LP3 Sealants

Question 1

who developed sealants and in what year?

Answer 1

buoncore in 1967

Question 2

what is a sealant?

Answer 2

an organic polymer resin that flows into the pit/fissure and bonds to the enamel surface

Question 3

a sealant is a mechanical _____

Answer 3

retention

Question 4

what does a sealant reduce?

Answer 4

reduces the incidence of occlusal caries

Question 5

what percentage of caries are on the occlusal surface?

Answer 5

85-90%

Question 6

what are some purposes of sealants?

Answer 6

1. provide a physical barrier to seal off pit or fissure
2. prevent oral bacteria from collecting in the pit/fissure which creates the acid environment needed to begin the caries process
3. fill pit/fissure as deep as possible with the protective material

Question 7

what are some characteristics of the “ideal” sealant

Answer 7

1. achieves prolong bonding to enamel
2. bicompatible with oral tissues
3. simple to apply
4. free-flowing, low viscosity material capable of entering narrow fissures
5. low soluability in the oral environment

Question 8

what are the 3 ways to classify sealants?

Answer 8

1. Classification of method: how its placed
2. Classification of filter content: what it is made of
3. Classification by color: no difference in material, used for identification/location of sealant

Question 9

what are the two possible methods of how a sealant is placed?

Answer 9

1. autopolymerized (self-cured) base and catalyst

2. photopolymerized (light-cured) one material

Question 10

advantage and disadvantage of autopolymerized sealant

Answer 10

adv: no special equipment is needed
dis: short working time

Question 11

advantage and disadvantage of photopolymerized sealant

Answer 11

adv: longer working time
dis: equipment is costly

Question 12

3 examples of filter content

Answer 12

1. filled
2. unfilled
3. fluoride-releasing

Question 13

3 examples of color

Answer 13

1. clear
2. tinted
3. opaque

Question 14

what are some indications for sealant placement

Answer 14

1. any patients with risk of dental caries
2. xerostomia
3. patients with ortho
4. incipient caries
5. newly erupted teeth
6. teeth with occlusal contour
7. caries (past/present)

Question 15

contradictions of sealant placement

Answer 15

1. radiographic evidence of interproximal caries
2. few pit/fissures; smooth occlusal surface
3. low caries risk

Question 16

T/F: you can place a sealant without prescription from DDS

Answer 16

False; must have prescription

Question 17

first step of sealant placement

Answer 17

remove deposits and debris, permit maximum content of each sealant material

Question 18

second step of sealant placement

Answer 18

rinse the tooth from any depost debri

Question 19

3rd step of sealant placement

Answer 19

isolate tooth surface and keep mouth clean and dry from optimal bonding action, and eliminate possible contamination, keeping the materials from contacting oral tissue

Question 20

4th step of sealant placement

Answer 20

dry the tooth surface to prepare for acid etch, eliminate moisture and contaminants

Question 21

5th step of sealant placement

Answer 21

apply the acid etch and remove it

Question 22

if the tooth is etched how will the tooth appear?

Answer 22

white and chalky

Question 23

in what direction do you apply the sealant

Answer 23

from Mesial to distal because it naturally flows to the distal

Question 24

what instrument is used to guide the material into the pits/fissures?

Answer 24

shepherd’s hook

Question 25

when you apply the light, should the tooth be touched?

Answer 25

no, you should be 2-4 mm from the tooth

Question 26

what are the 4 evaluations used to check the tooth

Answer 26

1. check with shepherds hook
2. use articulating paper for occlusion
3. floss both mesial and distal surfaces
4. ask patient how it feels

Question 27

what are some causes of sealant failure?

Answer 27

contamination from saliva (#1 reason)

Question 28

how often should the tooth be re-examined?

Answer 28

every 6 months

Question 29

2 causes for decline in caries

Answer 29

1. increase in fluoride exposure: supplements, and community water source
2. increase in emphasis on improved proper oral hygiene

Question 30

there has been a decline in what type of caries and an increase in what type of caries?

Answer 30

decline in smooth surface caries

increase in buccal pits of mandibular molars and lingual grooves of maxillary molars

Question 31

what is the most common childhood disease ages 5-17 years old?

Answer 31

caries

Question 32

does the caries risk increase with age?

Answer 32

yes

Question 33

what two possible treatments are there?

Answer 33

professional and home care treatment

Question 34

what are some home care treatment modalties

Answer 34

• fluoride through rinse/toothbrush
• fluoride supplements
• biofilm control through brushing, flossing, and adjuncts

Question 35

define bonding

Answer 35

physical adherence of one substance to another

Question 36

define carciogenic challenge

Answer 36

exposure of tooth surface to acid attack

Question 37

define cariostatic

Answer 37

exherting an inhibitory action on the process of dental caries

Question 38

define enamel hypocalcification

Answer 38

defect of enamel maturation caused by heredity or systemic irregularities

Question 39

define fluorosis

Answer 39

form of enamel hypomineralization due to excessive ingestion of fluoride during the development of mineralization of the teeth

Question 40

define subsurface lesion

Answer 40

demineralized area below the surface of the enamel created by acid that has passed through micropores between enamel rods