Is it okay for children to have pit and fissure sealing?

Children's bodies are not as strong as those of adults, and their resistance is inevitably lower. When some medical treatments are needed, parents are always worried about whether their children are suitable or whether their children need to undergo pit and fissure sealing. They need to understand the process and whether it will have any impact on their children's bodies. It is also necessary to communicate well with the doctor and provide psychological comfort to the children.

Is it good to do pit and fissure sealing for children?

introduce

The sealing material used for pit and fissure sealing is called pit and fissure sealant, which is tightly bonded to the fissure wall after curing and has a certain resistance to chewing pressure, which does not hinder eating. In addition, the pit and fissure sealant is non-toxic and harmless to the human body after curing. Sealant can generally be retained for a long time. After a sealing procedure has just been completed, it is best to have a follow-up examination every 3-6 months. During the annual routine oral examination, the sealed teeth should be checked at the same time to promptly detect any sealant shedding so that timely repairs can be made.

The principle of pit and fissure sealant to prevent pit and fissure caries is to fill the pits and fissures of teeth with polymer materials, making the tooth surface smooth and easy to clean. On the one hand, after pit and fissure sealing, the original bacteria in the pits and fissures are cut off from their source of nutrition and gradually die; on the other hand, caries-causing bacteria from outside can no longer enter, thus achieving the purpose of preventing pit and fissure caries.

effect

The occlusal surface (the side for chewing food) of the back teeth in everyone's mouth is uneven, and the concave areas are called pits and fissures. If these pits and fissures are not well developed, they will be very deep, and food and bacteria will get embedded in them, making tooth decay (also called "cavities") very likely to occur. Medically, this type of caries is called pit and fissure caries. According to oral epidemiological surveys, more than 90% of caries among Chinese adolescents occur in pits and fissures.

The "sixth-year molar" is a common site for pit and fissure caries. It is the first permanent molar to erupt, has the strongest chewing function, and is most susceptible to caries, and may even fall out prematurely, so it is important to protect children's first permanent molars. Pit and fissure sealing is the most effective method to prevent pit and fissure caries in permanent molars.

Indications

There are many factors involved in deciding whether to perform pit and fissure sealing, the most important of which are the appearance and evaluation of the pits and fissures.

1) Deep pits and fissures, especially those that can get stuck in the probe (including suspected caries).

2) The patient's other teeth, especially the opposite teeth with the same name, have caries or are prone to caries.

Best time

The best time to seal pits and fissures is when the teeth are fully erupted and caries has not yet occurred.

1) When children’s teeth erupt and reach the occlusal plane, it is suitable for pit and fissure sealing, usually within 4 years of eruption.

2) Deciduous molars at 3-4 years old, first permanent molars at 6-7 years old, second permanent molars at 11-13 years old, and bicuspids at 9-13 years old.

3) For disabled children with poor oral hygiene, even if they are older or their teeth have been in the mouth for a long time, the age for pit and fissure sealing can be relaxed.