Podcast
Questions and Answers
What percentage effectiveness do scientific studies attribute to properly placed dental sealants in preventing cavities?
What percentage effectiveness do scientific studies attribute to properly placed dental sealants in preventing cavities?
- 75%
- 20%
- 80% (correct)
- 100% (correct)
What is the primary purpose of placing dental sealants?
What is the primary purpose of placing dental sealants?
- To stop the progression of decay.
- To provide interceptive orthodontics.
- To prevent decay in the grooves of erupted teeth. (correct)
- To replace the use of topical fluorides.
Under what condition should a pit-and-fissure sealant NOT be placed?
Under what condition should a pit-and-fissure sealant NOT be placed?
- Lack of deep pits and fissures.
- Obvious dental decay. (correct)
- Proximal carious lesions.
- All of the options are correct. (correct)
Which type of pit-and-fissure sealant material requires mixing prior to placement?
Which type of pit-and-fissure sealant material requires mixing prior to placement?
Which of the following is NOT a general rule for the proper storage and use of dental sealant materials?
Which of the following is NOT a general rule for the proper storage and use of dental sealant materials?
Flashcards
Effectiveness of dental sealants
Effectiveness of dental sealants
Dental sealants are 100% effective in protecting sealed tooth surfaces from cavities.
Purpose of dental sealants
Purpose of dental sealants
Sealants are placed to prevent decay on the grooves of erupted teeth.
Conditions for sealant placement
Conditions for sealant placement
A pit-and-fissure sealant should not be placed if there is obvious dental decay.
Pit-and-fissure sealant types
Pit-and-fissure sealant types
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Sealant retention failure
Sealant retention failure
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Study Notes
Dental Sealants: Study Notes
- Sealant Effectiveness: Properly placed dental sealants are highly effective (80%) in preventing cavities on sealed tooth surfaces.
Sealant Purpose
- Prevention: Sealants are primarily used to prevent tooth decay in the grooves of teeth, where bacteria can accumulate. This is not a replacement for fluoride.
Sealant Contraindications
- Cavity Presence: Sealants should not be placed if there's already obvious decay or proximal carious lesions (decay between teeth) on the tooth. A lack of pits/fissures is also a contraindication.
Sealant Materials
-
Mixing Required: Some sealant materials, like self-cured sealants, require mixing a base and catalyst before application.
-
Light-Curing: Light-cured sealants cure using a light source. Others are dual cure, which means they can be cured with either light or a chemical reaction.
Fluoride Release
- Fluoride Enrichment: Some sealants release fluoride, creating a fluoride-rich layer, helping remineralize early decay (incipient caries).
Safety Precautions
- Avoiding Contact: Acid etchants used with sealants should avoid contact with oral soft tissue, eyes, and skin.
Sealant Storage and Handling
- Proper Storage: Replace caps on sealant containers immediately after use. Store them at room temperature, away from light and air.
Sealant Material Properties
- Filler Function: Sealant filler material increases the sealant's durability but not the tooth's resistance to occlusal wear.
Sealant Retention Failure
- Moisture Contamination: Moisture contamination is a significant cause of sealant retention failure.
Preparation for Sealants
- Tooth Preparation: Microabrasion is sometimes used to roughen the tooth surface for better sealant adhesion.
Sealant Efficacy
- Bacterial Barrier: A properly placed sealant creates a barrier that prevents bacteria and the carbohydrates they need to survive, from reaching the tooth surface. This doesn't mean bacteria cannot exist in the mouth.
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Description
This quiz covers essential aspects of dental sealants, including their effectiveness in preventing cavities, their purpose, contraindications for use, and various materials used. Understand the importance of proper placement and the distinctions between different types of sealants.
