Application: Our dental experts meticulously apply the liquid sealant material to the fissures and grooves of the teeth. The resin seamlessly flows into contours and hardens, forming a robust protective barrier.
Curing for Efficiency (If Applicable): In some instances, a specialized light is used to expedite the hardening process of the sealant material.
Evaluation and Completion: Once the sealant is fully hardened, our professionals assess its placement and ensure your bite remains unaffected.

Swift Application

Applying fissure sealants is a quick and seamless process. After a thorough examination and cleaning, the liquid sealant material is carefully placed within the fissures and grooves of your teeth. The material then hardens, forming a protective barrier. Depending on the case, a special light may be used to expedite the curing process.

Fissure Sealant Costs

Investing in your oral health through fissure sealants is a wise choice that offers long-term protection against tooth decay. At Mulgrave Dental, we understand the importance of transparency when it comes to costs. Fissure sealant expenses can vary based on factors such as the number of teeth being treated and your individual dental needs, but it usually ranges between A$40 to A$90 per tooth.

Our team believes in providing affordable dental care without compromising quality. We offer competitive pricing for fissure sealants, ensuring you receive exceptional preventive care that suits your budget. While costs may differ, the value of preserving your smile and preventing potential dental issues is immeasurable.

Prioritizing preventive measures today can save you from more extensive treatments and expenses in the future. Let us guide you through the journey of protecting your teeth with fissure sealants, ensuring your oral health remains a priority without straining your finances. Your smile's well-being is our commitment, and we're here to provide you with reliable and accessible dental solutions.

Cost-Effective Prevention

Teeth sealants offer a cost-effective solution in preventive dental care. By applying a thin protective layer to the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars, sealants create a barrier against decay and cavities. This proactive measure helps avoid the need for more extensive and expensive treatments that may arise from untreated decay.

Are fissure sealants painful to apply?

No, applying fissure sealants is not painful. The process is non-invasive and typically doesn't require local anaesthesia. Patients usually find it comfortable and painless. If you have any concerns, our dental team will ensure your experience is smooth and stress-free. Your oral health is our priority, and we're here to make the process as comfortable as possible.

How long do fissure sealants last?

Fissure sealants can last several years, providing effective protection against decay. On average, they can endure for around 5 to 10 years. However, their longevity can vary based on factors such as oral hygiene practices, chewing habits, and the specific sealant material used. Regular dental check-ups allow our team to monitor the condition of your sealants and recommend any necessary touch-ups or replacements. Your smile's resilience is our priority, and we're here to ensure your oral health journey remains strong and vibrant.

Can fissure sealants be applied to already decayed teeth?

Fissure sealants are designed as a preventive measure and are most effective when applied to healthy teeth with intact enamel. They are not suitable for teeth that are already decayed or damaged. In cases of decay, your dentist will recommend appropriate treatments such as fillings or restorations to address the issue.

Can adults get fissure sealants on their teeth?

Absolutely, adults can benefit from fissure sealants as well. While they are often associated with children's dental care, adults with deep fissures or a high risk of decay in their molars and premolars can benefit from sealants. These protective coatings are tailored to age groups, offering proactive protection to maintain optimal oral health.

Can fissure sealants be removed or replaced?

Yes, fissure sealants can be replaced or renewed if needed. Over time, sealants may wear down or become damaged, and your dentist can assess their condition during regular check-ups. If necessary, existing sealants can be gently removed and replaced with new ones to continue providing protection against decay. Your dental team will recommend the best course of action based on your individual needs.

Payment plans

Mulgrave Dental Group accepts various methods of payments and interest-free payment plan options.

We accept AfterPay, Zip, and Humm payment plans. The ATO now accepts early super release for medical treatments or expenses if you meet the eligibility criteria. Should you wish to obtain more information about this process please call us on (03) 9562 5156 to discuss further.

Mulgrave Dental Group is located only 20 minutes from Melbourne CBS. By car take the Monash Freeway - Wellington Road exist both south bound and north bound. We are located at 47 Wanda Street, Mulgrave 3170 Victoria.