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A fissure sealant is a safe and painless way of protecting
teeth from decay. Traditionally used for children, a sealant is a plastic
coating applied to the biting surfaces of back teeth to stop decay starting in
the tiny grooves. Liquid sealant is applied to the surface of the tooth
and set with a special light.
Why would I need a fissure sealant?
Some teeth have deep grooves that are prone to decay and teeth at the
back of the mouth may be difficult to clean. These benefit
from additional protection. In children, fissure sealants can help to keep
such vulnerable teeth free from decay right into adulthood.
How long does a fissure sealant last?
Your dentist will check the fissure sealants regularly to ensure
that they are still intact. Sometimes they need to be replaced, but in
most cases they do not. The effect of fissure sealants is long lived -
scientific reviews carried out by a respected organisation known as the
Cochrane Database in 1993 and 2004 show that fissure sealants reduce
caries by 71-86% after 1 year and by 57-59% even after four years.
How much does a fissure sealant cost?
Fissure sealants cost from £20.00 for children
and from £29.00 for adults.
Will the dentist use anaesthetic?
Anaesthetic isn't necessary. Placing a fissure sealant is
a quick and painless procedure.
Are there any alternatives to fissure sealants?
No, but fissure sealants are just one aspect of prevention - you
can read more about this in our preventive dentistry
section.
Interest free credit
If you spend over £500, you can spread the cost of your treatment over up to 6 months, interest free.
Spend £1,500 or more and you can have up to 12 months to pay at no extra cost.
What is a fissure sealant?