What are the indications for pit and fissure sealants?

Aug 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

Pit and fissure sealing is mainly suitable for individuals with deep tooth fissures that are prone to caries. Its indications primarily include permanent teeth of certain age groups, deciduous teeth that meet specific criteria, teeth with special fissure morphology, teeth of individuals with poor oral hygiene, and teeth of individuals at high risk for caries. Parents are advised to regularly bring their children and adolescents in for oral examinations to ensure the optimal timing for pit and fissure sealing.

Generally, pit and fissure sealing is mainly suitable for individuals with deep tooth fissures that are prone to caries. Its indications primarily include permanent teeth within certain age groups, deciduous teeth that meet specific criteria, teeth with special fissure morphology, teeth of individuals with poor oral hygiene, and teeth of individuals at high risk for caries. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Permanent teeth in specific age groups: Pit and fissure sealing is especially indicated for newly erupted permanent teeth, particularly the first permanent molars of children aged 6-8 years and the second permanent molars of adolescents aged 11-13 years. When these permanent teeth first erupt, their occlusal surfaces have deep pits and fissures that have not yet experienced long-term masticatory wear. Food debris and bacteria can easily accumulate in these areas. Timely pit and fissure sealing can effectively prevent caries development.

2. Deciduous teeth meeting specific criteria: Some deciduous teeth are also suitable for pit and fissure sealing, especially deciduous molars in children aged 3-4 years. Deciduous molars play a primary role in mastication during childhood, and their fissures are usually deep. If a child has difficulty maintaining oral hygiene and is prone to caries in deciduous teeth, pit and fissure sealing can help protect the health of deciduous teeth and prevent premature loss, which could affect the eruption and alignment of permanent teeth.

3. Teeth with special fissure morphology: Regardless of age, teeth with deep, narrow, and complex occlusal surface fissures—such as those with distinct grooves and pits that are difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush—are considered indications for pit and fissure sealing. Due to their unique fissure structure, these teeth have a much higher probability of developing caries than teeth with shallow, flat fissures. Sealing can block the invasion of cariogenic factors.

4. Teeth of individuals with poor oral hygiene: Individuals with poor oral hygiene habits, such as those who do not consistently brush their teeth morning and night or rinse after meals, or who brush incorrectly, often have food debris and bacteria remaining on their tooth surfaces, particularly in the fissures. These individuals are good candidates for pit and fissure sealing. Protection with a sealant can reduce the accumulation of cariogenic substances in the fissures and lower the risk of caries.

5. Teeth of individuals at high risk for caries: Individuals with a family history of dental caries, those who frequently consume sweet or sticky foods, and those with reduced salivary secretion are considered high-risk groups for caries. Their teeth should be prioritized for pit and fissure sealing. The teeth of these individuals have relatively weaker resistance to caries, and pit and fissure sealing can provide an additional protective barrier, effectively reducing the likelihood of caries development.

Parents are advised to regularly take children and adolescents for oral examinations to identify the optimal timing for pit and fissure sealing. At the same time, good oral hygiene habits should be cultivated, intake of sweet foods should be reduced, and overall dental health should be maintained to minimize the impact of caries on dental function.

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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.