Fissure Sealants in Maple Ridge

Fissure Sealants in Maple Ridge

At Kanaka Creek Family Dental, we help protect your family's teeth from decay with professional fissure sealant treatments — a quick, painless, and highly effective form of preventive dental care.

Fissure sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars), where deep grooves and pits naturally collect food particles and bacteria. These hard-to-clean areas are the most common sites for cavities to develop, especially in children and teenagers whose brushing habits are still developing.

By sealing these vulnerable surfaces, we create a smooth barrier that prevents plaque and bacteria from settling into the grooves — significantly reducing the risk of tooth decay. The procedure is completely non-invasive, requires no drilling or anaesthesia, and can be completed in just one short visit to our Maple Ridge dental clinic.

Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who should get fissure sealants?

  Sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teenagers as soon as their permanent molars come in — typically around ages 6 and 12. However, adults who have deep grooves in their teeth and no existing fillings or decay can also benefit from sealant application.

• How long do fissure sealants last?

  With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, fissure sealants can last up to 10 years. Your dentist will check the condition of your sealants at each preventive care appointment and reapply them if needed.

• Does the procedure hurt?

  Not at all. Applying fissure sealants is completely painless. There is no drilling or needles involved — the tooth is simply cleaned, prepared with a mild solution, and the sealant material is painted on and hardened with a curing light.

• Are fissure sealants covered by insurance?

  Many dental insurance plans cover fissure sealants for children under a certain age (often up to 14 or 18). We recommend checking with your insurance provider. Our team is happy to help you with any billing questions.

• Can sealants be applied over existing cavities?

  Sealants are a preventive measure and are best applied to healthy teeth. If a tooth already has decay, your dentist will recommend appropriate treatment first. In some cases, a very early-stage cavity can be sealed to prevent further progression.

What to Expect

Step 1: Cleaning
Your dentist or hygienist will thoroughly clean and dry the tooth to remove any plaque or food debris from the grooves.

Step 2: Preparation
A mild acidic solution is applied to the chewing surface for a few seconds to create a slightly rough texture, helping the sealant bond securely to the tooth.

Step 3: Application
The liquid sealant material is painted directly onto the tooth's surface, flowing into the pits and fissures to form a protective shield.

Step 4: Curing
A special curing light is used to harden the sealant in seconds. Once set, the sealant forms a clear or tooth-coloured protective barrier.

The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth and your child can eat and drink normally right away. We use advanced dental technology to ensure precise application and long-lasting results.

Benefits of Fissure Sealants

• Cavity Prevention — Sealants reduce the risk of decay in molars by up to 80%, making them one of the most effective preventive treatments available.
• Quick & Painless — The application takes just a few minutes per tooth with no needles, drilling, or discomfort involved.
• Long-Lasting Protection — Once applied, sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years with proper care and regular dental checkups.
• Cost-Effective — Preventing a cavity is far less expensive than treating one with fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy.
• Safe for All Ages — While most commonly applied to children's teeth, adults with deep grooves can also benefit from sealants.