A child’s first adult molars grow into the mouth – one in each corner – at around 6 years old. No baby teeth will fall out prior to this as the adult molars grow behind the last milk tooth at the back of the mouth.

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Second adult molars grow in behind the first adult molars at around 12 years of age. These 6 and 12 year old molars are formed with deep grooves (fissures) on their biting surface which can harbour millions of cavity causing bacteria. Some of these fissures are too narrow for even one toothbrush fibre to reach making them more prone to decay.

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By having these tooth fissures sealed, decay can be prevented on the biting surfaces of the teeth. The best time to place fissure sealants is as soon as possible after they have grown into the mouth. However, they can be done at any time.

The procedure is quick and easy and is completed in three simple steps :

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1. The teeth are thoroughly cleaned

2. The sealant is applied which flows into the grooves

3. The sealant is set hard with a blue light leaving a smooth, easy to clean surface.

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Having fissure sealants placed is a quick and easy procedure that can be provided by any of our dentists.

Fissure sealants can last many years and do not routinely need to be reapplied.