FISSURE PROTECTION & PRR'S

Fissure Protection

Fissure protection is a safe, painless and uninvasive way of protecting vulnerable teeth. 

What is fissure protection?

Fissure protection is a tooth coloured, resin coating that is placed on the surfaces of teeth as a barrier to prevent decay. It is a modern version of what used to be called fissure sealants. The Composite & Bonding page outlines the principle behind the technique as well as information on the advantages, challenges and longevity. Fissure protection may be placed by our dentists or hygienists. It is very easy and completely pain free. There is no drilling or need for local anaesthetic. The tooth is prepared with a fine jet of sand, a special cleaning solution, and then washed and dried. Then the resin coating is flowed into the grooves. This seals off these areas, preventing bacteria and food from getting in, and providing a smooth surface that is easy to clean.

When should they be placed?

Fissure protection It is best used for people with a higher decay risk. Traditionally they have been used on the biting surfaces and sides of children’s teeth. However they also have a role in prevention for all age groups including young adults and the elderly. Some people have naturally occurring deep fissures or grooves in their back teeth. These areas gather plaque and are difficult to access with a brush. The ideal time to place them is as soon as the risk is detected, or for children, as soon as the teeth erupt into the mouth. Fissure protection will help reduce decay and the need for fillings but will not last forever. They must be accompanied by regular brushing (ideally with a fluoride toothpaste), a healthy diet and regular dental check ups.

The fissure protection procedure

1. The tooth with deep at risk fissures. The tooth is prepared with a fine jet of sand called micro-etching.
2. The tooth is washed with a cleaning liquid that tastes a bit like lemon juice.
3. The tooth coloured sealant material is flowed into all the grooves and fissures and set with a blue light.
4. A final protective gloss layer is placed and set and the tooth is now protected.

Preventive Resin Restorations (PRR's)

Preventive resin restorations (PRR’s ) are another minimally invasive means of protecting teeth with invisible, tooth coloured filling material.

What are preventive resin restorations?

Preventive resin restorations (PRR's) are the next step beyond fissure protection. They are used where there is in accessible decay within the tooth gooves or fissures. Decay is detected by examination and digital x-rays. We use a very fine bur to open up the  fissure, so we can remove any decay and ensure a good, sound seal. The clean fissure is filled with flowable composite resin. The Composite & Bonding page outlines the principle behind the technique as well as information on the advantages, challenges and longevity.

The preventive resin restoration procedure

1. The tooth with early decay in the deep stained fissures.
2. Using a very fine bur, the fissures are opened so the decay can be removed, preserving as much tooth as possible.
3. As for fissure protection, the tooth is prepared with a fine jet of sand and a special cleaning liquid that tastes a bit like lemon juice.
4. The tooth is washed, dried and a thin glue layer bonded onto the surface with a blue curing light. The tiny hole is filled with tooth coloured resin, creating an invisible restoration.