Sealants

Chemical-cured sealant dental sealant materials are supplied as a

• one-part system with a base.

• one-part system with a catalyst.

• two-part system with a photo initiator.

• two-part system with a base and a catalyst.

Enamel that has been etched has what appearance when dry?

• Shiny

• Frosty

• Wet

• Slightly yellow

Properly placed dental sealants are ___% effective in protecting against the development of caries in sealed surfaces.

• 70

• 80

• 90

• 100

Sealants are especially useful through the caries-active period, which is

• 0 to 3 years of age.

• 3 to 6 years of age.

• 6 to 15 years of age.

• 15 to 21 years of age.

The first step in placing dental sealants is to _____ the surface.

• etch

• isolate

• clean

• prime

Using a small round or needle-shaped bur or diamond rotary instrument prior to placement of a dental sealant can allow for inspection for the presence of caries, and

• reduce the amount of sealant required to protect fissures and grooves in the tooth.

• allow the expanded-functions dental assistant (EFDA) to apply sealant without the dentist being present in the office.

• provide for increased retention of the sealant material.

• eliminate the need to evaluate the occlusion following placement of sealant.

What is the primary reason that few children are protected by dental sealants?

• They are not recommended by the American Dental Association.

• They have not been shown to reduce decay significantly.

• There is a lack of public awareness.

• They are not effective for prevention of pit-and-fissure decay in posterior teeth.

Which statement is correct regarding a properly placed sealant over small initial carious lesions?

• The decay will continue to develop under the sealant

• Bacteria can survive under a sealant.

• The number of bacteria in small carious lesions decreases over time.

• The number of bacteria in small carious lesions increases over time.

Which technique is sometimes used before sealant application to open fissures and remove slight decay?

• Rubber cup polishing

• Bristle-brush polishing

• Microabrasion

• Scaling

Why are sealants contraindicated in teeth with proximal caries?

• Proximal decay will spread to the occlusal surface.

• Posterior proximal tooth preparation will usually include the occlusal pits and fissures.

• Sealants are placed on smooth surfaces and the proximal area is a smooth surface.

• Sealants are placed on smooth surfaces and the proximal area is a rough surface.