Dental Sealants and Fissurotomy
By some accounts, 80% of tooth decay begins
in the pits and fissures of teeth. Toothbrush bristles may not be able to
completely remove food from those areas. Dental sealants and fissurotomy
techniques may help protect against these types of cavities. This animation
opens by describing the epidemic nature of pit & fissure cavities, and the
impetus for their prevention. Pits and fissures are shown in cross-section, and
dissolution of tooth enamel in the inaccessible fissures is illustrated-
ultimately progressing to caries in dentin. Prophylactic odontotomy
(fissurotomy) is described as a potentially viable means of eliminating deep
fissures, along with use of microabrasion handpieces to debride the grooves.
Sealants are applied, stressing the importance of good moisture control.
Microleakage is discussed as a possible consequence of maintaining poor
moisture control during placement, followed by caries progression which may be
difficult to observe clinically. Finally, a failing sealant is shown, which
illustrates the most common problems associated with sealants.
Video and
article created by: ToothIQ.com
