Fissure Seal Vs Filling: What’s The Difference & Which One Do You Need?

 We all want a healthy smile, free from those annoying holes in our teeth called cavities. But sometimes, even with good brushing and flossing, cavities can pop up. When they do, your dentist might talk about a “fissure seal” or a “filling.”

These two dental treatments might sound similar, but they’re actually quite different. Knowing the difference can help you understand what’s best for your teeth. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Understanding Tooth Anatomy & Decay Risk

Before we dive into fissure seals and fillings, let’s have a quick look at your teeth. Each tooth has a tough outer layer called enamel. This enamel protects the softer inside of your tooth.

Now, if you run your tongue over your back teeth (your molars and premolars), you’ll notice they aren’t completely smooth. They have tiny grooves, pits, and valleys on their chewing surfaces. These are called “fissures.”

Think of them like tiny mountain ranges on your teeth. While they help you chew food, they can also be a bit of a problem. Why? Because food bits and plaque (that sticky film of bacteria) can easily get trapped in these deep, narrow fissures. Even with excellent brushing, it can be really hard to clean these areas properly.

When food and plaque get stuck, the bacteria in the plaque start to produce acids. These acids attack your tooth enamel, slowly making it weaker. If this goes on for long enough, a hole – a cavity – will form. This is what we call tooth decay.

Children and teenagers are especially at risk of cavities in these back teeth because their enamel is still developing, and they might not have the best brushing technique just yet. But adults can get them too!

What Is A Fissure Sealant?

Imagine putting a tiny, clear coat of paint over those little mountain ranges on your teeth. That’s pretty much what a fissure sealant is!

A fissure sealant is a thin, protective plastic coating that your dentist paints onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. It’s usually white or clear, so you can barely see it.

How does it work? The sealant flows into those tiny grooves and pits, filling them up and creating a smooth surface. This smooth surface makes it much easier for you to clean your teeth effectively when you brush. It also acts as a barrier, stopping food particles and plaque from getting trapped in the fissures and causing decay.

Think of it as a preventive shield. It’s there to stop cavities from forming in the first place. Dentists usually recommend fissure sealants for children and teenagers as soon as their permanent back teeth come through, as these are the teeth most at risk. However, adults can also get them if their teeth have deep grooves and are prone to decay.

The process of getting a fissure sealant is quick and painless. Your dentist will clean the tooth, perhaps roughen the surface a tiny bit so the sealant sticks better, then paint on the liquid sealant. A special light is often used to harden the sealant quickly. No drilling, no needles – super easy!

What Is A Dental Filling?

Now, let’s talk about fillings. If a cavity has already formed – meaning the acids have eaten away some of your tooth enamel and created a hole – then a fissure sealant isn’t going to help. At this point, you need a filling.

A dental filling is a material used to “fill” the hole created by a cavity. It’s like patching up a tiny hole in a wall.

How does it work? First, your dentist will use a small drill to remove the decayed (rotten) part of the tooth. This is super important because if the decay isn’t removed, it will just keep spreading. Once all the decay is gone, the dentist cleans the area and then places the filling material into the prepared hole. The filling restores the tooth’s shape and strength, allowing you to chew properly and stopping bacteria from getting further into your tooth.

Fillings can be made from different materials:

• Amalgam (silver fillings): These are strong and durable, but they are silver-coloured and noticeable.
• Composite (white fillings): These are tooth-coloured, so they blend in with your natural teeth. They are very popular, especially for front teeth or areas where appearance matters.
• Other materials: Sometimes, gold or ceramic fillings are used, but they are less common for everyday cavities.

Getting a filling usually involves a local anaesthetic (a needle to numb the area) so you don’t feel any discomfort during the drilling part. Once the decay is removed and the filling is placed, your tooth is protected.

When To Choose A Fissure Seal

You would typically choose a fissure seal in these situations:

• Healthy Teeth: Your tooth is strong and healthy, with no signs of decay.
• Deep Grooves: Your back teeth (molars and premolars) have deep pits and fissures that are hard to clean.
• Children and Teenagers: This is especially true for newly erupted permanent molars and premolars. The enamel on new teeth isn’t as strong, and kids often struggle with thorough brushing.
• Adults at High Risk: If you have a history of frequent cavities, or certain medical conditions that increase your risk of decay, your dentist might suggest sealants even as an adult.
• Preventive Measure: You want to be proactive and reduce your risk of developing cavities in those vulnerable areas.

