Hi!
Generally teeth sealants aka pit and fissure sealants are not indicative for all patients. Why is that so? There are several factors that would predispose a patient to possibly needing them:
1. Patients who are at a high risk of developing decay.
These are patients who likely are having poor oral hygiene or have a history of the ease of developing decay. For kids, the best indicator would be that if their deciduous/baby teeth are already showing signs of decay.
2. Patients who are medically compromised
Patients who are possibly taking a lot of medications for their systemic diseases or patients who have undergone or undergoing chemotherapy/radiotherapy might have their saliva production slowed down and that would predispose them to a higher chance of developing decay.
3. Anatomy and position of the tooth
Some teeth are just harder to reach than others and the sealants could be an effective way to occlude the deep grooves if the patient is showing signs inability to clean a particular tooth or surface.
Well. why do dentists in Singapore not mention them? It depends on their philosophy in dentistry. Some dentists may find sealing all molars an overindication of dental treatment, and like how Dr Joanne mentioned it does wear with time. Thus having a broken or fractured sealant might actually be counterproductive as it might trap even more plaque.
Do talk to your dentist regarding the sealants as we still do have beneficial use for them, just not a broad stroke for all patients.
Have a good one!
