Fissure caries is a type of caries that occurs in thin and deep grooves (fissures) on the tooth surface. These caries, which are usually seen on the chewing surface of molars, are caused by food residues and bacteria accumulated in the crack-like structures of the tooth enamel. These areas, which are especially difficult for the brush to reach, provide an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply rapidly and produce acid. Fissure caries, which is more common among children and young people, can spread to deeper layers of the tooth and cause serious dental problems if not treated in time.
Fissure caries is a type of caries that occurs in the natural pits and grooves on the tooth surface. These deep and narrow areas, especially on the chewing surfaces of molars, provide a suitable environment for the accumulation of food residues and bacteria. Due to the hard-to-reach structure of the fissures, these areas may not be fully cleaned with a toothbrush and over time, they create an acidic environment and damage the tooth enamel. Although fissure caries is generally more common among children and young adults, it can occur in any age group where effective oral hygiene is not provided. Therefore, recognising and treating fissure caries early is an important part of maintaining dental health.
The formation of fissure caries begins with food residues and bacteria entering the grooves on the chewing surface of the teeth. These areas are very difficult to clean because they are narrow and deep structures that the bristles of the toothbrush have difficulty reaching. Bacteria accumulate in these areas and produce acids during the fermentation of sugar and carbohydrates. The acids produced damage the tooth enamel, causing mineral loss in the enamel and initiating the formation of caries. If this process is not recognised and stopped, caries progresses to the dentin layer and can cause pain, sensitivity or structural deterioration of the tooth.
Fissure caries is usually asymptomatic in the initial stage and is therefore difficult to recognise in the early stages. However, as it progresses, some symptoms may appear. These include sensitivity during chewing, pain in the tooth, visual changes such as blackening or brown-staining on the tooth surface. In more advanced stages, increased sensitivity may be felt when consuming hot, cold or sweet foods. By examining these symptoms, your dentist can make an early diagnosis and apply appropriate treatment methods. Early treatment prevents decay from progressing and damaging the deeper layers of the tooth.
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The methods used in the treatment of fissure caries vary according to the level of caries. Here are the main methods used:
It is important to have regular dental check-ups to prevent fissure caries or to prevent its progression. The dentist decides which treatment method is appropriate.
Fissure caries usually occurs in deep, narrow cavities on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, whereas general tooth decay can occur on any surface of the tooth. Fissure caries is a more specific type of caries and usually develops in areas where tooth brushing techniques are inadequate. General dental caries, on the other hand, can be seen in a wide area when oral hygiene is not observed. In addition, while fissure caries is more common in children and young people, general dental caries can occur in any age group.
Early intervention is usually essential in the treatment of fissure caries in children. Treatment is performed with fissure sealant application, fluoride treatment or filling, depending on the level of caries progression. Fissure sealant is a protective layer that covers the chewing surfaces of the teeth and prevents the formation of caries. If the decay is more advanced, the decayed area is cleaned and filled with filling. Regular dental check-ups are of great importance for the protection of dental health in children.
Fissure sealant is a thin protective coating that covers the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This method provides effective protection to prevent fissure caries, especially in children. Sealant is applied to the pits and cavities of the teeth, preventing these areas from filling with food residues and bacteria. The application is painless and usually completed in a short time. Fissure sealant is an ideal method to protect dental health in children and prevent future caries.
Oral hygiene is the most important factor in the prevention of fissure caries. Regular tooth brushing, flossing and mouthwashes to reduce bacteria greatly reduce the risk of caries. Especially in molars where the fissures are deep, careful cleaning is required. Healthy eating habits and limiting the consumption of sugary and acidic foods are also part of oral hygiene. Paying attention to oral hygiene both prevents fissure caries and protects general dental health.
Untreated fissure caries can progress over time and reach deeper layers of the tooth, leading to pain, infection or tooth loss. Deepening of the decay may require more extensive interventions such as root canal treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment is important.
Fissure caries is generally more common among children and adolescents. This is due to the fact that the grooves in the newly erupted molars are not yet fully mineralised and that this age group does not pay enough attention to dental hygiene.
To prevent fissure caries, it is recommended to brush teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying attention to the grooves on the tooth surfaces. Especially focusing on cleaning the chewing surfaces of the teeth and using fluoride toothpastes is an effective method.
Fissure caries treatment is usually performed under local anaesthesia, so no pain is felt during the procedure. In small cavities, anaesthesia may not even be necessary. It is normal to experience a slight sensitivity after the treatment, but this condition passes in a short time.
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