PREVENTIVE TREATMENT 2 PIT & FISSURE SEALANT THERAPY
Pit & Fissure Sealants for Children and adolescents - Preventing Cavities even before they begin
What are sealants?
The chewing surfaces of back teeth are usually groovy, have many irregularities and are called “PITS & FISSURES”. These surfaces are the prime cause of food retention and cavity progression. Sealant is a type of dental filling material, which is applied as a thin layer on these deep groovy surfaces thereby protecting the sealed surface from decay.
How do these fillings work?
Sealants are an effective means of “CAVITY-PREVENTION”. The thin barrier placed prevents food and bacteria from accumulating on the teeth preventing decay. Additionally fluoride-containing sealants are also available.
In which patients are sealants indicated?
Not all teeth are eligible for sealant therapy; a careful evaluation is required based on the following indications,
- Primarily used for Cavity Prevention rather than treatment of existing cavities.
- When the patient is at a risk for tooth decay.
- Ideally recommended for children and adolescents
AGE TOOTH TYPE
- 3-4 years Baby teeth (Primary molars)
- 6-7 years Permanent teeth (1st molar)
- 11-13 years Permanent Teeth (2nd molar and premolars)
| AGE | TOOTH TYPE |
|---|---|
| 3-4 years | Baby teeth (Primary molars) |
| 6-7 years | Permanent teeth (1st molar) |
| 11-13 years | Permanent Teeth (2nd molar and premolars) |
- Newly erupted teeth
- Sealants are usually placed on the back teeth (premolars and molars)
- Occasionally indicated in baby teeth when the child is cooperative.
How much time will the procedure take?
Sealants can usually be performed in a single sitting depending on the number of teeth. Following this, check up visits are required to monitor the sealant once a year.