Your Guide to Fissure Sealants

Learn how fissure sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from decay and who is most likely to benefit from them.

Category: Pre-Treatment

What are fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have deep grooves and pits (fissures) on their surfaces where food and bacteria can collect and lead to decay — even with careful brushing.

The sealant flows into these grooves and sets hard, creating a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that helps protect the tooth from decay.

Who benefits most from fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are most commonly recommended for:

Children and teenagers — particularly after the permanent back teeth have erupted (usually between ages 6 and 14)
People with deep, difficult-to-clean fissures in their teeth
People with a higher risk of tooth decay due to diet, dry mouth, or reduced ability to maintain thorough oral hygiene

Adults can also benefit from sealants if their back teeth have deep grooves and no existing decay or fillings. NICE guidance supports the use of fissure sealants as a preventive measure for children and young people at moderate to high risk of decay.

What does the procedure involve?

Applying a fissure sealant is quick, painless, and requires no injections or drilling:

The tooth surface is cleaned and dried
A mild acidic solution is applied briefly to help the sealant bond to the enamel
The tooth is rinsed and dried again
The liquid sealant material is painted into the grooves
A blue light is shone on the sealant for a few seconds to harden it
The bite is checked and any excess trimmed

The whole process takes just a few minutes per tooth and is entirely comfortable.

How effective are sealants?

Evidence shows that fissure sealants significantly reduce the risk of decay in the chewing surfaces of back teeth. However, they are not a guarantee against cavities and need to be:

Checked at every dental visit — they can wear down or chip over time
Reapplied if they become damaged or lost
Combined with good oral hygiene and a low-sugar diet for maximum benefit

Sealants only protect the chewing surface — the sides and gaps between teeth still need careful brushing and flossing.

Risks and considerations

Fissure sealants have an established safety record with minimal risks:

Rarely, a very early, invisible area of decay beneath a sealed surface may be trapped. Your dentist will X-ray teeth periodically to check for this.
Some people may have an allergy to the materials — this is extremely rare
Sealants may affect the bite very slightly when first placed, but this settles quickly

Questions to ask your dentist

Which of my teeth (or my child's teeth) would benefit most from sealants?
How will you check that there is no early decay under the surface before sealing?
How often should sealants be checked and how long do they typically last?

This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dentist about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dentist will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.

References

Aligned with guidance from: SDCEP, NICE, FGDP(UK), Public Health England.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-01.

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