Where are fissures found?
Especially on the shaped chewing surfaces of back teeth.
← All explanationsTooth fissure
Is a groove in a back tooth already a crack?
A tooth fissure is a natural groove between the cusps of a tooth crown, especially on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Some grooves are narrow and deep. The term describes surface anatomy, not decay or a fracture.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Part of the chewing surface
Cusps and the grooves between them form the chewing surface. Shape varies between teeth and people; a deep groove is not automatically diseased.
Reach narrow areas
Plaque can remain in narrow grooves. Fluoride toothpaste and careful brushing remain important. The need for extra protection depends on the tooth and decay risk.
Findings rather than colour
A dark fissure may be stained or contain a caries lesion. Examination guides monitoring, sealing or treatment; not every groove needs drilling.
At a glance
What does the dentist assess?
The surface, access for cleaning and decay risk.
When should I seek assessment?
For new sensitivity, pain on biting or a visible defect, before the next routine check-up.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Part of the chewing surface
Cusps and the grooves between them form the chewing surface. Shape varies between teeth and people; a deep groove is not automatically diseased.
Reach narrow areas
Plaque can remain in narrow grooves. Fluoride toothpaste and careful brushing remain important. The need for extra protection depends on the tooth and decay risk.
Findings rather than colour
A dark fissure may be stained or contain a caries lesion. Examination guides monitoring, sealing or treatment; not every groove needs drilling.
Often confused
Fissure or fissure sealant?
A fissure is a natural structure. A sealant is a deliberately applied protective layer on a suitable surface.
Quick answers
Is a fissure the same as a fractured tooth?
No. A natural chewing-surface groove and a newly formed crack or fracture are different findings.
Does every fissure need a sealant?
No. Access for cleaning, decay risk and surface integrity matter. Existing sealants also need reviews.
Can I clean it with a needle?
No. Do not probe the groove with sharp objects. Concerning changes or pain should be examined.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Is this fissure healthy and accessible for cleaning, or could a sealant be appropriate?
Noticed a dark groove? A check-up can establish whether cleaning and monitoring are enough or added protection may help.
Have the chewing surface checkedAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Cusp
- A raised part of the chewing surface.
- Fissure
- A groove between parts of the crown.
- Pit
- A small depression, for example where grooves meet.
Make the distinction
A fissure is a natural structure. A sealant is a deliberately applied protective layer on a suitable surface.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.