What are the side effects of pit and fissure sealing?

Aug 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

Pit and fissure sealing is a relatively safe dental procedure. Side effects are mostly mild local reactions, including tooth sensitivity, sealant脱落 (falling off), material irritation to the mucous membrane, occlusal discomfort, and secondary caries in the sealed area. Most of these can be relieved through timely management or care. When undergoing pit and fissure sealing, it is important to choose a qualified healthcare facility and have the procedure performed by a professional dentist to reduce the risk of side effects.

Generally, pit and fissure sealing is a dental procedure with high safety. Side effects are mostly local and mild reactions, including tooth sensitivity, sealant脱落, material irritation to the mucous membrane, occlusal discomfort, and secondary caries in the sealed area. These effects can usually be relieved through timely treatment or care. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Tooth Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience transient tooth sensitivity after the sealing procedure. Symptoms may include slight soreness or discomfort when teeth are exposed to hot or cold foods or acidic/sweet stimuli.

2. Sealant脱落: The sealant may become dislodged due to various factors, such as inadequate tooth cleaning during the procedure, poor adhesion between the sealant and the tooth, or postoperative habits such as frequently chewing hard foods or brushing teeth too aggressively.

3. Material Irritation to Mucous Membrane: A small number of individuals may experience mild irritation symptoms in the oral mucosa due to components of the sealant material, such as redness at the gum edges, slight swelling, or a foreign body sensation in the buccal mucosa that contacts the material.

4. Occlusal Discomfort: Transient occlusal discomfort may occur after sealing, manifesting as a feeling that the tooth bites too high or has a foreign body sensation during chewing. This is primarily due to excessive sealant application or an uneven surface after curing, which affects normal occlusal contact.

5. Secondary Caries in the Sealed Area: If the sealing procedure is not performed properly—for example, if food debris or bacteria remain in the fissures that are not completely removed, or if microgaps appear at the edges of the sealant—bacteria may proliferate beneath the sealed area, leading to secondary caries.

When undergoing pit and fissure sealing, it is important to choose a qualified medical institution and have the procedure performed by a professional dentist to reduce the risk of side effects. After the procedure, avoid chewing excessively hard or sticky foods with the sealed teeth, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth morning and night, schedule regular dental checkups, and promptly address any abnormalities to ensure dental health.

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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.