It’s a fantastic, non-invasive way to give your teeth extra protection.

When To Choose A Filling

A filling is necessary when:

• Cavity Present: You already have a hole (cavity) in your tooth caused by decay.
• Pain or Sensitivity: You might feel pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or discomfort when chewing, which are common signs of a cavity.
• Visible Hole: Your dentist has found a visible hole or soft spot during a check-up.
• Repairing Damage: The decay has damaged the tooth structure, and it needs to be removed and the tooth rebuilt.
• Broken Tooth: Sometimes, a filling might be used to repair a small chip or crack in a tooth.

Once a cavity has formed, a sealant won’t work. The tooth needs to be cleaned out and restored with a filling to prevent the decay from getting worse and potentially leading to more serious problems like root canal treatment or even tooth loss.

Can You Have Both?

Absolutely! It’s very common to have both fissure sealants on some teeth and fillings on others.

For example, a child might get fissure sealants on their new, healthy back teeth to protect them from future decay. But if that same child has already developed a cavity on another tooth (perhaps one that erupted earlier or was missed by brushing), they would need a filling for that particular tooth.

Similarly, an adult might have a few old fillings from childhood but decide to get new fissure sealants on other healthy teeth with deep grooves to prevent new cavities.

It’s all about what each individual tooth needs. Your dentist will assess each tooth carefully during your regular check-up and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Cost Comparison: Sealants Vs Fillings

Generally speaking, fissure sealants are less expensive than dental fillings.

Fissure Sealants:

• They are a simpler procedure, taking less time and using less material.
• Because they are preventive, many private health insurance policies offer good rebates for sealants, sometimes covering a large portion of the cost.
• Some government programs or school dental programs might also offer subsidised or free sealants for children.

Dental Fillings:

• The cost of a filling can vary quite a bit depending on the size of the cavity, the location of the tooth, and the type of material used (white fillings are often a bit more expensive than silver fillings).
• It’s a more involved procedure, requiring more time and skill from the dentist.
• While most private health insurance policies cover fillings, the out-of-pocket cost might be higher than for a sealant.

It’s always best to discuss the exact costs with your Dentist Mt Eliza or Dentist Mornington Peninsula before any treatment. They can give you a clear breakdown of the fees and help you understand any insurance benefits. Investing in prevention with sealants can often save you money in the long run by avoiding more costly fillings or other dental work down the track.

Preventing Cavities Before They Start

While fissure sealants and fillings are excellent dental tools, the best approach is always to prevent cavities from forming in the first place! Here are some golden rules for a healthy smile:

• Brush Twice a Day: Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush for two minutes, morning and night. Make sure you’re reaching all surfaces of your teeth, especially those back teeth!
• Floss Daily: Flossing removes food and plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugar is the main fuel for cavity-causing bacteria. Cut down on lollies, sugary drinks, cakes, and biscuits.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Lots of fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins are good for your whole body, including your teeth.
• Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps rinse away food particles and keeps your mouth moist.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your Dentist Mt Eliza  or Dentist Mornington Peninsula at least once a year, or as often as they recommend. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to spot any problems early, before they become big issues. They can also provide professional cleans and fluoride treatments.

By following these tips, you’re giving your teeth the best chance to stay strong and cavity-free.

Conclusion

So, to recap: a fissure sealant is a preventive shield applied to healthy teeth with deep grooves to stop cavities. A dental filling is a restorative treatment used to fix a tooth that already has a cavity.

Both are important parts of modern dentistry, but they serve very different purposes. Knowing the difference empowers you to have a better conversation with your dentist about your dental health needs. Whether it’s protecting young teeth with sealants or repairing decay with fillings, your dentist has the tools to keep your smile healthy and bright.

Call To Action

Unsure if you or your child could benefit from a fissure sealant or if that twinge means you need a filling? Don’t wait! The sooner dental issues are addressed, the simpler and more effective the treatment.

Book your next check-up with us today! Our friendly team in Mt Eliza and Mornington Peninsula is here to assess your unique needs and help you achieve and maintain a healthy, happy smile. Call us on or visit our website to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

Source: Fissure Seal Vs Filling: What’s The Difference & Which One Do You Need?