[Pits and Fissures and Enamel Etching State Exam

Saliva helps…

to remove food particles from areas of the mouth, except pits and fissures which are harder to reach

Sealants are specifically useful during the caries active period which is…

6 to 15 years old

An indication for sealant…

newly erupted permanent molar with deep pits and fissures

Sealant contains

acrylate resins, some contain fluoride that is released after polymerization

A popular sealant material is and why?

Glass ionomer, because it contains fluoride and is continually released for about 2 years

What is polymerization?

setting or curing

What are the indications for sealants?

tooth is newly erupted

fully erupted

no proximal decay

Contraindications for sealants

lack of deep pits and fissured

obvious dental decay

proximal surface decay

Insufficiently erupted teeth

Primary teeth expected to be lost soon

Poor patient cooperation in the dental chair

What are two types of sealants?

Self-cured, which is supplied as a two-part system

Light cured, this type doesn’t require mixing, and is supplied as a light protected preloaded syringe. The curing light activates the setting of the material

Purpose of filler in a sealant

to make it tougher and more wear resistant

Unfilled sealants…

are 100% BIS GMA, and are easily abraded therefore they don’t require any occlusal adjustment

Filled sealant

contain filler particles and required checking bite and possible adjustments

Most common type of sealant material?

BIS-GMA unfilled sealant

What provides the best isolation for a sealant placement?

rubber dam, but cotton rolls are also acceptable

How is the etch supplied?

as a liquid or a gel, with gel being packaged in a syringe type applicator

How do put etch in a tooth (movement)?

dabbing motion

How long should you left etching material in the enamel?

minimum of 15 seconds but no longer than 60 seconds

Is the same with primary teeth?

No, primary teeth should be etched longer

What should you do if saliva contaminates the etched surface?

re-etch for 15 seconds and rinse again

In what situations you may add more sealant to the tooth?

air bubble is found, coverage of pits and fissures are incomplete, and the tooth remains uncontaminated

What is etching material made off?

phosphoric acid, specifically 35% to 50% but most often 37%

how does a etched surface look?

chalky, dull, with a white appearance

What do you do after sealant material is placed on the tooth?

cured for 20 seconds on each surface at 2mm distance

What will you use to check sealant after is placed?

explorer, floss, and articulating paper

If sealant is placed correctly can stay on the tooth for

5 to 10 years

Most sealant failures are shown within

the first 3 to 6 months if improperly placed

How you will store sealant material ?

at room temperature, and shouldn’t be stored by products that contain eugenol

What is the shell life of sealant material?

18 to 36 months

How long is etch applied?

15 to 20 seconds