Fissure sealant
Resin-based sealant on pits and fissures of caries-susceptible permanent molars.
Time
5–10 min per tooth
Anaesthetic
Not needed
Key kit
Etch 37%, resin sealant, cotton rolls, curing light
Refer if
Cavitated caries into dentine — restore instead
Before you start
- • Confirm sound or non-cavitated enamel lesion only
- • Caries risk assessment and recall plan
- • Can you achieve moisture control? If not, use glass ionomer sealant
Steps
- 1
Clean
Clean fissures with a dry brush or pumice; rinse thoroughly.
- 2
Isolate
Cotton rolls, dry guards or rubber dam; keep the surface dry from here on.
- 3
Etch
37% phosphoric acid on fissures and 1–2 mm of cuspal incline for about 15–30 s (per product).
- 4
Rinse and dry
Rinse well, then dry until enamel is frosty white. Re-etch briefly if saliva contaminates it.
- 5
Apply sealant
Flow a thin layer into fissures with the applicator; tease out bubbles with a probe; avoid overfilling.
- 6
Cure
Light-cure for the manufacturer's time with the tip close to the surface.
- 7
Check
Probe for retention and voids; check occlusion and adjust high spots.
Aftercare
- • Re-check retention at each recall and repair if lost
- • Continue fluoride varnish and home fluoride advice
Sources
- Delivering Better Oral Health — an evidence-based toolkit for prevention (OHID)UK
- AAPD/ADA — Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for pit-and-fissure sealants (2016)US
Checked on 2026-10-22.
General guide summarised from the sources above. Follow your training and local protocols.