Pit and Fissure Caries Flashcards
Which patients should have fissure sealants placed?
- Extensive caries in primary teeth => seal permanent molars when erupt
- Special needs (e.g medically compromised, physically/dentally disables, learning difficulties)
Where should FS be placed for patients of various caries risk levels?
- High: primary molars + permanent posterior teeth
- Medium: permanent molars
- Low: only teeth w very deep retentive fissures
Which teeth should have fissure sealants placed?
- Sound teeth with deep fissures that are difficult to clean
- Occlusal caries in one permanent 6:
- Seal fissures of other 6s
- Assess need to seal 7s when they erupt sufficiently - Dental anomalies (e.g dens evaginatus, dens invaginatus, cusp of Carabelli, hypomineralisation, double tooth)
What is the presentation of deep fissures and what is the treatment?
- Stained P&F
- No radiographic evidence of P&F caries
- Tx: FS
What is the presentation of enamel caries and what is the treatment?
- Chalky looking P&F, rough surface
- No radiographic evidence of P&F caries
- Tx: FS
What is the presentation of dentinal caries and what is the treatment?
- Discoloured P&F
- Exposed dentine
- Radiographic signs of P&F caries
- Tx: restoration
What is the presentation of an undermining lesion beneath enamel and what is the treatment?
Brown-grey discolouration radiating peripherally from pit
Tx: restoration
What are the advantages and disadvantages of filled vs unfilled CR FS?
Filled: greater strength, more viscous
Unfilled: lower strength, less viscous => penetrate deeper into fissure system => higher retention rate
What are the advantages and disadvantages of clear vs opaque CR FS?
Clear: Able to monitor fissures sealed underneath
Opaque (e.g ClinPro)
- Easier to see during placement & checking at recall
- Prevent subsequent dentist from removing sealant (e,g think caries active when already arrested)
What GIC is used as a FS?
Fuji VII is a flowable GIC – contains higher acid content => more watery. Available in white and pink
When are GIC sealants indicated?
Poor moisture control, GIC has poor retention rate
What is the long term mx of FS?
- Monitor at appropriate intervals (x-rays where appropriate)
- Defective sealants should be investigated & repaired/replaced
What is a preventive resin restoration?
- Removing isolated carious lesions within P&F
- Restore w CR
- Seal remaining fissures
What are the indications for PRRs?
1.P&F caries into dentine:
- High risk P&F remaining
- No pulpal involvement
*extension for prevention: when one groove carious other grooves also prone to caries
- Prophylactic tx of dens evaginatus
What is a fissure sealant?
Substance placed in P&F to prevent plaque, bacteria and fermentable foods like sugars, starches from entering fissures & causing caries