SEALANTS EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Pit and Fissure Anatomy - Correct Answers -Ideal place for the accumulation of acid-
producing bacteria
Saliva cannot clean deep pits and fissures on the molar
The pits and fissures on the teeth are so small that even a single tooth brush bristle is
too large to enter and clean them
Barrier to Caries Development - Correct Answers -To provide a physical barrier to "seal
off" the pit or fissure
To prevent oral bacteria and their nutrients from collecting within the pit or fissure
To fill the pit or fissure as deep as possible
Indications for Sealants - Correct Answers -Patients at risk for dental caries
Xerostomia - from medications or other reasons
Patients undergoing orthodontics
Incipient caries - when the caries is limited to the enamel
Teeth
Newly erupted - as soon after eruption as possible (ideally less than 4 years)
Occlusal contour - when pit and fissure is deep and irregular
Caries history - other teeth restored or have carious lesions
Dietary patterns
Current and past fluoride exposure
Ability of patient to cooperate during sealant placement
Contraindications for Sealants - Correct Answers -Obvious dental caries
Any proximal dental caries
Insufficiently erupted teeth
Primary teeth expected to be lost soon
, Poor patient cooperation in dental chair
Pit and fissures are shallow and self- cleansing
Steps to Sealant Placement - Correct Answers -Assess/Plan/Prioritize
Clean
Isolate & dry
Apply etch
Rinse, dry, evaluate
Apply sealant
Cure*
Evaluate
Record
Purpose of Isolation - Correct Answers -to keep the tooth clean and dry for optimal
action and bonding of the sealant
to eliminate possible contamination by saliva and moisture from the breath
to keep the materials from contacting the oral tissues, being swallowed accidentally, or
being unpleasant to the patient because of the flavour
Dental Dam - Correct Answers -Is the method of choice because the most
complete isolation is achieved
Is essential when profuse saliva flow and overactive tongue and oral muscles present
Combined treatment should be planned
Use anesthesia when the application of the
clamp cannot be tolerated by the patient
Dental dam may not be possible when the tooth that is essential for holding the dam is
not fully erupted
Cotton-Roll Isolation - Correct Answers -Patient position: tilt head to allow saliva to
pool in the opposite side of the mouth
Place cotton roll holder (Garmer/conduit holder or isolator for mandibular arch)
Place saliva ejector
Apply triangular saliva absorber over the opening of the parotid duct in the cheeks
Take great care to prevent contamination from entering the area to be etched
ANSWERS
Pit and Fissure Anatomy - Correct Answers -Ideal place for the accumulation of acid-
producing bacteria
Saliva cannot clean deep pits and fissures on the molar
The pits and fissures on the teeth are so small that even a single tooth brush bristle is
too large to enter and clean them
Barrier to Caries Development - Correct Answers -To provide a physical barrier to "seal
off" the pit or fissure
To prevent oral bacteria and their nutrients from collecting within the pit or fissure
To fill the pit or fissure as deep as possible
Indications for Sealants - Correct Answers -Patients at risk for dental caries
Xerostomia - from medications or other reasons
Patients undergoing orthodontics
Incipient caries - when the caries is limited to the enamel
Teeth
Newly erupted - as soon after eruption as possible (ideally less than 4 years)
Occlusal contour - when pit and fissure is deep and irregular
Caries history - other teeth restored or have carious lesions
Dietary patterns
Current and past fluoride exposure
Ability of patient to cooperate during sealant placement
Contraindications for Sealants - Correct Answers -Obvious dental caries
Any proximal dental caries
Insufficiently erupted teeth
Primary teeth expected to be lost soon
, Poor patient cooperation in dental chair
Pit and fissures are shallow and self- cleansing
Steps to Sealant Placement - Correct Answers -Assess/Plan/Prioritize
Clean
Isolate & dry
Apply etch
Rinse, dry, evaluate
Apply sealant
Cure*
Evaluate
Record
Purpose of Isolation - Correct Answers -to keep the tooth clean and dry for optimal
action and bonding of the sealant
to eliminate possible contamination by saliva and moisture from the breath
to keep the materials from contacting the oral tissues, being swallowed accidentally, or
being unpleasant to the patient because of the flavour
Dental Dam - Correct Answers -Is the method of choice because the most
complete isolation is achieved
Is essential when profuse saliva flow and overactive tongue and oral muscles present
Combined treatment should be planned
Use anesthesia when the application of the
clamp cannot be tolerated by the patient
Dental dam may not be possible when the tooth that is essential for holding the dam is
not fully erupted
Cotton-Roll Isolation - Correct Answers -Patient position: tilt head to allow saliva to
pool in the opposite side of the mouth
Place cotton roll holder (Garmer/conduit holder or isolator for mandibular arch)
Place saliva ejector
Apply triangular saliva absorber over the opening of the parotid duct in the cheeks
Take great care to prevent contamination from entering the area to be etched
