Pits and Fissure Sealants: Definition, Compositions, Clinical Applications

Pits and Fissure Sealants: Definition, Compositions, Clinical Applications | Dentistry. What are Pits and Fissure Sealants? Pits and Fissure...

Pits and Fissure Sealants: Definition, Compositions, Clinical Applications | Dentistry.

What are Pits and Fissure Sealants?

Pits and Fissure Sealants are the Restorative Material placed in the pits and fissures to prevent caries formation. It is most widely applied to primary dentition. It is a plastic-like coating applied over the occlusal surface of the posterior teeth. It acts as a barrier between tooth structure and the oral environment. It helps to reduce the occlusal surface caries by 60%. It is developed by 'Buonocore'.

Composition

Bowen's Resin, Fluoride releasing agent, Diluent, Opaquers, Polymerization activating chemicals.

Ideal properties of pits and fissure sealants

It should be inert in the oral environment. It should flow over the tooth surface. It should have low viscosity. It should have adequate abrasion, resistance, strength. Their physical properties should be similar to the enamel.

Classifications

Based on Generation,

1. First Generation Sealant
2. Second Generation Sealant
3. Third Generation Sealant
4. Flouride Containing Sealant

Based on Filler Particles,

1. Filled Sealants
2. Unfilled Sealants
3. Fluoride Releasing

Based on Colour,

1. Clear
2. Opaque

Based on Bis-GMA,

1. Bis-GMA Containing Sealant
2. Non- Bis-GMA Sealants

How to apply pits and fissures Sealants?

Here are the procedures to apply the Sealants,

•  Isolation
•  Cleaning
•  Etching
•  Washing and Drying
•  Sealant Application
•  Finishing

Isolation

Before Applying sealant to the pits and fissures, it should be dry and free from saliva. Proper isolation methods only give enough bonding of the sealants to the tooth structure. So, it is achieved with the help of a rubber dam.

Cleaning

After the proper isolation of the tooth surface, then it undergoes a cleaning. Food debris and other particles from the enamel surface are thoroughly cleaned. Rubber cup prophylaxis with a slurry of pumice is recommended for cleaning.

Etching

Etching is done by applying 37% of Phosphoric acid. It will create resin tags i.e, micro-level elevation and depression in the enamel surface for better bonding of resins to the enamel surface.

Washing and Drying

After applying phosphoric acid, it will be washed with water for 10 to 20 seconds and dried for 10 seconds. The surface must be a frosty white appearance.

Sealant Application

Sealant is applied over the enamel surface by the means of a fine hard brush. And it is cured with ultraviolet light.

Finishing

After curing, the Occulusal level is adjusted without the records of high points. Finishing is done.

Indications for Pits and Fissure Sealants

It is applied only when there is the presence of deep occlusal fissures, lingual pits or a fossa.

Contraindications for Pits and Fissure Sealants

When the patient's behaviour is poor and doesn't permit the dry isolation technique throughout the procedure. It won't be recommended if there is the presence of an open occlusal carious lesion and an already restored tooth. If patients have some allergies to resins, pits, and fissures sealants should be avoided.