Fissure sealants are one of the most effective preventative treatments in dentistry, and one of the most underused outside of children’s dentistry. They are quick, painless, and one of the best returns on investment you can make in preventing decay. At Dentist Pymble, we apply sealants routinely as part of our preventative dentistry service for children and adults across the Ku-ring-gai region. This page covers what sealants are, which teeth benefit, how they are applied, how long they last, whether they are only for kids, and the cost.

What is a fissure sealant?

A fissure sealant is a thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surface of a back tooth (a molar or premolar). The sealant fills the deep grooves (fissures) where decay most often starts, creating a smooth surface that is much easier to clean with a toothbrush. The sealant does not change the bite, does not require any drilling, and is completely painless to apply.

The most common material is a resin-based sealant, which bonds to the tooth and is set with a special light. Glass ionomer sealants are an alternative, used particularly for teeth that are hard to keep dry during application (very young children, partially erupted teeth). Both materials work well; the choice depends on the specific situation.

Which teeth benefit from sealants?

The teeth that benefit most are the permanent molars and premolars, particularly:

• First permanent molars — come through around age 6, behind the baby molars. The most commonly sealed teeth.
• Second permanent molars — come through around age 12. The second most commonly sealed teeth.
• Permanent premolars — come through between ages 10-12. Sealed in some cases, particularly if the grooves are deep.
• Adult molars at higher risk — for adults at higher risk of decay (history of decay, dry mouth, certain medical conditions), sealing the molars can be a useful preventive measure.

The right time to seal a tooth is shortly after it has fully erupted, before the chewing surface has had time to develop decay. For most children, that means the first permanent molars around age 6 and the second permanent molars around age 12. For adults, sealing is done at the check-up when the dentist identifies a vulnerable tooth.

How is a sealant applied?

The application is quick and completely painless:

1. The tooth is cleaned — usually with a brush and a bit of paste, then rinsed and dried.
2. The tooth is isolated — kept dry with cotton rolls or a small rubber dam.
3. The tooth is etched — a mild acidic gel is applied to the chewing surface for 15-30 seconds, then rinsed off. This creates microscopic pores that the sealant will bond to.
4. The sealant is applied — the liquid resin is painted into the grooves.
5. The sealant is set — with a special curing light, which hardens the material in seconds.
6. The bite is checked — the dentist makes sure the sealant is not interfering with the way the teeth come together, and adjusts if needed.

The whole process takes 5-10 minutes per tooth. There is no drilling, no anaesthetic, and no discomfort. The child can eat and drink normally straight away.

How long do sealants last?

Fissure sealants typically last 5-10 years, depending on the material, the tooth, and the patient’s bite and diet. The sealants are checked at every recall visit, and any that have worn away or chipped can be topped up. The decay prevention benefit is highest in the first 2 years (up to 80% reduction in risk) and continues for as long as the sealant is intact.

The sealants do wear down over time, particularly in patients who grind their teeth or eat a lot of hard or sticky foods. The good news is that the sealants are easy to repair or replace, and the dentist will let you know at the check-up if any of them need attention.

Are sealants only for kids?

No. Sealants are most commonly used in children (because the newly erupted permanent molars are most vulnerable), but they work just as well in adults. The indications for adult sealants include:

• History of decay on the chewing surfaces
• Deep grooves that are hard to clean
• Dry mouth (reduced saliva flow means less natural protection)
• Certain medical conditions that increase decay risk
• Certain medications that reduce saliva flow
• Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment (brackets trap plaque)

The decision is made on a tooth-by-tooth basis, with the dentist recommending sealants for the teeth that would benefit most.

How much do sealants cost in Pymble?

The cost depends on the number of teeth being sealed and the material used. Per tooth, sealants are a relatively modest investment. For children, the cost is often covered by private health fund preventative dental benefits (which usually include sealants as part of the preventative cover). For adults, the cost is usually out-of-pocket but is still very reasonable. We will always provide a written quote before any treatment, and our team can run a health-fund check on the day.

If you live in Pymble, Gordon, Turramurra, Wahroonga or anywhere else in the Ku-ring-gai area and you are interested in fissure sealants (for your child or for yourself), call our practice. We see neighbouring Gordon patients and other nearby residents, and the check-up is always a good time to discuss which teeth would benefit.

Frequently asked questions

Are sealants safe? Yes, completely. The materials used have been in dentistry for decades, with a long track record of safety. The application does not involve any drilling or removal of tooth structure, and the sealant can be removed or replaced if needed.

Do sealants hurt? No. The application is completely painless, with no drilling, no anaesthetic, and no discomfort. Most children tolerate it very well, and many enjoy the process.

Can sealants be done at the same time as a check-up? Often, yes. If the dentist has identified the teeth that would benefit and the time is available, sealants can be applied in the same appointment. Otherwise, a short follow-up appointment can be scheduled.

Will my child need sealants on their baby teeth? Usually not, because the baby molars are replaced by the adult premolars. Sealants on baby molars are sometimes done in children at very high risk of decay, but the standard recommendation is to seal the permanent molars as they come through.

What happens if a sealant falls out? If a sealant chips or falls out, the tooth is still protected (the grooves are still partly filled), but the full protective benefit is lost. The dentist can usually replace the sealant at the next check-up. Most sealants last many years before they need attention.