A pit and fissure sealant is a protective dental material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These areas have natural grooves (pits and fissures) that can trap food and bacteria, making them more prone to cavities.
Key Points:
Purpose: To prevent tooth decay by sealing off deep grooves.
Material Used: Usually a resin-based or glass ionomer material.
Procedure:
Teeth are cleaned and dried.
An acid gel is applied to roughen the surface (etching).
The sealant is painted on and hardened with a special curing light.
Pain: It's painless and non-invasive—no drilling or anesthesia needed.
Recommended For: Children and teenagers with newly erupted permanent molars, but adults at risk of decay can also benefit.
