restorative dentistry

Pit and fissure sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the grooves of back teeth to prevent dental caries, especially in children and adolescents.​ What they are and why used Pit and fissure sealants are flowable materials placed mainly on the occlusal surfaces of premolars and molars to block food and bacteria from collecting in deep pits and grooves. These areas are more prone to decay than smooth surfaces because they are harder to clean and receive less protection from fluoride.​ Types of sealant materials The two main categories are resin‑based sealants and glass ionomer sealants. Resin‑based sealants are usually preferred for their better retention, while glass ionomer sealants are useful when moisture control is difficult and provide fluoride release over time.​ Indications and effectiveness Sealants are recommended for newly erupted permanent molars and premolars with deep or stained fissures, especially in patients at moderate or high caries risk and without obvious cavitated lesions. When properly placed and maintained, sealants significantly reduce occlusal caries, with long‑term studies showing high success rates where retention is maintained.​ Basic application steps Typical clinical steps include cleaning the tooth, isolating it from saliva, etching the enamel (commonly with 37% phosphoric acid), rinsing and drying, applying the sealant to all susceptible pits and fissures, then light‑curing and checking occlusion. Adequate isolation and avoiding salivary contamination are critical because moisture greatly reduces retention of traditional hydrophobic resin sealants.​ Newer developments Newer moisture‑tolerant (hydrophilic) resin sealants have been developed to improve performance when perfect dryness is hard to achieve, such as in erupting molars. These materials aim to combine good retention with easier clinical handling and, in some products, bioactive or fluoride‑releasing properties.

What Are Crowns and Bridges? Dental Crown A crown (also called a “cap”) is a custom-made covering that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. Purpose: strengthen a tooth, restore its shape/size, protect it after procedures (like root canal), or improve appearance. Materials: can be made from different materials — porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys (like gold), and combinations (e.g., porcelain-fused-to-metal). Procedure: Tooth is prepared (reshaped), an impression is taken, a temporary crown is placed, and then the permanent crown is cemented. Dental Bridge A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Structure: It typically has abutment teeth (natural teeth on either side of the gap) that are capped with crowns, and a pontic (the false tooth) in between. Types: There are different kinds of bridges: Traditional bridges (crowns on both sides) Cantilever bridges (supported only from one side) Maryland (resin-bonded) bridges (winged design, less invasive) Implant-supported bridges (anchored on dental implants) Materials: Similar to crowns — porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or metal. Procedure: Teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared, impressions are taken, a temporary bridge may be placed, and later the final bridge is cemented. Why Use Crowns and Bridges? Restoration: To restore broken, cracked, or decayed teeth that can’t be fixed by regular fillings. Missing Teeth: Bridges fill in the gaps where teeth are missing, preventing neighbouring teeth from shifting. After Root Canal: Crowns protect teeth that have had root canal treatment. Aesthetics: Improve appearance — shape, color, alignment of teeth. Function: Restore chewing ability, maintain bite, and prevent problems like misalignment. Advantages & Limitations Advantages: Permanent (they are cemented, not removable by you). Can look very natural (especially porcelain/ceramic types). Restore strength and function to damaged or missing teeth. Limitations / Risks: Adjacent teeth (for bridges) need to be prepared (i.e. shaved) to hold the crowns. There’s a risk of decay or periodontal disease if hygiene is poor. Cost: Can be expensive depending on material and complexity. Lifespan: Crowns/bridges don’t last forever — may need replacement over time. Types of Crown Materials All-ceramic / Porcelain: Good aesthetics, natural-looking. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Stronger, good for back teeth. Metal (Gold or Alloys): Very strong, but less aesthetic. Zirconia: Very strong and increasingly popular. How Long Do They Last? Their longevity depends a lot on how well you care for them: brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups matter. On average, many crowns/bridges last 5–15 years, but with good care, they can last longer.