The next generation in pit and fissure sealants

Although the benefits of pit and fissure sealants are widely recognized, many clinicians may not routinely include their application as part of a preventive oral health care regimen. This reticence may be due to lack of knowledge regarding technique, appropriate patient populations, and additional advantages to sealant use. This article reviews the background, properties and advantages of Helioseal F (Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, NY), which is a resin-based, light-curing, fluoride-releasing pit and fissure sealant. The author also provides a checklist of advantageous sealant properties and discusses sealant techniques and the patient profile of sealant candidates.