Fluoride in pit and fissure sealants: is it a feasible combination?

Authors

  • Prasanna T. Dahake
  • Vijay J. Girhe

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7213/aor.v8i2.23061

Keywords:

Dental caries, Fluoride, Glass ionomer cements, Pit and fissure sealants

Abstract

Dental sealants work on the principle of blocking caries susceptible pits and fissures of teeth thus rendering them caries resistant. Fluoride is another agent that is effective in reducing dental caries. However added benefits of fluoride can be achieved through its topical application. These effects can further be amplified by extended exposure of tooth surface to fluoride releasing agents. Thus the concept of addition of fluoride to pit and fissure sealants was conceived. Until now two methods of fluoride incorporation in pit and fissure sealants have been formulated. First method employs addition of soluble fluoride salts to the unpolymerized resin. Second system of fluoride incorporation uses an organic fluoride compound that can be chemically bound to resin. But the mechanism of fluoride release from fluoridated fissure sealants remains speculative. Fluoride release might occur from the insoluble sealant material as a result of porosity or ion exchange procedure. Several studies have looked at benefits of such combinations, but no study has documented a clear-cut clinical benefit or potential benefit of the same, rather seems a marketing ploy. This paper reviews evidence pertaining to use of combination of fluoride and sealants for caries prevention, their feasibility and effectiveness after addition of fluoride to sealants through in vitro and in vivo studies.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Published

2012-11-28

How to Cite

Dahake, P. T., & Girhe, V. J. (2012). Fluoride in pit and fissure sealants: is it a feasible combination?. Archives of Oral Research, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.7213/aor.v8i2.23061

Issue

Section

Revisions