Is it necessary to have fissure sealants?

Aug 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

Pit and fissure sealing is not necessary for everyone and should be determined based on individual dental conditions. It is recommended for children and adolescents with newly erupted permanent teeth, as well as individuals with deep pits and fissures and a high risk of caries. Those with shallow and flat fissures that are easy to clean, individuals who already have caries, and those whose teeth have been erupted for many years without developing caries generally do not require this procedure. Daily oral hygiene should include brushing teeth in the morning and evening, rinsing after meals, cleaning interdental surfaces with dental floss, and reducing intake of sweet foods.

Generally, pit and fissure sealing is not necessary for everyone and should be determined based on individual dental conditions. It is recommended for children and adolescents with newly erupted permanent teeth, as well as individuals with deep pits and fissures and a high risk of caries. Conversely, those whose teeth have shallow or flat fissures that are easy to clean, those who already have caries, or those who have had teeth erupted for many years without developing caries typically do not require this procedure. Detailed analysis is as follows:

In children and adolescents, the occlusal surfaces of newly erupted permanent teeth often have deep fissures where food debris and bacteria can easily accumulate. Additionally, oral hygiene abilities are relatively weak during this stage, leading to a higher risk of dental caries. Applying pit and fissure sealants can form a protective barrier that blocks caries-causing factors and reduces the risk of tooth decay. Individuals at high risk of caries can also benefit from additional protection through sealants.

If the tooth fissures are shallow and flat and thus easy to clean with regular brushing, or if caries have already developed, or if the teeth have remained caries-free for many years after eruption, pit and fissure sealing is generally unnecessary. In these cases, the risk of caries is low, or the existing conditions cannot be resolved by sealing. In such situations, fillings are required first, or no additional protection is needed due to the teeth's strong natural resistance to caries.

Daily oral hygiene practices should include brushing teeth twice a day, rinsing the mouth after meals, using dental floss to clean interdental surfaces, reducing sugar intake, and visiting the dentist for checkups every six months to a year. These measures help maintain dental health and reduce the risk of caries.

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When should pit and fissure sealing be done?

In general, pit and fissure sealing is performed within one year after the tooth erupts. After undergoing pit and fissure sealing, certain precautions should still be observed. For several days following the procedure, avoid chewing excessively hard or sticky foods with the sealed teeth to prevent dislodgement of the sealant material. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene by thoroughly brushing teeth twice daily and using dental floss or other tools to clean the interproximal surfaces of the teeth.

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When should children receive pit and fissure sealants?

Under normal circumstances, children can receive pit and fissure sealing at the age of 6 to 7 years. After the procedure, it is important to avoid letting the child chew excessively hard foods, such as nuts or bones, with the sealed teeth for 24 hours post-treatment, to prevent dislodgement of the sealing material. Additionally, it is important to supervise the child's daily oral hygiene, ensuring they brush their teeth at least twice daily for no less than three minutes each time.

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What is the price for children's dental fissure sealing?

Under normal circumstances, the general reference price for children's dental fissure sealants is 80-300 yuan per tooth. However, the specific price may be affected by factors such as the number of teeth, the condition of the teeth, the selected materials, local living costs, and follow-up services. This procedure should be performed at a qualified medical institution. A detailed explanation is as follows: in daily life, parents should supervise children to maintain good oral hygiene.

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How much does pit and fissure sealing cost?

Pit and fissure sealing is a dental health procedure that prevents caries by applying a sealant to the pits and fissures of teeth. The general reference price ranges from 50 to 300 yuan per tooth, and the effect typically lasts for 3 to 5 years. The specific price depends on various factors, including the brand of sealant, the number of teeth being sealed, the location of the teeth, regional economic conditions, and whether examination services are included.