A Study of Pit and Fissure Sealants

-The Effect of Viscosity of the Sealants and Type of the Applicators on the Administration Time and the Sealed Area-

Abstract

From the standpoint of the durability of the sealants, it is assumed that the sealants should be applied only to the bottom part of the pit and fissure to avoid marginal fracture and wear of the materials.
Because of this, a minimum area for the sealant to be applied is required for a stable prevention of dental caries.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of viscosity of the sealants and various applicators in the techniques for minimum-area-sealing.
Three sealants with various degrees of viscosity were applied to the stone models of a lower first molar by means of four types of applicators.
Three operators conducting the experiment were a dentist with two years of experience, a dentist with one year of experience and a student.
The time required for administration and the area of sealed pits and fissures were evaluated.