Pit and Fissure Sealant
A resin or glass ionomer material applied to the occlusal grooves of posterior teeth to prevent caries by physically occluding susceptible surfaces.
Full Definition
Pit and fissure sealants are a preventive dental intervention applied primarily to the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars, where deep grooves (fissures) and pits are vulnerable to plaque retention and subsequent caries. Application is within the scope of dental hygiene practice in most jurisdictions. Editors will encounter this term in patient records, public health reports, and school dental programme documentation. The preferred full form is 'pit and fissure sealant'; shortened forms such as 'sealant' are acceptable in running text after first use but should be avoided in headings and formal clinical entries. CDT code D1351 governs insurance documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate 'pit-and-fissure' only when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., 'pit-and-fissure sealant programme'). The standalone noun form is not hyphenated.
In Context
- "Pit and fissure sealants were placed on teeth 3, 14, 19, and 30 as part of the adolescent's caries prevention programme." — Pediatric dental record
- "The public health report abbreviated the term as 'PFS' without defining it at first use — the editor inserted the full form." — Public health report editing