Fissure sealants are a highly effective, preventative dental treatment designed to protect back teeth (molars and premolars) from decay. The chewing surfaces of back teeth naturally contain narrow grooves and pits—known as fissures—which can easily trap food debris and plaque. Because these grooves are often too fine for toothbrush bristles to reach and clean properly, they are particularly vulnerable to cavities, especially in children and young teenagers.
At The Dental Gallery in Ealing, fissure sealants provide a quick, painless, and non-invasive shield against tooth decay. The procedure involves applying a tough, tooth-coloured plastic resin directly onto the pitted surfaces of the teeth, creating a smooth barrier that seals out bacteria and food particles. Under the expert care of Dr Roham Barez and the team, sealants are applied seamlessly without any drilling or removal of tooth structure, ensuring long-lasting protection for developing and adult teeth alike.
Forms a protective physical barrier that prevents food particles and plaque from settling into deep tooth grooves.
Requires no drilling, injections, or removal of the natural tooth structure, making it ideal for young patients.
Uses clear or tooth-coloured resin materials that blend in naturally with your teeth.
Sealants can last for several years, offering continuous protection through crucial childhood and teenage years.
Fissure sealants are protective plastic coatings applied to the biting surfaces of back teeth. They seal up the tiny grooves (fissures) where food and bacteria gather, making the surface smoother and significantly easier to keep clean.
While sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teenagers as soon as their permanent molars come through (usually around ages 6 and 12), adults with deep tooth fissures and no existing fillings can also benefit from them.
Not at all. The process is completely painless and straightforward. The dentist cleans and prepares the tooth surface, applies the liquid sealant, and sets it using a special curing light—all without any drilling or local anaesthetic.
Sealants can last for many years. During your routine dental check-ups, your dentist will monitor them and can easily repair or reapply the sealant if it shows signs of wear over time.
Yes, absolutely. Fissure sealants protect the biting surfaces of back teeth, but you still need to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to protect the other surfaces and maintain healthy gums.
