How is pit and fissure sealing performed?

Aug 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

In general, pit and fissure sealing should be performed at a qualified hospital following a standardized and orderly procedure. The entire process mainly includes five steps: tooth cleaning, acid etching, tooth drying, application of the sealant, and light curing. Each step must be strictly performed to ensure the sealing effectiveness. After completing the pit and fissure sealing, normal daily oral hygiene can be maintained. It is advisable to avoid chewing hard or overly sticky foods in the short term.

Generally, fissure sealant application should be performed at a reputable hospital following a standardized and systematic procedure. The entire process mainly includes five steps: tooth cleaning, acid etching, tooth drying, application of the sealant, and light curing. Each step must be strictly performed to ensure the effectiveness of the sealant. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Tooth Cleaning: The dentist will first use a specialized dental probe or small brush to carefully remove food debris, plaque, and other impurities from the occlusal surface grooves of the tooth to be sealed. The tooth surface is then rinsed thoroughly with running water, and finally, moisture from the teeth and oral cavity is removed using a saliva ejector.

2. Acid Etching: After cleaning, the dentist will use a small cotton pellet or a dedicated acid etching applicator to evenly apply the etching agent onto the grooves and surrounding enamel surfaces of the occlusal surface. The acid etching typically lasts for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

3. Tooth Drying: Following acid etching, the dentist will use compressed air or a specialized drying device to blow air continuously onto the etched tooth surface, ensuring the tooth is completely dry and free of any moisture residue.

4. Application of the Sealant: Once the tooth is dry, the dentist will use a specialized small brush or syringe to evenly apply the fissure sealant into the grooves of the occlusal surface, ensuring the sealant fully fills all deep grooves and covers the entire caries-prone area of the occlusal surface.

5. Light Curing: After applying the sealant, the dentist will hold a light-curing unit and illuminate the sealed tooth area, causing the sealant to rapidly harden under light of a specific wavelength. The curing time is typically 20 to 40 seconds, depending on the type of sealant and the intensity of the light.

After completing the fissure sealing, normal daily oral hygiene practices can resume. It is advisable to avoid chewing excessively hard or sticky foods in the short term. Regular follow-up visits to the hospital are recommended to monitor the condition of the sealant, ensuring its long-term protective effect on the teeth and reducing the risk of dental 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 are the indications for pit and fissure sealants?

Under normal circumstances, pit and fissure sealants have clearly defined target populations and dental conditions. The main indications include: eruption of permanent teeth, deep pits and fissures on tooth surfaces, individuals with poor oral hygiene maintenance, those with a family history of dental caries, and teeth without caries on adjacent surfaces. In addition, if deciduous teeth have deep pits and fissures and are prone to caries, pit and fissure sealants may also be considered upon a doctor's recommendation.

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What are the disadvantages and benefits of pit and fissure sealing?

Pit and fissure sealing has both benefits and some drawbacks. The drawbacks may include risks of material detachment, improper operation affecting dental health, inapplicability to all teeth, inability to replace daily oral care, and localized discomfort in some individuals. The benefits mainly include the prevention of pit and fissure caries, protection of dental tissues, simple and painless application, long-term and stable effectiveness, and suitability for the needs of children and adolescents.