Pits and fissures on the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth are more prone to caries formation than the smooth surfaces due to their morphological complexity, making oral hygiene more challenging and resulting in increased plaque accumulation. The enamel in pits and fissures does not receive the same protection given by fluorides compared to the enamel in the smooth surfaces.
The application of pit and fissure sealants provides a physical barrier that prevents microorganisms and food particle accumulation, thus preventing caries initiation, and arresting caries progression.
Sealants are a safe and painless way of protecting your teeth from tooth decay. A sealant is a protective plastic coating, which is applied to the biting surfaces of the posterior teeth. It forms a hard protective shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.
Indications for applying Pit and Fissure Sealants?
- Pit and fissure of deciduous teeth and permanent teeth when the patient is at a higher risk for developing caries
- Incipient carious teeth in deciduous and permanent teeth
- Pit and fissures of primary and permanent teeth should be considered in children and young people with medical, physical, or intellectual disabilities, especially when systemic health may be jeopardized by dental disease or the need for dental treatment
Pit and Fissure sealant application:Procedure:
Sealants are generally applied as soon as the first permanent teeth erupt completely. This is commonly between 6 and 7 years of age. The rest are usually sealed as soon as they appear which can be any time between 11 and 14 years of age. The procedure involves the following steps:
- Isolation of the tooth
- Acid etching
- Sealant placement and curing
- Visible light cures the sealant
- Evaluate the occlusion of the sealed surface
- Follow-ups
