The most common form of tooth decay involves the biting (occlusal) surface of the back teeth. This can frequently be seen in young children, soon after their adult molars have erupted. The occlusal surface is particularly vulnerable to decay because it may have convoluted fissures, which collect plaque.

An excellent way to prevent this type of decay from progressing is to seal the fissures with an adhesive sealant. This smoothes the fissure and prevents plaque from accumulating. We are most likely to carry out this procedure if a child has convoluted fissures, or if there are other teeth in the mouth which have already needed fillings.

Fissure sealants have proved to be so successful that we now use a very similar technique to treat early occlusal decay in adults. We call this a "Preventive Resin Restoration".

Any decay is removed and the resulting cavity filled with an adhesive filling material. The remaining fissures and the surface of the cement is sealed with a white adhesive material. This treatment is so conservative that very little drilling is needed, and local anaesthetic is frequently unnecessary.

For further information about this or other preventive procedures see: Preventive Dentistry-Gum Disease.