24 October 2024 | Globosoft
Fissurotomy vs. Traditional Sealant Application: Which Is Better for Your Teeth?
Fissurotomy and dental sealants are two of the most common treatments dentists will often prescribe for the prevention of cavities. They essentially work to do the same thing—to protect your teeth from decay, but they each use a slightly different approach.
What is Fissurotomy?
Fissurotomy is a treatment where your dentist removes small grooves or pits in the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, such as molars and premolars. Grooves can be deep and easily trap food particles and germs that cause cavities. When performing this procedure, the dentist carefully cleans out the grooves and smooths them out by using a filling material. This makes it easier to clean the tooth while keeping it safe from decay.
What is Traditional Sealant Application?
A sealant is a thin layer of plastic applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth in order to protect them from cavities. It bonds in the grooves to prevent food particles and bacteria from getting stuck there. The process is very quick and painless. After preparing and cleaning the tooth, the dentist applies a gel to roughen the surface so that the sealant can bond well and then seals the entire area. Upon application, the sealant hardens, creating a smooth, protective coating.
Key Differences Between Fissurotomy and Sealant Application
Procedure Invasiveness
Fissurotomy is slightly more invasive in its nature, as it requires removing a part of the enamel in the process, especially if the grooves are deep. Despite that, the procedure is still largely minimally invasive, but not as invasive as applying sealants. The application of sealants involves no drilling, and it does not remove tooth material. All the dentist has to do is clean the tooth and apply the sealant.
Efficacy
Fissurotomy is very effective for teeth that have deep grooves that cannot easily be cleaned inside. It minimizes the possibility of accumulation of bacteria and food as well in these grooves that lead to cavities. For shallow grooves, sealants are always suitable as they bar food and bacteria entrance. They are exceptionally great for teeth that do not have deep grooves or decay.
Longevity and Maintenance
The fissurotomy also offers a long-term result as it addresses the physical structure of the tooth. Since the grooves are smoothened, they do not trap bacteria, but regular check-ups at the dentist's office are still a must in order to keep the treated area healthy. Sealants last for several years but can wear down over time, especially with chewing or grinding. Sealants may need to be reapplied after a few years to continue protecting your teeth.
Applicability for Different Age Groups
Fissurotomy is usually recommended for children, teens, or adults whose grooves are deep and are prone to developing cavities. It is often recommended to people who cannot clean their back teeth adequately. Sealants are mostly used in children, especially when they break through into their first molars. Adults also need fissure sealants where the groove is deep, in order to prevent decay.
Comfort Level and Pain Intensity
Fissurotomy is mildly painful since it involves scraping off some enamel found in your teeth. However, the procedure is very short with minimal pain. Sealant applications do not cause much pain because nothing gets drilled. It's a very quick and easy procedure, thus very comfortable for children and adults alike.
Which Is Better for Your Teeth?
Both fissurotomy and sealants are very effective in preventing tooth decay, and the best one for you would depend on your individual needs. If you have deep grooves on your teeth where bacteria and food easily get stuck, fissurotomy would be a better option because it identifies the problem area to be removed and smoothens the surface. Sealants can be used to protect shallow grooves, providing a protective barrier between bacteria and food for a relatively short period of time. It is very affordable and non-invasive.
Fissurotomy and sealants both provide excellent benefits in preventing cavities and keeping the teeth healthy. Fissurotomy is a more permanent solution for deep grooves in the teeth, whereas sealants are quick and simple for the prevention of decay in shallow grooves. Your dentist can guide which treatment best suits you with your current oral health needs. In any case, both treatments are great ways to keep your teeth healthy with no cavities for as long as they last.
Nechupadam Dental Clinic provides exceptional dental clinic services in Kochi and has risen to prominence because of its commitment to customized dental care uniquely suited to every client's needs. Equipped with modern equipment and staffed with highly skilled professionals, Nechupadam Dental Clinic provides patients with a variety of treatments, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Be it a routine checkup, whitening of teeth, or complex procedures like implants, root canals, fissurotomy and sealant applications, Nechupadam Dental Clinic ensures comfort and freedom from pain, and that is what makes it the best option for dental care in Kochi.