dental materials theory - unit 5

pit and fissure sealants

What are pit and fissure sealants? What do they prevent?

Resin material that are applied on pits and fissures of teeth to prevent dental caries

Can Level II Dental Assistants place pit and fissure sealants?

Yes, as long as the task is assigned by the Dentist to do so.

Why are sealants important to have for clients with deep pits/fissures?

• Prevents bacteria accumulation in narrow pits and fissures (its hard to clean properly)

  • Eventually causes decay

• Preserves their tooth structure

Explain the rationale behind the placement of pit and fissure sealants (3)

1. Reduce risk of caries (acting as a physical barrier)

2. Contain no toxic or carcinogenic agents

3. Sealants cost less compared to placing a restoration

A dental sealant is successful only if….?

• It bonds properly to the enamel surface

• Protects pits and fissures from the oral environment

Some bacteria remain beneath sealants. True or False?

True

Sealants will increase the risk of decay due to trapped bacteria beneath it. True or False?

False. Sealants will not increase the risk of decay

List some indications for placing a pit and fissure sealant

• Useful during caries active period (ages 6-15)**

• Patients with recently erupted teeth**

• Have deep pits and fissures**

• Incipient caries

• Xerostomia

• Undergoing orthodontics

List contraindications for placing a pit and fissure sealant (3)

1. Radiographs show interproximal decay

2. Pit and fissures are not too deep

3. Tooth already has a restoration

Name some special considerations when placing a sealant

• Permanent 1st and 2nd molars are most common teeth**

• Retention rate of sealants are better with fully erupted teeth**

• Identifying pit and fissure morphology (structure)

• Levels of caries activity

What are Preventive Sealants?

Placed in caries free teeth in an effort to prevent caries

What are Therapeutic Sealants?

Placed in teeth with incipient caries in hope of stopping the decay process

Types of Sealant Materials:

What three things classify sealants?

1. Method of polymerization (Self/Light cured)

• (^^both methods have same bond strength and rates of retention)

2. Filler content (Filled/Unfilled resins)

3. Color (Clear/Opaque)

How does Self-Cure polymerization occur?

Base and catalyst pastes mix and they harden.

How does Light-Cure polymerization occur?

Does not require mixing. Material hardens when exposed to curing light.

Discuss the rationale for filled and unfilled pit and fissure sealants

• Sealant materials are available as filled or unfilled resins

• Purpose of filler material is to reduce occlusal wear

• Both filled/unfilled sealants penetrate fissures equally well

• Sealants should not be placed on cuspal slopes

After polymerization, some types of sealants release fluoride. True or False?

True

Topical fluoride should be applied to the enamel surface immediately before a sealant procedure. True or False?

False. Topical fluoride should NOT be applied to the enamel surface. Do it after sealant application.

Discuss the criteria for evaluating the placement of a sealant (4)

1. 👎Present air bubbles result in a void. Add small amounts of sealant and cure

2. 👎High occlusion. Check bite with articulation paper (Operators fix the bite, not the DA)

3. Examine sealants each visit

4. When properly placed, they often last 5-10 years

What is the primary cause of sealant failure?

Moisture contamination (saliva)

Explain the most important factors in sealant retention (3)

• Must be DRY for best retention***

• Must be etched adequately

• Must be cured for the appropriate amount of time