How many teeth require pit and fissure sealants?

Pit and fissure sealant application refers to the placement of a sealant material onto the pits, fissures, and grooves of the occlusal, buccal, and lingual surfaces of the dental crown. This procedure not only helps restore tooth structure but also effectively prevents dental caries, making it a commonly employed preventive dental measure. Typically, pit and fissure sealants are applied to six to eight teeth; however, the exact number depends on individual clinical circumstances. The specific procedural steps are as follows:

1. Tooth surface cleaning: A dental-specific conical brush is used with a non-fluoride toothpaste to thoroughly clean the tooth surface, followed by rinsing with water.

2. Etching: An etchant is applied to the tooth surface requiring sealing, covering approximately two-thirds of the cusp incline. The etchant is typically left in place for 20–30 seconds; for primary teeth, the recommended duration is 60 seconds.

3. Rinsing and drying: The tooth surface is rinsed under pressure for 15 seconds using a water syringe, then thoroughly dried with an air stream.

4. Sealant application: The sealant material is evenly applied to the prepared tooth surface and subsequently cured using a dental-specific light-curing unit.

5. Final inspection: The sealed surface is examined for bubbles or other defects, and occlusion is evaluated. If no abnormalities are detected, the pit and fissure sealant procedure is complete.