Fissure Sealants

• What is a fissure sealant?

  A material that is introduced into the pits and fissures of caries-susceptible teeth forming a protective layer that prevents the development of decay
• What doe fissure sealants help prevent?

  1) pit and fissure caries 2) continued progression of incipient caries 3) extensive tooth prep and restoration
• What type of patient is suitable for fissure sealants?

  1) Children with special needs 2) Children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds 3) Children with extensive caries 4) Children with dental anomalies
• Where are fissure sealants best placed?

  - occlusal surfaces 1st permanent molars- buccal pits in lower molars- palatal pits in upper molars- cingulum pits in upper incisors
• If occlusal caries affects one permanent molar (6), what preventative action should be undertaken?

  All other molars should be sealed
• How to asses the need for fissure sealants?

  - patient history - examination of occlusal surface- radiographs
• What materials are used for fissure sealants?

  Bis - GMA resin, GIC Wetbond
• What is an advantage of GIC as fissure sealants?

  They leach fluoride ions which may have a cariostatic effect
• How is a hydrophobic resin fissure sealant placed?


  1) Isolate - wool or dam 2) Enamel surface prep - brush 3) Apply Etch 4) Dry/Sealor 5) Bond/ Seal/ Light cure
• How is a hydrophilic resin fissure sealant placed?


  1) Etch 2) Dry 3) Seal 4) Light cure
• What is a PRR?

  Preventative Resin Restoration
• What is the best measure of seal efficacy?

  Retention Higher on occlusal surfaces than buccal/lingual pits/fissures
• What is retention influenced by?

  1) stage of tooth eruption 2) patient behaviour 3) technique/material used
• Does a fissure sealant need to be checked?

  A fissure sealed tooth is not totally immune to caries. Sealant must be reviewed at every visit Repair/replace as necessary
• What are the indications for use of fissure sealants?

  1) High risk caries active adolescents 2) High risk young adults 3) Young patients with deep fissure patterns