Sealants (Chapter 35) - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the sealants chapter.

Dental sealants

Thin plastic coatings painted on teeth to seal pits and fissures, keeping out food and bacteria to prevent cavities; they are clear or white and can last for several years, commonly placed on newly erupted first permanent molars around age 6.

Indications for Sealants

Publication criteria for sealant placement based on tooth anatomy, health status, diet, age, past caries experience, and overall caries risk.

Contraindications for Sealant Placement

Contraindications include applying sealants after fluoride products, as fluoride can leave a coating that blocks etching micropores and weakens sealant retention.

Resin-Based Sealants

Plastic resin (BIS-GMA or UDMA); opaque white; longest-lasting and most technique-sensitive; require a dry tooth for optimal bonding.

Glass Ionomer Sealants

Sealants made with fluoroaluminosilicate glass; self-cured; releases fluoride; more tolerant of moisture but generally less durable than resin-based sealants.

Compomer Sealants

Hybrid sealants combining resin and glass ionomer; moderate fluoride release and strength; not as durable as pure resin; long-term data limited and rarely used.

Color Classification

Sealants available in clear, tinted, or opaque; color does not affect retention and aids identification during maintenance.

Contents of a Pit or Fissure

A pit/fissure may contain dental biofilm, pellicle, debris, and occasionally remnants of tooth development.

Effect of Cleaning

Cleaning the tooth prior to etching can increase sealant retention; thorough removal of debris and pumice is essential; polishing methods like air-polishing or lasers are not strongly supported.

Acid Etch

Phosphoric acid (usually 30–50%) creates enamel micropores for resin bonding; etching results in a chalky white appearance; timing typically 15–60 seconds depending on product.

Etchant Delivery Methods

Etchant can be applied as liquid (brush/sponge) or gel/semi-gel (syringe cannula); maintain surface moisture during application and rinse after etching.

Isolation

Maintain a dry field during sealant placement using cotton rolls, dry angles, rubber dam, and a suction device.

Dry Tooth

Completely air-dry the occlusal surface for about 10 seconds with oil-free compressed air.

Apply Etchant (Timing)

Apply 35–37% phosphoric acid to pits/fissures for 20–30 seconds in permanent teeth or 15–20 seconds in primary teeth; rinse and dry afterward.

Rinse

Rinse thoroughly to remove all etchant and contaminants.

Dry and Evaluate

Dry for 10 seconds and check for a frosty white, chalky appearance; re-etch if contamination is suspected.

Re-etch if Contaminated

If moisture contamination occurs, re-etch for 10 seconds, then rinse and dry again.

Apply Sealant

Place sealant material into pits and fissures, avoiding overfill so it can flow without pooling.

Polymerize

Cure the sealant with a curing light (usually 20–40 seconds, per manufacturer instructions).

Evaluate Coverage and Voids

Use an explorer to verify complete coverage and absence of voids; add material if needed and re-cure.

Check Occlusion

Use articulating paper to identify high spots and adjust as necessary.

Postinsertion Fluoride

Apply topical fluoride after sealant placement and finishing when indicated.

Isolite System

A dental device providing continuous illumination, moisture control, and retraction; an efficient alternative to traditional rubber dams.

Sealant Depth (Penetration)

Penetration depth varies by product (e.g., GC Fuji Triage 82.85%, Admira Seal 76.28%, GC Fuji VII 85.82%, Clinpro 78.26%, Delton FS 74.89%).

Maintenance: Replacement

Follow manufacturer instructions; tooth preparation for replacement is the same as original; firmly attached residual sealant may not require removal; re-etch if needed.

Maintenance: Retention

Check sealants at least every 6 months; well-placed sealants can last for years; retention is affected by technique, moisture exclusion, patient self-care, and dental hygiene.

Documentation

Record should include reason for tooth selection, informed consent, sealant type, tooth preparation, isolation, patient cooperation, and postinsertion instructions (Box 35-1 as a reference).

Factors to Teach the Patient

Explain what to expect from a sealant, how long it lasts, how it prevents caries, need for maintenance visits, and avoidance of hard items to preserve retention.

Newly Erupted Teeth

Place sealants as soon as a tooth is fully erupted (e.g., newly erupted first permanent molars around age 6).