PIT AND FISSURE SEALANT

1. Define fissure sealant?

A fissure sealant is a material that is placed in the pits and fissures of
teeth in order to prevent or arrest the development of dental caries.

2. List the types of fissures and describe them?

1) V Type &U Type
• Are shallow and wide and tend to be self cleansing and
somewhat caries resistant.
• Non invasive technique is recommended

2) I Type
• Is deep, narrow and quite constricted, resembling a bottle neck
• Are caries susceptible
• Requires invasive technique.

3)Combination types

3. List the types of pits and fissure sealants?

1. Based on curing method
First generation - polymerized with ultra violet light of 350 nm wave
length
Second generation - self cured or chemically cured
Third generation - visible light cured of480-490 nm wove length.\
2. Based on presence of filler
- Unfilled
-Semifilled
3 . Based on color
-Tinted
- Clear
- Opaque
- Pink

4. Mention the materials used as sealants?

1. Resins
2. Glass Ionomer cements
3. Compomers
4. Fluoride containing sealants
5. List the steps of sealant applications?
1. Time to seal
2. Polish the tooth surface
3. Isolate and dry the tooth surface
4. Acid etching
5. Rinse the tooth
6. Isolate and dry the mouth
7. Material application
8. Evaluate the sealant
9. Check occlusion
10. Retention and periodic maintenance

6. What are the indications of sealant?

 If pit and fissures are separated by transverse ridge, a sound
pit and fissure may be sealed
 Deep ,narrow pit and fissure
 Recently erupted teeth
 Many occlusal lesions, few proximal lesions

7. What are the contraindications of sealant?

 Carious pits and fissures
 Many proximal lesions
 Broad, well coalesced pit and fissure
 Teeth caries free for 4 years or more

8. Mention the requisites of Pit and fissure sealants?

 Good moisture control when being placed
 Clean surfaces
 Appropriate etching and drying time
 Appropriate coverage of the surface
 Checking occlusion for interferences
 Regular monitoring and maintenance after placement

9. List the factors affecting sealant retention?

1. Types of sealants
2. Position of teeth in the mouth
3. Clinical skill of the operator
4. Age of the child
5. Eruption status of teeth
10. Classify Preventive Resin Restoration according to Simonsen?
 TYPE A- Suspicious pits &' fissures where caries removal is
limited to enamel
 TYPE B -Incipient lesion in dentin that is small & confined.
 TYPE C- More extensive dentinal involvement & requires
restorations with posterior composite material.

Prepared By: Dr. Sahana Maben