Definition
- Pit: A small pinpoint depression located at a junction of developmental grooves or at terminals of those grooves.
- Fissure: Deep clefts between adjoining cusps, often on occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars. These are difficult to keep clean and highly susceptible to caries .
Introduction
- Although only 12.5% of all tooth surfaces are occlusal, they develop more than ⅔ of children’s total caries experience.
- Caries potential relates directly to pit and fissure depth/shape.
- Eradication of pits/fissures would eliminate them as caries sites .
What Is a Sealant & Benefits
- Thin glass ionomer coating placed in pits and fissures.
- Acts as a physical barrier to decay.
- Safe, effective way to prevent caries.
- Especially useful for molar teeth with many fissures that are hard to clean .
Ideal Requisites of an Efficient Sealant
- Viscosity that penetrates deep fissures.
- Adequate working time.
- Rapid cure.
- Strong, long adhesion to enamel.