Fissurotomy instruments allow early diagnosis, conservative preparation and treatment of hidden fissure caries, often without the use of anesthesia.  Developed in collaboration with Temple University, the Fissurotomy bur head shape allows conservative exploration of fissures with a patient-friendly technique that is virtually pain-free and creates an ideal cavity form. You can explore and restore in just 3-5 minutes.

The occlusal fissure of this molar looks suspicious for a carious lesion because of subsurface staining and decalcification; but the explorer does not ‘stick’, indicating a lesion, and there is no x-ray evidence of such. However, radiographs do not detect all occlusal lesions. Enamel thickness can be deceptive.

 A cross section of the same tooth would confirm your suspicion. It clearly shows the lesion deep in the enamel. 

 Solution: Fissurtomy is ideally designed for the ultraconservative pit/fissure exploration of adult molars, primary teeth & adult premolars, enameloplasty and improved sealant retention.