Protect Your Teeth with Fissure Sealant Treatment in Melbourne

No, fissure sealants are not painful at all.

The procedure is very quick and non-invasive, and typically requires no local anaesthesia - you won’t need it because there’s nothing really to feel! Patients usually find the procedure comfortable and painless

Compared to other dental treatment options, fissure sealants are a relatively small investment that can last a very long time. We generally expect a sealant to last around five to 10 years, though their longevity can vary based on factors such as your oral hygiene and chewing habits.

We recommend regular dental check-ups at least once or twice a year to allow our team to monitor the condition of your sealants (and broader oral health), plus make any necessary touch-ups or replacements.

While this depends on the teeth and their condition, not usually.

Fissure sealants are a preventative measure which is most effective when applied to healthy teeth with intact enamel. They’re not typically suitable for teeth which have already decayed, or become damaged beyond very minor cracks. In these cases, our team may recommend more appropriate treatments such as fillings, dental bonding or crowns, which would better address the issue.

Absolutely, adults can benefit from fissure sealants as much as anyone else. While this treatment is most commonly associated with children’s dental care, adults with deep fissures or a high risk of decay, and who haven’t had this treatment before, may find their dentist recommends it to ensure the long-term safety of their teeth.

Yes, fissure sealants are entirely reversible - and can be replaced or renewed if needed. Over time, sealant may wear down or become damaged, just like the surfaces of your teeth themselves. If your dentist notices that a sealant is nearing the end of its life, they may gently remove the old material and replace it with new sealant to continue to provide protection against decay.

Fissure sealants are widely considered both safe and effective for use in people of all age groups. While they can become chipped or damaged over time, it’s relatively simple to remove old sealant and replace it, and it will not generally affect your bite.

You can typically eat normally after getting a fissure sealant, though your dentist may recommend that you wait at least 30 minutes to make sure it has had time to fully harden. It’s also considered a good idea to avoid particularly hard or sticky foods in the first 24 hours, just in case anything dislodges the new sealant by accident.

Every individual is different, so it’s tricky to say whether fissure sealants are ‘necessary’ for everyone. That said, it’s a very common preventative dental treatment option for a few reasons:

• It’s an easy win in the fight against tooth decay, helping to seal tight nooks and crannies against bacterial growth and blocking decay before it can start.
• It offers targeted protection for vulnerable areas, especially in children and teenagers who are still developing their oral hygiene habits.
• It’s highly cost effective compared to other more expensive, more invasive treatment options. In some cases, fissure sealants can entirely prevent the need for fillings or more extensive repair work.

If you aren’t sure whether a fissure sealant is necessary for you, talk to our friendly team here on Wanda Street, Mulgrave and we’ll help create a plan tailored to your mouth.