Pits & Fissures Sealants

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Week 4 - Pit & Fissures
Sealants
Facts

80% of caries in young permanent teeth occur in the pits & fissures

17 - 45% reduction in incidence of caries with application of sealants

Sealant placement is THERAPEUTIVE & PREVENTIVE

Preventive effect

placed in caries-free teeth

prevent dental caries

Therapeutic effect




Placed in teeth with incipient lesions

effort to stop decay process



Week 4 - Pit & Fissures Sealants 1

, Definition




Thin plastic coating of an organic polymer (resin) placed in the pits &
fissures of teeth. The sealant acts as a physical barrier to oral bacteria
and carbohydrates thereby preventing dental caries

How does it work?

 Bonds by mechanical retention to enamel surface

 Forms a protective layer


Types of Sealants
Classification by Polymerization
Polymerization

process by which sealants harden (liquid to solid)

Accomplished by self-curing (autopolymerization) or light curing with
visible light (photopolymerization)

Self-curing sealants

"Autopolymerized Sealants"

Used in community health or school-based programs

2 components

 Universal liquid monomer

 catalyst




Week 4 - Pit & Fissures Sealants 2