Pit and Fissure Sealants Exam Questions And Answers Rated 100%!!!

Dental Sealants - ANS -Hard resin materials that are applied to caries- free occlusal surfaces of premolars and molars Why Do We Place Sealants on Posterior Teeth? - ANS -These pit and fissure teeth are particularly susceptible to caries because of the deep pits and fissures in the enamel on the occlusal surface -Tooth brushing is not always adequate means of removing the bacteria and debris that are lodged in the pits and fissures Fluoride vs. Sealants - ANS -Fluoride is very effective in preventing decay on the smooth enamel surfaces but less effective in the pits and fissures -Sealants bond to the tooth to "seal" the pits and fissures, thereby preventing the decay process from starting Sealants vs. Restorations - ANS -Barrier costs less than restoration but does not last as long -On average, sealants last 5 to 10 years -The combined use of pit and fissure sealants and fluoride has proven to be an effective measure that greatly reduces dental caries in patients through age 16 Indications for Sealants - ANS -Patient has low-to-moderate caries activity -Practices good oral hygiene techniques -Teeth are erupted into mouth enough for occlusal surface to be accessible -Eats a balanced diet, preferably low in sugar -Has good quantity and quality of saliva -Has fluoride in water or takes fluoride supplement Sealants Are Most Beneficial If Applied: - ANS -On occlusal pits and fissures of noncarious primary and permanent teeth -On recently erupted teeth -On patients with a high number of occlusal caries and deep fissures -Along with preventative treatment Contraindications for Sealants - ANS -Teeth that have been caries free for 4 or more years (chances are minimal that occlusal decay will occur) -Teeth with shallow open grooves. Usually, these teeth are easy to keep clean, making them more resistant to decay. Also, sealants are not well retained in these areas -Teeth with well-coalesced(blended) pits and fissures -Patients with occlusal decay or who have occlusal restorations -Patient is allergic to methacrylate (which is contained in the sealant material), because oral tissues may come in contact with it during sealant placement What Is The Most Common Sealant Material - ANS -Dental composite resins (BIS-GMA) -Diluted and are thus less viscous to enhance the flow typically required for sealants -Unfilled or contain a small amount of filler (the filler is usually quartz and silica particles) -Will last up to 10 years -Inexpensive and come in kits with everything you need for application -Quick and easy to use -Require no mixing because they usually come in syringes with disposable applicator tips, cartridges with a cannula(small hollow tube) for application, or single-use dispensing tips -Also available are dental-composite sealant materials containing fluoride for the added benefit of fluoride release under the sealant -Clear, opaque, or lightly tinted colors Filled Sealants - ANS - Unfilled Sealants - ANS - What is the Advantage to the Opaque and Tinted Composites? - ANS -Visibility, which makes placement less difficult and identification of the sealants at follow-up exams easier -Patients, however, prefer the clear or opaque options because of esthetic appeal Color-Changing Sealants - ANS -Photopolymerized sealant material -Relatively new option, popular -Contain a photo-active color additive; tinted (usually pink or green) on the initial application, and then change to opaque white after being light cured -Allows for better visibilty during sealant placement Glass Ionomers - ANS -Popular in some offices because they don't need to purchase separate material for sealant procedures -Contain fluoride (releases continually for 2 years) -Used if patient has high rate of caries or xerostomia (dryness of the mouth caused by reduced saliva) -Require no etching or bonding agent -Can be used on smooth surfaces of the tooth because they are less fluid than composites -Powder/liquid form, capsules with cannula for dispensing material and a syringe with disposable applicator tips Bonding - ANS -Attachment to the tooth surface occurs differently for the composite sealants than the glass ionomer sealants Mechanical Bond - ANS -Accomplished by the sealant flowing into the irregularities for the treated enamel and locking into place -Composite sealant Etched - ANS -Conditioned by phosphoric acid (or another type of acid) solution that is applied to a clean tooth with a brush, syringe, or small cotton-tipped applicator -Comes in a gel or liquid -Applied for a specified amount of time, usually 15-30 seconds -During the application time, etchant is "dabbed" or flowed over the are, but never rubbed