Fissures are grooves (crevices) usually found in the chewing surfaces of back teeth.  They can be difficult to keep clean if they are deep, so there is more risk of tooth decay.  Fissures can be sealed with a flowable composite to protect them.

The sealants are normally tooth coloured and used on children's permanent teeth, not on milk teeth.

Fissure sealants are quick and painless to apply. The dentist cleans the tooth with a special acid, then washes and dries it. The resin is then painted on to the tooth and hardened with a bright, blue light.

Fissure sealants can last for several years but regular visits to the dentist are needed to check that they haven't worn through. Children with fissure sealants still need to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste.