title: Caries detection and diagnosis, sealants and management of the possibly carious fissure.
abstract: The diagnosis and management of 'stained' or possibly carious pits and fissures is a difficult clinical problem. Historically, clinicians have restoratively intervened at an early stage because of concern that caries will progress unless completely removed and a restoration placed. However, this approach is destructive of tooth tissue and in the longer term may compromise the tooth as it enters the restoration re-restoration cycle. This paper aims to update the reader on developments in sealant technology and the use of sealants in caries prevention and management with an emphasis on the options available to manage the questionable fissure.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Oral Health and Development, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Claremont Crescent, Sheffield, S10 2RN. c.deery@sheffield.ac.uk
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Deery
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003750:Dental Fissures / Q000628:therapy*; D003804:Dentin / Q000473:pathology; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D007390:International Agencies; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016300:Radiography, Bitewing; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants