What is Fissure Caries? Which Teeth Are Affected?

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Fissure caries is caries caused by fine scratches on the chewing surfaces of teeth, especially molars. This type of decay can develop rapidly due to food debris and plaque accumulating in the natural grooves and crevices of the tooth. These crevices in the surface of the teeth create areas that are difficult to clean, leading to a build-up of bacteria. Fissure caries usually occurs at an early age, in deciduous and permanent teeth, and is more common in the back teeth. Because these cavities occur in invisible areas of the tooth, they are often recognized late, which can lead to serious damage to the tooth if left untreated. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for the prevention of fissure caries.

Fissure caries is caries that forms in the deep grooves on the chewing surface of the tooth. This type of caries usually occurs in the molars at the back of the tooth and may not show symptoms at an early stage.

What are Fissure Caries?

Fissure caries is caries that occurs in the natural grooves and cracks in the chewing surfaces of teeth. These grooves are areas where the enamel layer, which forms the hard outer surface of the tooth, is thin and difficult to clean. This causes bacteria and food particles to accumulate, facilitating the formation of caries. Fissure caries is more common in children and adolescents because at this age the teeth are new and the enamel layer is not yet mature. It is important to detect it early, because if left untreated, the decay can deepen and permanently damage the tooth.

What are the Symptoms of Fissure Caries?

Fissure caries is caries that forms in the deep grooves on the chewing surface of the tooth. This type of decay usually occurs in the molars at the back of the tooth and may not be symptomatic at an early stage. However, some symptoms may indicate the development of fissure caries:

Mild pain or tenderness: Pain or tenderness may be felt in a certain area of the tooth when chewing.
Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet: Fissure caries can cause sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.
Change in tooth color: As the decay progresses, brown or black spots may appear on the surface of the tooth.
Bad odor or taste: When decay develops an infection inside the tooth, a bad odor or taste may occur.
Difficulty chewing: Difficulty eating or discomfort when chewing, especially if the decay is deeper.

Which Teeth Have Fissure Caries?

Fissure caries usually occurs in the back teeth, i.e. the molars and gums. These teeth have deep grooves and indentations on their chewing surfaces, which allows bacteria to accumulate and cavities to form. Because molars offer more chewing surface, they are the most common teeth to develop fissure caries. Bacterial deposits in these areas of the teeth create an acidic environment over time, which weakens the enamel and leads to the progression of cavities.

How to Treat Fissure Caries?

Fissure caries treatment aims to heal the tooth where the decay is located in a preventive way. First, the dentist cleans the fissure area and removes the infected tissue. Then, a suitable filling material (usually composite resin) is placed to cover the tooth. This filling material molds the tooth to resemble the natural structure of the tooth and prevents the decay from spreading. Early diagnosis is very important for successful treatment of fissure caries, as progressive decay may require more extensive treatment. This treatment is usually painless and can be carried out quickly.

Which methods are used for fissure caries?

Fissure caries is a type of caries that occurs on the chewing surfaces of teeth and is caused by deep grooves and pits. Some methods used in the treatment of this type of caries are as follows:

Fissure sealant application: Reducing the risk of caries by applying a thin protective coating over the deep grooves on the chewing surface of the tooth.
Fillings: When fissures show the beginnings of decay, the tooth is cleaned and sealed with filling material.
Fluoride treatment: Using fluoride-containing products to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent the progression of decay.
Ring filling (inlay or onlay): In cases where the decay is larger, it is repaired with filling materials specially prepared for the tooth.
Structural restoration: Aesthetic filling materials used to reshape the structure of the tooth in advanced caries.

What Precautions Should I Take to Prevent Fissure Caries?

To prevent fissure caries, teeth should be brushed and flossed regularly. Fissures, especially in the back of the teeth, are favorable areas for bacteria to accumulate, so make sure that these areas are thoroughly cleaned during brushing. In addition, using fluoride toothpastes helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevents the formation of cavities. Fissure sealants can be applied by the dentist; this places a protective coating over the teeth, reducing the risk of cavities. In addition, avoiding excessively sugary and acidic foods helps to maintain dental health. Regular dental check-ups ensure that cavities are detected at an early stage.

Does Fissure Caries Occur Only on the Surface of the Teeth?

Fissure caries usually occurs in pits and indentations on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, especially on the back teeth. The narrow and deep crevices in these areas can allow food debris and bacteria to accumulate.

Which Type of Floss is More Effective for Fissure Caries?

Fissure caries is caused by deep crevices and cracks in the chewing surfaces of the teeth and is usually caused by food debris and bacteria that accumulate there. It is therefore important to choose the right type of floss to prevent or treat fissure cavities.

What happens if fissure caries is not treated?

If fissure decay is left untreated, it can deepen over time and reach the inside of the tooth, even reaching the nerves. This can further damage the tooth and cause pain. As the decay progresses, the risk of infection in the tooth increases, which can cause serious problems, up to the loss of the tooth.

Is Laser Method Used in Fissure Caries Treatment?

The laser method can be used to treat fissure caries. The laser offers an effective option for treating cavities without damaging the surface of the tooth. Laser treatment focuses on the tooth, targeting the area where the decay is located, which offers a less invasive method.

Are Fissure Caries More Common in Children?

Fissure caries is one of the more common types of tooth decay, usually more common in children. Deep fissures (cracks) in children’s teeth, especially molars, can allow food debris and bacteria to build up over time.

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