Fissure Sealants in Highton, Geelong

Fissure sealants are a quick, painless way to help protect your child's back teeth from decay.

At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), our team can assess whether your child’s back teeth need extra protection from decay, and explain the treatment to you and your child before it begins.

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What Are Fissure Sealants?

Fissure sealant is a thin protective coating, which is applied over the grooves.

Fissures are the natural grooves on the biting surface of the back teeth. In many children, these grooves are narrow and deep, which makes them difficult to clean properly with a toothbrush. Food and bacteria can build up in them, which increases the risk of tooth decay.

A fissure sealant is a thin protective coating, made from a tooth-filling type of material, that is applied over these grooves. It helps stop food and bacteria from sticking in the fissures and makes the tooth surface easier to brush clean.

Sealants are usually white or clear and are most commonly placed on the molars, the large chewing teeth at the back of the mouth.

Sealing a tooth is a preventive treatment. It is designed to help protect a healthy tooth before decay starts, rather than to repair damage that has already happened.

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Who May Benefit from Fissure Sealants?

Fissure sealants are a common treatment for children.

Fissure sealants are a common treatment for children and teenagers, and are usually placed soon after the back adult teeth have come through. Not every child, or every tooth, needs them. Your dentist will consider factors such as:

  • The depth and shape of the grooves on your child's back teeth
  • Whether the teeth are newly erupted and still fully exposed to the risk of decay
  • Your child's history of tooth decay
  • How well your child is able to brush and clean the back teeth
  • Your child's general health and overall oral health

Sometimes teeth other than the molars may also benefit from sealing, and your dentist will let you know if this is the case. A dental check-up is the best way to find out whether fissure sealants are suitable for your child.

What to Expect During Fissure Sealant Treatment

Applying fissure sealants is a simple procedure. It does not involve drilling, and it does not hurt. Most children find it easy to settle into, which makes it a good first step in preventive care for younger patients.

Learn More About Fissure Sealants For Kids
Dentist examining a child's teeth and deciding if they would benefit from sealing.

Check-up and assessment

Your dentist examines your child's teeth and decides which teeth, if any, would benefit from sealing.

Dentist cleaning a child’s teeth.

Cleaning

The tooth is thoroughly cleaned so the sealant can sit securely on the surface.

A gentle etching solution is applied to the tooth.

Preparation and drying

A gentle etching solution is applied to the tooth for a short time. It lightly roughens the surface so the sealant can bond securely.

The tooth is then rinsed and kept dry, as moisture can stop the sealant from bonding properly.

Liquid sealant is applied onto the grooves of the tooth.

Application

The liquid sealant is painted gently onto the grooves of the tooth.

Dentist checking if the sealant is affecting the child’s bite.

Setting and checking

Many sealant materials are set with a special light, while some set on their own. Your dentist then checks that the sealant feels comfortable and that your child's bite is not affected.

Caring for Your Child's Sealed Teeth

The child is brushing their teeth regularly.

After fissure sealants are placed, your child can brush their teeth as usual, and sealed teeth should be easier to keep clean. A few things help keep the sealants working well:

  • Keep up the daily routine
    Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth. Sealants are only one part of preventive care.
  • Go easy on sugary snacks and drinks
    These still affect the rest of the tooth surfaces, not just the sealed grooves.
  • Avoid chewing on hard objects
    Chewing nuts, seeds and ice can wear or chip a sealant.
  • Attend regular check-ups
    Sealants can wear over time with everyday chewing, so your dentist checks them at your child's routine dental check-ups.
  • Let us know if something feels different
    If a sealant looks worn, rough or has come away, book a visit so your dentist can discuss repairing or replacing it.
  • Protect teeth during sport
    A custom mouthguard helps protect your child's teeth in active play.
Learn More About Children’s Mouthguard

Is Your Child Nervous About the Dentist?

Calm child during a dentist procedure in Highton, Geelong.

It is common for children to feel unsure about visiting the dentist. Because fissure sealants are quick and painless, they are often a gentle way for young patients to build confidence in the dental chair.

Our team takes the time to explain each step in simple terms and works at your child's pace. Where anxiety is a bigger concern, you can also read about our sedation dentistry options.

Learn More About Our Sedation Dentistry

Health Funds for Fissure Sealants

If you have private health insurance with dental extras, you may be able to claim part of the cost of your fissure sealants, depending on your level of cover and annual limits. The amount covered can vary between health funds and individual policies, so it is best to check before your appointment.

At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), our team can help you understand the payment options available at the clinic. Please bring your private health insurance card to your appointment so we can assist with your claim where applicable.

Eligible children may also be able to access dental benefits through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, which helps cover part or all of the cost of some basic dental services for eligible children in Australia.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the deep grooves on the biting surface of the back teeth. They help stop food and bacteria from sticking in the grooves, which can reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Do fissure sealants hurt?

No. Applying fissure sealants is quick and painless, and it does not involve drilling or removing any of the tooth.

Which teeth are fissure sealants used on?

Sealants are most commonly placed on the molars, which are the large chewing teeth at the back of the mouth. Sometimes other teeth with deep grooves may also benefit, and your dentist will advise which teeth are suitable.

When should my child have fissure sealants?

Sealants are usually placed soon after the back adult teeth have come through. Not every child needs them, so a dental check-up is the best way to find out whether and when they are recommended for your child.

How are fissure sealants applied?

The tooth is cleaned, then treated with a gentle etching solution that helps the sealant bond. After the tooth is rinsed and dried, the liquid sealant is painted onto the grooves. Many sealant materials are set using a special light, while some set on their own. The process is simple and does not require drilling.

Do fissure sealants last forever?

No. Like other filling materials, sealants can wear over time with everyday chewing and may occasionally chip or lift. Your dentist will check them at routine check-ups and can repair or replace them if needed.

Does my child still need to brush if they have fissure sealants?

Yes. Sealants only protect the biting surfaces of the back teeth, so the rest of the tooth still needs protecting. Your child should keep brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth, and limiting sugary foods and drinks.

What payment options are available at My Dentist Geelong (Highton)?

My Dentist Geelong (Highton) offers a variety of payment options, including DentiCare payment plans, private health insurance rebates through HICAPS, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), and Department of Veterans’ Affairs dental benefits. Availability may depend on your treatment type and eligibility, so please check with the clinic when booking your appointment.

Can I get a same-day appointment for fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are a preventive treatment, so they are usually booked ahead. If your child has a toothache, swelling or a broken tooth, the clinic offers same-day appointments for urgent concerns, subject to availability.

Ready to Smile with Confidence?

Conveniently located within Barrabool Hills Plaza in Highton, Geelong, My Dentist Geelong (Highton) welcomes patients from Highton, Belmont, Wandana Heights, Newtown, Waurn Ponds, Ceres, Fyansford and Manifold Heights, as well as the wider Geelong community.

With easy access just off the M1 Princes Highway / Great Ocean Road and ample free parking within the shopping centre, visiting our clinic is simple and stress-free. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, restorative or emergency dental care, our team is here to help.

Experience stress-free dental visits at My Dentist Geelong (Highton), conveniently located in Barrabool Hills Plaza with ample parking.