At Unley Park Dental, we understand that the thought of Pit & Fissure Sealants can be a bit daunting at times.
We Know You’re Worried, So Here’s A Quick Pep Talk
Nobody wants their kid to need fillings, but those deep grooves in back teeth make cavities almost inevitable. Pit and fissure sealants change that by sealing off the spots where decay often starts. We call them tiny shields because they’re small, but the long-term impact is big.
Whether you’re looking for something to help your child stay cavity-free or a dental practice that understands how to make tooth care easier for families, we can help. We’ll guide you through the decision, share practical advice, and help your child feel comfortable throughout the process.
What are fissure sealants for?
Fissure sealants are a preventive dental treatment used to protect the back teeth—usually molars and premolars—from tooth decay. These teeth naturally have deep grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces, which can trap food and bacteria even with regular brushing.
In children and teens especially, these areas can be hard to keep clean, making them more vulnerable to cavities. Fissure sealants seal off those grooves with a thin, protective layer that acts as a physical barrier, preventing plaque and debris from settling in.
Sealants are most commonly recommended for children shortly after their permanent molars come through, usually around ages 6 and 12. However, they can also be useful for teenagers or even adults who have deep grooves in their teeth and are at a higher risk of decay. While they don’t replace the need for good oral hygiene, sealants can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in the areas they protect.
On average, sealants can last several years before needing reapplication, depending on the individual’s chewing habits and overall oral health. We will check them regularly during routine check-ups to ensure they’re still intact and providing effective protection.
What makes fissure sealants different from other treatments is their proactive nature: they help stop problems before they start. Rather than waiting for decay to appear and then filling it, sealants are a low-cost, high-value option for long-term dental health, especially in children still learning consistent brushing habits.
At Unley Park Dental, we often recommend fissure sealants as part of a broader preventive care plan, designed around each child’s individual needs and risk factors. It’s a simple step that can save you time, stress, and cost in the future. Most importantly, it helps protect your child’s smile while it’s still growing.
The Process
The fissure sealant procedure is quick, painless, and non-invasive, which makes it perfect for children and teens.
Step 1
The Treatment
The first step is cleaning the tooth thoroughly to remove any plaque or food debris from the grooves.
Step 2
Next, our dentist will apply a gentle etching gel to the chewing surface to help the sealant bond properly. After a few seconds, the gel is rinsed off and the tooth is dried.
Then, the dentist carefully paints a thin layer of sealant material onto the deep pits and fissures of the tooth. This material flows into the grooves and is then hardened with a special blue curing light. Once set, the sealant becomes a smooth, protective barrier.
The entire process takes only a few minutes per tooth and doesn’t require any needles or drilling.
Step 3
Recovery
Fissure sealants don’t require a recovery period in the traditional sense—your child can eat, drink, and go about their day as usual right after the procedure. However, a few simple do’s and don’ts can help keep the sealants in place and working well.
Why Choose Us for Fissure Sealants?
Our care goes beyond the chair.
Because you want a dentist who combines experience, innovation, and care. We deliver thoughtful, individualised treatments with the latest technology—always guided by your comfort, needs, and goals.
We don’t follow the standard script. We plan deeper, communicate better, and aim higher. Our process is led by genuine relationships, not conveyor-belt care. From our technology to our tone, everything we do is about delivering a more refined experience.
Each member of our team brings a specialist skillset and a shared philosophy: excellence with empathy. Our dentists are not only highly qualified—they’re deeply committed to your comfort and results.
We believe that great results begin long before treatment starts. Our process starts with a detailed consultation and examination. Using state-of-the-art tools–hih-resolution photography, digital x-rays, and 3D imaging–we map out every detail of your dental needs. This approach allows us to plan with precision and avoid unnecessary surprises. Whether you’re here for a simple clean or a full-mouth reconstruction, we’re always thinking three steps ahead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fissure sealant?A fissure sealant is a protective coating applied to the grooves of back teeth to help prevent cavities. It acts as a barrier against food and bacteria, making the tooth surface smoother and easier to clean—especially for children still developing their brushing habits.
How long does fissure sealant last?Fissure sealants can last anywhere from 2 to 7 years, sometimes longer with good care. Our dentists will check them at regular appointments and reapply them if needed. Daily brushing, a healthy diet, and avoiding sticky foods can help them stay effective for longer.
