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What is a pit and fissure sealant?
A pit and fissure sealant is a method of using dental materials (usually liquid composite or glassionomer) to cover small, deep pits and grooves on the chewing surface of teeth – especially molars. The purpose is to prevent bacteria and food from sticking, thereby effectively preventing tooth decay in young children.
This is a simple, painless, non-grinding procedure – very suitable for children from 6 years old when permanent teeth begin to grow.
Why do cavities often appear in pits and fissures?
A tooth consists of two parts: the crown and the root, separated by the neck of the tooth. Inside each tooth is the pulp surrounded by enamel and dentin. In particular, on the chewing surface of molars, there are also pits and grooves – the first affected location if tooth decay forms.
According to statistics from many studies, the rate of tooth decay in the pits and grooves of the chewing surface accounts for up to 90% of the total number of tooth decay. This is due to:
- The structure easily retains food and plaque: The grooves on the chewing surface of the teeth are often deep and narrow, making it difficult for toothbrush bristles to reach and clean. This causes food to clog, creating conditions for plaque and bacteria to grow and form tooth decay.
- Incomplete calcification of tooth enamel: Tooth decay in pits and grooves occurs frequently in children from 6 to 12 years old. Because this is the stage when the enamel layer of newly grown baby teeth is not yet mature. Therefore, resistance to tooth decay is poor, so teeth are susceptible to decay, especially in the pits and fissures.
- The condition of pit and fissure tooth decay occurs frequently in children from 6 to 12 years old. The frequency of pit and fissure tooth decay is highest in the four years after the child’s teeth erupt and continues to occur in the following years. Therefore, to prevent tooth decay, parents should have their children fill their teeth as soon as possible.
What are pit and fissure filling materials?
For children, materials used to fill pits and fissures include:
Glassionormer cement
Material made from silicate glass powder, similar in color to real teeth. After filling, the material will release fluoride to make tooth enamel harder, increase resistance to tooth decay, and increase remineralization of damaged enamel and dentin. In addition, the material also changes the composition of bacteria and plaque products. Even if the filling falls off, there will still be some material left in the deep pits and fissures to help prevent tooth decay.
Fissure Sealant
This is a clear or tooth-colored plastic coating. This sealant helps smooth the chewing surfaces of the molars, making them easier to clean. This helps prevent food from getting stuck in the grooves, thereby limiting plaque and bacteria growth that cause tooth decay.
Why should children have their pits and fissures sealed?
- Prevent early tooth decay: Pits and fissures are places where plaque easily accumulates and are difficult to clean.
- Painless – non-invasive: No anesthesia, no tooth grinding required.
- Save on future treatment costs: Avoid the risk of having to fill or treat the pulp due to tooth decay.
- Protect permanent chewing teeth: Tooth number 6 grows very early (around 6 years old) and will follow the child for life.
Which teeth are pit and fissure sealants applied to?
- Baby molars with deep pits and fissures (usually teeth number 4 and 5)
- Newly erupted permanent molars (teeth number 6, 7)
- Prioritize teeth that are not decayed, not worn, and have not been filled before
Suitable age for pit and fissure filling
- From 6 years old: Permanent molars begin to grow
- 12 years old: Stage 7 tooth grows
- Can be done earlier on baby molars if there are deep pits and fissures that are susceptible to decay
The process of filling pits and grooves at Lux Smile
Examine and evaluate molars:
- Check if the teeth are eligible for pit and fissure filling (no cavities, no filling).
Clean the surface Teeth:
- Use ultrasonic cleaning tools
Dryly isolate the area of the tooth that needs filling:
- Keep the tooth dry with a cotton roll and suck saliva to help the material adhere firmly.
Apply adhesion enhancer:
- Mild acid solution helps increase the bond between the material and the enamel.
Place the sealant material:
- The doctor uses a tip to place the material into the groove, spreading it evenly.
Light-curing: Or chemical-curing (depending on the filling material)
- Hard the material for a few seconds with blue light (if photo-curing)
- The sealant will harden itself if it is chemical-curing fit.
Check the bite and finish:
- Make sure there is no discomfort when chewing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pit and Fissure Sealants
- Is filling pits and fissures painful? Completely painless, no drilling.
- How long does the effect last? From 1-2 years, depending on eating and hygiene habits.
- Do you need to re-fill? You may need to re-fill if the material is chipped.
- Do you need to abstain from anything after filling? No, your baby can eat and drink normally.
Who should not have pit and fissure sealants?
- Teeth that have cavities or old fillings
- Teeth that are too worn, no longer have deep pits and fissures
- Children who are not old enough to have molars or do not know how to cooperate during examination
Notes after filling pits and fissures
- Clean your teeth properly, avoid eating hard foods immediately after filling
- Regular check-ups to check the adhesion of the material
Comparing pit and fissure fillings with cavities
|
Criteria |
Filling pits and grooves |
Cavity filling |
|
Item purpose |
Prevent tooth decay |
Treatment when decay has occurred |
|
Anesthesia |
Not required |
May be required |
|
Drilling teeth |
No |
Yes |
|
Performance time |
Very fast (5–10 minutes/tooth) |
15–30 minutes depending on location |
|
Suitable age suitable |
Children 6–12 years old |
All ages |
Why should you choose Lux Smile to seal your child’s teeth?
- Doctor gentle, understanding children’s psychology
- Specialized tools for children’s teeth – no fear
- High-quality sealant material, good adhesion
- Fast time, no pain, no drilling
- Transparent cost – clear consultation before treatment
Commitment from Lux Smile Dental Clinic
- Commitment to clear tooth decay prevention
- Commitment to no pain, no tooth grinding, absolutely safe
- Commitment to long-term monitoring and warranty of results
Fissure sealant – Small action, big protection for children’s smiles
Fissure sealant can be considered the first “shield” against tooth decay in children. Don’t let the first teeth be damaged early. Let Lux Smile accompany your baby on the journey to develop a healthy, bright smile from an early age.
LUX SMILE STUDIO DENTISTRY
📞 : 0969 090 098
📧 : cskh.lux@gmail.com
🏥: 19 Street 34A, An Phu Ward, City. Thu Duc
🌐 : https://nhakhoaluxsmile.com/
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