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Fissure Sealants

Deep pits and grooves can be found on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Such pits and grooves are termed ‘fissures’ and are usually so narrow that toothbrush bristles and streams of water are not able to clean them effectively. These form a favourable environment for bacteria to flourish, often resulting in tooth decay.

What can be done?

Fissure sealants can be applied to the teeth. Fissure sealants are special materials used by dentists to seal off pits and fissures from the oral environment. Sealing the tooth surface protects fissures from bacteria and fermentable foods like sugar and starches to prevent decay from starting deep within the fissures. Any tooth with pits and fissures can be treated, provided the surface to be filled is sound and has not been previously filled. The most commonly treated teeth are the molars and premolars.

How are sealants applied?

Sealants are applied easily and painlessly. No drilling is required. The tooth is properly cleaned, treated, dried, and the sealant applied. It then hardens to form a protective coating over the tooth.

How effective are sealants and how long can they last?

Many studies show sealants to be very effective in preventing decay in fissures. They do, however, require regular maintenance by your dentist. This can be performed with your six- monthly check-up. Recent studies show that a properly placed sealant will last as long as a typical amalgam filling. Even if a sealant is damaged or lost, it is easily repaired and replaced. Regular maintenance by your dentist will help them last. This can be done with your six-monthly check-up.

When should sealants be put on the teeth?

Sealants are most effective when applied after the eruption of the tooth. Early application ensures pits and fissures are sealed before the decay process begins.

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Very professional dental practice, both dentists and staff are very helpful. All treatments and procedures are explained thoroughly, and your mind is put at ease.

Wouldn’t go anywhere else!

- S.Gill

After being terrified of Dentist for almost 60 years, I have at last found in Greg one that I can trust. He is kind, thoughtful and advises you every step of the way. I was actually able to sit through and have an extraction without fear, Did not feel a thing!

Thank you Greg

- AB

Just wanted to say a big ‘Thank you’ to you for all the time & effort you put into making sure my veneer was just right. It really is a job well done , & the care you took is very much appreciated. I’ve had several veneers over the past 20 years, but none look as natural as this one. Please pass on my thanks to the laboratory too.

Best Wishes

- AC

To Greg, & all the staff at Rotherholme Dental Practice.

I just wanted to thank you for being so patient with me & helping me conquer my ‘fear of dentist!’ For saying that 6 months ago I couldn’t even go into the waiting room without panicking & crying….I shall almost miss my regular visits!

Thank you and see you in 6months – “with no fear at all”

- EL

Dear Judith

Just a short note to say thank you for being so patient with me. Thanks to you and all your friendly staff, I have overcome my fear of dentist again, and from now on shall be attending regular check ups. Thank you all once again.

- SH

Many, many thanks for your kindness and patience. Completely painless and restored my faith in dentist.

To Greg, Judith, Hannah, Kate & Sarah

Thank you for letting me experience a brilliant dentistry practice!

I wanted to say how very pleased I was with the last work you did on my teeth.

The crown and bridge blend beautifully with the rest of my teeth, and the denture was so comfortable that from the very beginning, I had to check whether I was really wearing it!

Thank you very much indeed, with all good wishes.

- AB