Microscopic evaluation of fissure patterns of posterior permanent teeth: An in vitro study

Aim: Pits and fissures are considered the areas in the posterior teeth that are most susceptible to decay. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the prevalence of fissure types in relation to tooth type and localization. Methodology: A total of 100 extracted sound maxillary and mandibular molars and premolars were included in this study (25 teeth/group). The extracted teeth without any caries, cracks, fractures, anomalies, or restorations were classified according to tooth type and localization after disinfection. The teeth were sectioned in the buccolingual direction from the deepest part of the central fossa on the occlusal surface, and the fissure patterns were observed using a stereo microscope. The frequency distribution and percentages of the categorical data were obtained. Chi-square and exact tests were performed to compare the localization of the teeth and the prevalence of fissure types (p < 0.05). Results: The V-type fissure pattern (59%) was statistically significantly more common in both the premolar and molar teeth, followed by the I-type (18%) and U-type (14%) patterns (p = 0.000). The rarest fissure pattern was the IK type. No relationships were found between fissure pattern, the tooth subgroups, and localization (p = 0.390). Conclusion: Determining the types of fissure morphology is important for the prevention of caries on the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars.   How to cite this article: Büyükgöze Dindar M, Tekbaş Atay M. Microscopic evaluation of fissure patterns of posterior permanent teeth: An in vitro study. Int Dent Res 2022;12(3):107-11. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2022.vol12.no3.1   Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.