Pit and Fissure Sealants

Excerpt

Pits and fissures of the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth are more prone to caries development than the smooth surfaces due to their morphological complexity, making dental hygiene more challenging and leading to increased plaque accumulation. The enamel in pits and fissures cannot receive the same protection from fluorides compared to the enamel on smooth surfaces.

The use of pit and fissure sealants provides a physical barrier that inhibits microorganisms and food particle accumulation, preventing caries initiation and arresting caries progression. Permanent first molars, followed by second molars, show the highest prevalence of caries. The management of occlusal caries on permanent molars represents a significant challenge because the onset of caries occurs soon after they erupt into the oral cavity. The effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants depends on their long-term retention.