Fissure sealing

Caries is a widespread disease in the population. In children in particular, caries often occurs on the chewing surfaces of the permanent molars, which erupt from around the age of 6. To prevent this caries, a so-called fissure sealant can be applied to the chewing surfaces, which closes the fissures (depressions on the chewing surface). Its effectiveness has been proven in many scientific studies. Fissure sealing is mainly carried out on caries-free fissures in the large permanent molars, as these sealants are covered by statutory health insurance. However, it is just as useful on the small permanent molars (premolars) and can also be carried out there. Before fissure sealing, the tooth surface is first cleaned and then conditioned (roughened) with an acid gel. The gel is rinsed off and the tooth surface is dried. The sealing material is then applied. This is a flowable plastic that closes the fissures and is hardened with UV light. A sealant is always checked during routine dental check-ups. If parts of the sealant have been lost, a new sealant can be applied if the fissure is still caries-free. Fissure sealing is a very important part of modern prophylaxis and has led to a significant reduction in caries in children and adolescents.