Are fissure sealants still relevant as a caries preventive measure?

Abstract

The groundwork for fissure sealants was completed in 1955 and lead to the introduction in 1971 of the Nuva-Seal Fissure Sealant by L.D Caulk. Since caries predominantly affects the pits and fissures of the teeth of children, these sealants have been shown to be a valuable preventive procedure. FS are cost effective and provide an ideal preventive measure for children who have restricted access to dental services. However the advent of dental lasers, caries detection systems, fluoride varnishes and novel adhesive systems may have displaced FS as a preventive measure of choice. The aim of this investigation was to establish whether FS remain a relevant preventive measure for the anatomically vulnerable fissure system.