What are the disadvantages of fissure sealants?While fissure sealants are safe and effective, they can wear down over time or chip if exposed to very hard or sticky foods. They don’t replace good oral hygiene, and they may need occasional touch-ups to maintain their protective effect.
Do adults need fissure sealants?Sealants are most commonly used for children and teens, but adults with deep grooves or a history of decay may also benefit. Our dentists can assess your risk and recommend sealants if they’ll provide added protection for your back teeth.
How much do fissure sealants cost?The cost of fissure sealants in Australia typically ranges from $30 to $60 per tooth. Some private health funds may cover part or all of the cost, especially for children. At Unley Park Dental, we’ll give you a precise estimate before treatment.
What Types of Fissure Sealants are there?There are two main types of dental sealants commonly used: resin-based sealants and glass ionomer sealants. Both protect teeth from decay, but they differ slightly in how they bond to the tooth and how long they last.
Resin-based sealants are the most widely used. They’re made from a durable plastic material that bonds tightly to the enamel and creates a strong, long-lasting barrier over the tooth’s pits and fissures. These sealants are ideal for children’s permanent molars and can last for several years with proper care.
Glass ionomer sealants, on the other hand, release small amounts of fluoride over time, offering an added layer of protection against cavities. They don’t bond as tightly as resin-based sealants and tend to wear down more quickly, so they may need to be reapplied more often. However, they can be useful in situations where moisture control is difficult, such as with younger children or partially erupted teeth.
What are the Benefits of fissure sealants?At Unley Park Dental, we see sealants as a practical, low-stress way to keep your child’s teeth healthy for several reasons.
First is prevention. By sealing off the pits and fissures where food and bacteria like to hide, sealants create a smooth surface that’s easier to keep clean and far less likely to develop cavities.
For children and teens, sealants can significantly reduce the need for future fillings or more invasive dental treatments. They’re quick to apply, completely painless, and don’t require any drilling, making them ideal for younger patients or anyone nervous about dental work.
Sealants also offer long-term savings. A small upfront investment in prevention often means avoiding the higher costs and discomfort of treating decay later on. In some cases, they may even be covered by dental insurance, particularly for children.
Another key benefit is that they support good oral health habits. With fewer problem areas to worry about, you and your kids can focus more confidently on daily brushing and flossing routines.
What are some do’s and don’ts after the procedure?Do:
- Encourage gentle chewing for the first few hours, just to let the sealants settle.
- Maintain regular brushing and flossing, especially around the sealed teeth.
- Book routine dental check-ups, so your dentist can monitor the sealants and reapply them if needed.
- Offer water after meals to help rinse away food particles, especially if they can’t brush right away.
Don’t:
- Avoid sticky or hard foods (like chewing gum, toffees, or ice) in the first 24 hours; they can dislodge the sealant if not fully set.
- Don’t skip oral hygiene, assuming the sealants are enough on their own—they’re just one part of cavity prevention.
Other Services We Offer
Cosmetic Dentistry
Your smile says a lot about you. We offer tailored cosmetic solutions designed to enhance, not overhaul, your appearance. Our services include professional teeth whitening to lift stains, porcelain veneers to perfect shape and colour, and full smile design services that harmonise aesthetics with facial balance. Every cosmetic treatment is planned with your goals and ensures that results look naturally beautiful and feel comfortable.
Orthodontics
Orthodontic care is about more than just aesthetics. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, less prone to wear, and better for your bite and jaw health. We offer clear aligners for discreet correction and traditional braces for more complex cases. Our orthodontic plans are personalised for adults and teens, ensuring comfort, compliance, and great results.
Dental Implants & Restorative Dentistry
Missing or damaged teeth can impact your confidence, speech, and chewing ability. Our restorative dentistry solutions—like dental implants, crowns, and bridges—help you regain full function and appearance. We use digital scans and premium materials to ensure every restoration fits perfectly and lasts. For those needing full-arch solutions, we offer All-on-4 treatments and high-quality dentures designed for natural appearance and stability.
Specialist Dental Services
We offer in-house access to advanced dental procedures you’d typically need a referral for. Our specialist services include gum disease management (periodontics), oral surgery, and crown lengthening for aesthetic or functional improvement. We also provide sleep dentistry (sedation) for nervous patients and emergency appointments when urgency matters most.
Book With Confidence
At Unley Park Dental, Wisdom Teeth Removals are never routine. We treat each case with the care it deserves. With highly detailed imaging, a gentle approach, and a focus on your comfort, we aim to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
