Pit and fissure sealants: an update

ABSTRACT

Fissure sealants are well-established components in preventive dental care, both for individual patients and in public health programs. Resin pit-and-fissure sealants are considered an important adjunct to oral health care strategies and fluoride therapy in preventing occlusal carious lesions, Occlusal caries accounts for 56% to 70% of the lesions in children aged 5 to 17 years. Fissure sealing is an established and effective approach for caries management on occlusal surfaces. The effectiveness of sealants hinges on their ability to isolate pits and fissures from a combination of bacteria, their nutrients, and acidic metabolic products Consequently, poor sealing ability may cause secondary caries and interfere in long term success of this technique