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Dentistry vocabulary · Gums and Oral Hygiene

Fissure sealant

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

nounCommon term

In dentistry, fissure sealant means: A thin plastic coating painted into the deep grooves (fissures) on the biting surfaces of back teeth, so that food and bacteria cannot collect there and cause decay.

In Turkish: fissür örtücü, fissür örtücü uygulaması

How it is used

Used mainly on children's permanent molars soon after they erupt. Dentists place or apply sealants and check them at recall visits. Patients often just say 'sealants'.

Example sentences

  1. Fissure sealants were placed on all four first molars.

  2. Part of the fissure sealant has worn away, so we'll top it up.

Common collocations

  • apply a fissure sealant
  • resin fissure sealant
  • sealant retention
  • pit and fissure sealant
  • occlusalDescribes the biting or chewing surface of a back tooth, or anything to do with the way the upper and lower teeth meet.
  • molarOne of the large, wide teeth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food. Adults have up to twelve, including the four wisdom teeth.
  • cariesDamage to a tooth caused by acids that plaque bacteria make from sugar. It slowly dissolves enamel and dentin and, if untreated, can reach the pulp.
  • fluorideA mineral compound that makes enamel stronger and more resistant to acid, which helps to prevent decay. It is added to toothpaste and, in some places, to drinking water.

More terms: Gums and Oral Hygiene

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.