Pit and Fissure Sealants

1. By:
Ali Mohammed Mahdi

2. A Pit is a small depression on the surface of the
tooth, whereas Fissures are the grooves that
naturally occur on all biting surfaces of teeth.
Pit and fissure sealants have been
described as materials which are applied
in order to obliterate the fissures and
remove the sheltered environment in
which caries may thrive.
Physical barrier on the fissure
of the tooth to prevent the
Caries !!

3. FISSURE SEALANTS TYPES
Resin-Based
Sealants(RBS)
Glass Ionomer
Cement Based
Sealants
Four
generations,
determined by
the method of
polymerization.
Determined by
the addition of
filler, filled and
unfilled.
Determined by
there translucency,
opaque or
transparent .
Conventional
glass ionomer
Polyacid-
modified resin
sealants
(Compomers)
Resin-modified
glass ionomer
(RMGI)

4. 1-Resin-Based Sealants(RBS)
A- According to generations
B- Determined by their translucency: Opaque sealants are tooth-colored or white. Their application
and visual examination are easier during recall visits due to their easier detection. Transparent sealants are
clear, amber or pink .Their visual examination is harder to perform.
C- Determined by the addition of filler: Filled sealants have a higher viscosity and a higher wear
resistance, while unfilled sealants have a lower viscosity and lower wear resistance.

5. 2-Glass Ionomer Cement Based Sealants
A- Conventional glass ionomer (GI) material bonds chemically to enamel and dentin and has also been
used as pit and fissure sealants.
B- Resin-modified glass ionomer resin incorporated with glass ionomer. Resin-modified glass
ionomer has improved physical characteristics compared to conventional glass ionomer: longer working
time and more water tolerance.
3-Polyacid-modified resin sealants (Compomers)
Compomers are a combination between resin-based and glass ionomer-based sealants.
Compared to conventional glass ionomers, they are less water soluble and more
technique-sensitive.

6. Indications
1. In the patient with bad oral hygiene.
2. A sealant is indicated if a deep occlusal fissure, fosse or lingual pit present.
3. Sealant is place in an intact occlusal surface of tooth where the contralateral
tooth surface is carious or restored. This is because the tooth on opposite side of
mouth is usually equally produce in caries.
4. Sealant should be placed on the teeth of adults if there is evidence of existing
highly caries susceptibility as patient with excessive intake of sugar or because of
drug or radiation induced xerostomia.
5. Most important time for sealing the first permanent teeth(1st molars) upper and
lower right and left first molars at age 6-7 years. While at age 11-13 years for
second molars and premolars,, but also can be used for primary teeth (D and E) at
age 3-4 years .

7. Contraindications
1. On occlusal carious lesion exists or caries present on the other surface of
the same tooth.
2. A large occlusal restoration is already present.
3. Patient behavior does not permit use of adequate dry field techniques
throughout the procedure.
4. Shallow and broad fissures

8. TECHNIQUE OF APPLICATION

9. 1-Isolation
If the child cooperative we can rubber dam
but if not, use cotton roll with saliva ejector.
2-Cleaning
After isolation we must clean the tooth
either by water-pumice prophylaxis paste or
by air-abrasion …. Adhesion of sealant to
enamel surfaces can be enhanced by
cleaning the occlusal surfaces.

10. 3- Dryness + Eatching
the teeth surfaces were thoroughly rinsed
with an air-water spray. teeth were then
dried. Following prophylaxis and drying, the
teeth were etched for 15 seconds with a
phosphoric acid etchant. Rinsed it from the
teeth with an air-water spray for 10 seconds,
followed by very light drying of the treated
surfaces.

11. 3- Apply the sealant
Sealant was then applied to the occlusal
surfaces using the canula tip supplied by
the manufacturer .After dispensing, the
sealant was placed to cover all pits and
fissures and to extend onto the cusp ridges
using a brush type applicator. The final
sealant thickness upon application should
be at least 0.3mm.
4-Curing
After application, the sealants were light
cured for 10 seconds

12. 5.Finishing
The sealant is then evaluated for retention
and seal of the occlusal surfaces and check
your bite and polish off any excess sealant.

14. THANK YOU