59 Dental Sealants

TEXTBOOK ANSWER KEY

Recall Questions and Answers

1. What is the purpose of dental sealants?
The purpose of dental sealants is to prevent dental caries in the pits and fissure areas.

2. Why are pits and fissures susceptible to caries?

Pits and fissures are susceptible to caries because their narrow width and uneven depth allow for
accumulation of food and acid-producing bacteria, but prevent easy cleaning by saliva or
toothbrushing. Also, the enamel that lies at the base of fissures is thinner than the enamel around the
rest of the tooth.

3. Should sealants be the only preventive measure used?

Sealants should be used as part of a comprehensive preventive program.

4. What are the two types of polymerization?

The two types of polymerization are light-cured and self-cured.

5. Why is clear sealant material less desirable?

Clear sealant material is less desirable because it is difficult to see during placement and recalls.

6. Is there a difference in retention rates between filled and unfilled sealants?

There is no difference in retention rates between filled and unfilled sealants.

7. What is the reason for putting fluoride in dental sealant material?

It is thought that a flouride-rich layer will help remineralize incipient enamel caries and that the
fluoride will strengthen the base of the pit or fissure.

8. What is the range of shelf-life of sealant materials?

Sealant materials have a shelf-life between 18 and 36 months.

9. What are patient safety precautions to keep in mind when one is using sealants?
Two patient safety precautions to remember when using sealants include not using sealants on
patients with acrylate allergies and using protective glasses on the patient.

10. What determines the effectiveness of dental sealants?

Retention of the dental sealant determines the effectiveness of dental sealants.

WORKBOOK ANSWER KEY

Short-Answer Questions
These questions reflect the Learning Outcomes listed at the beginning of this chapter in the textbook and
can be used as class assignments. The answers can be found within the chapter and/or classroom
discussion.

Fill-in-the-Blank Statements
1. dental sealant 6. unfilled resin
2. polymerization 7. microleakage
3. self-cured 8. acrylate
4. light-cured 9. sealant retention
5. microabrasion
TEACH Answer Key
BIRD & ROBINSON: Modern Dental Assisting, 12th Edition
Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
 Chapter 59: Dental Sealants 2

Multiple Choice Questions

1. b 6. a

2. e 7. a

3. b 8. c

4. d 9. d

5. b 10. b

Case Study
This Case Study is designed to open discussion and to solicit varying opinions and approaches to
problems. The answers listed below are one set of possibilities, but several responses may be correct.
The course director will determine whether a student’s or a group’s response is correct according to the
factors presented and the course requirements.

1. Before you begin the procedure, Dr. Allen must examine the teeth to ensure that there is no decay.

2. Sealants will be placed on her first four permanent molars.

3. You could use a rubber dam or cotton roll isolation.

4. Set out the necessary materials. Using a slurry of pumice and water, polish the occlusal surface of
each tooth to be sealed. Establish moisture control in the area where the first sealant will be placed.
Apply the etching agent for the appropriate length of time, then rinse thoroughly and dry the tooth.
Maintain moisture control while applying the sealant to the occlusal surface. When the sealant has
set, check the margins and the occlusal surface for excess material. Follow this procedure for each of
the remaining molars.

5. The sealant is a little too high. Using a stone mounted in the slow handpiece, carefully smooth off the
excess. You should know and follow the requirements in the dental practice act of your state. Not all
states allow a dental assistant to use the low-speed handpiece. In this case, Dr. Allen would remove
the excess sealant material.

Interactive Dental Office Patient Case Exercises

Todd Ledbetter
1. Todd will have sealants on teeth #2, #4, #13, #15, #18, #19, #20, #29, and #31.

2. The lingual pits on the anterior teeth do not need sealants.

3. The setup would include polishing cup and pumice, cotton rolls, etchant material, sealant material,
applicator and tip, and articulating paper.

Christopher Brooks
4. Christopher will have sealants on teeth #3, #14, #19, and #30.

5. A rubber dam or cotton rolls can be used for moisture control.

6. The teeth to receive sealants should first be polished with pumice and water.

7. Contaminated teeth must be reconditioned before sealant material is applied.

TEACH Answer Key

BIRD & ROBINSON: Modern Dental Assisting, 12th Edition
Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.