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37 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Dental sealants |
represent one of the greatest advances of modern dentistry |
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How Sealants Work |
• Bacteria accumulate in the narrow pits and fissures • Even a single toothbrush bristle is too large to enter and clean pits and fissures • The sealant acts as a physical barrier |
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During sealant placement, some |
bacteria will be trapped beneath the sealants |
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Some teeth with very small initial carious lesions may be |
inadvertently sealed |
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Numerous studies have shown that neither of these occurrences will |
increasethe chance of caries development or that caries will grow beneath the sealant |
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Several studies have shown that the number of bacteria in small, existingcarious lesions that had been sealed ______ |
decreased dramatically with time |
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Pit and fissure sealants are especially useful for selected patients through thecaries-active period---> |
ages 6-15 years |
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Sealants are indicated |
For teeth with deep pits and fissures – Preferably in recently erupted teeth (<4 years) |
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Sealants should be used as part of a prevention program that includes the useof |
fluorides, dietary considerations, plaque control, and regular dentalexaminations |
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Contraindications to Dental Sealants |
• Lack of pits and fissures • Apparent occlusal decay • Interproximal decay • Insufficient eruption of a tooth • Soon-to-be-lost primary teeth • Poor patient cooperation in the dental chair |
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Types of Sealant Materials |
• A wide variety of sealant materials are available • The dental assistant should have a thorough understanding of thecharacteristics of the various sealant products that are available |
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The major difference among the materials is the method of polymerization |
setting |
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Self-cured |
materials are supplied as a two-part system (base and catalyst) • When these pastes are mixed together, they quickly polymerize (harden) |
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Light-cured |
sealants do not require mixing • After the material has been applied to the tooth, the curing light activates the setting |
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Sealants may be (colour) |
clear, tinted, or opaque (white) |
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Tinted or opaque sealants are more popular because they are |
easier to seethan clear sealants during application checks for sealant retention onsubsequent office visits |
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Some brands have a tint that is visible during the_________ but turns clearafter_______ |
application; polymerization |
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Sealant materials are available as |
filled or unfilled resins |
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The purpose of filler material in the sealant is |
to make it wear resistant |
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Filled and unfilled sealants penetrate the _______ equally well, and there is nodifference in________ |
fissures; microleakage |
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Some dentists believe that a filled sealant is better because of a |
lower wearrate on occlusal surfaces |
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Other dentists believe that because |
sealants flow deep into the pits andfissures to form a barrier, it ensures that the occlusal wear is insignificant |
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Self-cured sealants polymerize to final set within approximately______ fromthe start of mixing the two components |
2 min |
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Light-cured material has the following advantages: |
– It does not require mixing – It allows the operator to place and cure the material when the operator is ready |
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Placement Technique |
• The surface to be sealed must first be cleaned with a rubber cup and pumice • Retention of the sealant is attained by etching the enamel with 37% phosphoricacid • After etching, rinsing, and drying of the enamel, isolation of the field is veryimportant • The sealant is applied to the pits, fissures, and the surrounding enamel and iscured • Any moisture on the tooth could result in failure of the sealant to adhere • Moisture could come from saliva, from an air-water syringe that leaks waterinto the air, or even from the patient’s breath • If moisture contamination occurs, the sealant could be lost immediately orpartially lost at a later date • Also, leakage could occur around the partially retained sealant, resulting indecay beneath the sealant |
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Etching |
Take care so the etchant does not contact adjacent teeth or soft tissue |
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Bite interference by sealant |
If the sealant is too high, it might cause interference with the patient’s bite |
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Failures |
Most sealant failures will occur within the first 3 to 6 months |
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Blocked contacts |
Too much sealant material can result in the excess material flowing into the contact area |
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Some brands of sealants release_____ after polymerization |
fluoride
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Fluoride Release |
• The theory is that the fluoride released from the sealant creates a fluoride-richlayer at the base of the sealed groove • Clinical studies comparing the effectiveness of these two types of sealants arestill under way • Topical fluoride should not be applied to the enamel surface immediatelybefore a sealant procedure but may be applied immediately after sealantapplication |
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Microabrasion (air abrasion) |
units are sometimes used by the dentist before dental sealants are applied, to: – Open the fissures – Remove any slight decay – Prepare the site for placement of a sealant |
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Etching Precautions for Patients and Dental Personnel |
• Etching agents contain phosphoric acid • Patients and dental personnel should wear protective eyewear when etchantsare being used • Avoid contact with oral soft tissue, eyes, and skin • In case of accidental contact, flush the exposed area immediately with largeamounts of water |
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Sealant Precautions |
• Do not use sealants on patients with known acrylate allergies • To reduce the risk of an allergic response, minimize exposure to these materials • Use protective gloves and a no-touch technique • If skin contact occurs, wash the exposed skin with soap and water • Acrylates may penetrate gloves • If sealant touches glove, remove and discard glove, wash hands immediately and reglove • If accidental eye contact or prolonged contact with oral soft tissue shouldoccur, flush with large amounts of water • Protective glasses should be used by operators when using light-cured resins • Protective eyewear should also be provided for the patient during sealantprocedures |
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Storage and Use |
• General tips on sealant materials: – Replace caps on syringes and bottles immediately after use – Do not expose the materials to air or light – Do not store the materials in proximity to eugenol-containing products – Most etchant and sealant materials are designed to be used at room temperatures – Check the manufacturer’s recommendations – The shelf lives of most sealant products at room temperature range from 18 to 36months |
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Important Information |
• Always read and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applyingdental sealants • Application technique and etching times may vary between manufacturers • For example, some manufacturers discourage the use of a polishing paste thatcontains fluoride • Other manufacturers do not consider fluoride polishing pastes to becontraindicated |
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Factors in Sealant Retention |
• Moisture contamination is the primary cause of failure of sealant retention • Inadequate etching is also a factor in loss of sealant retention • Dental sealants should be examined at each recall visit to be certain that thesealant material has not been partially or totally lost |
