Fissures are natural grooves that are found on the biting surfaces of teeth. All molars and premolars have fissures. Sometimes, fissures can be found on the canines and the front teeth. If the fissures are narrow and deep, it makes it difficult for the toothbrush to clean out food debris making the trapped food a source of nutrients for bacteria to feed on and results in plaque formation which eats into the tooth enamel and causes tooth decay.
The deeper and the narrower the fissure is, the more likely it is to develop decay. The best way to prevent decay from happening is to place fissure sealants on the chewing and grinding surfaces of teeth that are most vulnerable. Fissure sealants are coatings that protect the teeth from plaque and acid and may be white, clear or tinted.
Treatment is quick and non-invasive and only involves applying a coat of sealant to the tooth surface, allowing it to set and form a protective barrier.
