Pit and Fissure Sealants

Along with proper diet, fluoride, and biofilm control, pit and fissure sealants should be considered as part of an overall preventive program for caries rather than an isolated procedure. Sealing over incipient caries lesions is both effective and practical - the dental profession should be encouraged to use sealants more in an interceptive manner rather than in a preventive or operative manner. Ideally, high-risk patients should have sealants placed on all posterior permanent teeth upon eruption. The dental practitioner should be familiar with the various categories of sealants and the specific application methods for each product. With proper placement and maintenance, sealants can last years.