BEFORE: When tooth decay starts to affect a tooth, it often enters via the grooves on the top of the teeth which are called "Fissures". Traditionally, dentists could only monitor changes in teeth over successive examination appointments, looking for staining and very early decay in the fissures of the teeth. Early decay usually begins as staining and pitting of the fissures and can be seen in the premolar tooth on the left, in the above photograph. Once decay goes through the fissures and enters deeper into the dentine of the tooth, the tooth becomes very dark in colour and a cavity occurs as can be seen in the molar to the right.

AFTER: Dentists can prevent early decay from becoming a cavity by performing a procedure called a Fissure Sealant. This involves thoroughly cleaning the stained fissures on the tooth and then placing a layer of protective plastic (Composite Resin) into the cleaned fissure to seal out the decay. Fissure Sealants are performed without the need for drilling the tooth and do not require an anaesthetic. Fissure Sealants cost less than one third of an average filling and will provide lasting protection. In the case pictured above, the premolar (left) was able to be treated with a Fissure Sealant to prevent the further spread of decay. Unfortunately it was too late for the molar (right) which had to be restored with a white filling.

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