As we know, pit and fissure sealant procedure is conducted to prevent dental caries for children. Some wonder if it can be sought by adults. According to dentists from AKJ Dental Hospital, theoretically adults can also seek such procedure. Whether or not it’s necessary or suitable for your case depends on your specific dental condition.

    In general, pit and fissure sealant is suitable for the following cases.

    It can be applied for deciduous second molars which erupt at the age of two or three. The deciduous second molars are going to stay in mouth for about ten years, since they will be replaced by their permanent counterparts at the age of eleven to thirteen.

    It’s suggested to conduct the procedure for permanent first molars which erupt at aged six or seven. These teeth play an important role in mastication and are supposed to stay with you for a lifetime, demanding great attention to take care of them. 

    The procedure can also be sought for permanent second molars erupting roughly at aged 12. They usually serve a purpose of biting and grinding foods, susceptible to lesions and caries. They are supposed to stay with us for a lifetime as well.

    Pit and fissure sealant refers to applying a layer of sealing agent over occlusal surfaces before there is development of any lesions and caries. It serves as a shield to protect teeth from the invasion of food debris and bacteria, thus preventing cavities. Routine check-ups should be scheduled every half an year after conducting the procedure.

    It is a way to prevent dental caries, with no limit on age. So adults are also allowed to seek the procedure. Nonetheless, it’s not necessary to seek it for adults, in that adults are able to well carry out brushing practices and have a lower possibility of developing caries. Hence, the procedure is of little avail for adults.

    In other cases where there is already formation of lesions or caries on molars, you had to seek filling or root canal therapy to fix the problem instead of seeking pit and fissure sealant. If left untreated, the caries will only get deteriorated. Book an appointment with your dentist for a thorough check-up and seek proper treatment in a timely manner, with a view to preventing bigger problems down the road. 

    Please feel free to contact me if there’s any dental problem. (WeChat ID: aiyuan325180)