Pits and fissures: Relative space contribution in fissures from sealants, prophylaxis pastes and organic remnants

Abstract

Background: Previous studies by the authors have looked at the nature of the fissure system of human permanent molars and premolars, and has provided evidence for the presence of a prismless layer of enamel. It was noted during these studies that the fissure spaces were often occupied by material other than the fissure sealant. The aim of this study was to define these materials and to look at the percentage contribution of each to the sealed fissure space. Methods: A sample of teeth, both molars and premolars, were sealed with an unfilled fissure sealant after prophylaxis with a coloured prophylaxis paste. In one group, the crown of the tooth was removed by dissolution in hydrochloric acid ..