Final Exam Review

Question 1

What is the purpose of dental sealants?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Why are pits and fissures susceptible to caries?

Answer 2

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 fissues is thinner than the enamel around the rest of the tooth.

Question 3

Should Sealants be the only preventive measure used?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What are the two types of polymerization?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Why is clear sealant material less desirable?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Is there a difference in retention reates between filled and unfilled sealants?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

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

Answer 7

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

Question 8

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

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What are patient safety precautions to keep in mind when one is using sealants?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

What determines the effectiveness of dental sealants?

Answer 10

Retention of dental sealants determine sthe effectiveness of dental sealants.

Question 11

______ is a chemical reaction that changes a fluid substance to a hard substance.

Answer 11

Polymerization

Question 12

A type of resin material that is polymerized by a chemical reaction is a ____.

Answer 12

self-cured

Question 13

A type of resin material that is polymerized by a curing light is _____.

Answer 13

light-cured

Question 14

A technique that prepares the enamel surface prior to the placement of sealant material is ______.

Answer 14

Microabrasion

Question 15

____ is a sealant material that does not contain filler particles.

Answer 15

Unfilled resin

Question 16

____ is a movement of bacteria and oral fluids at the border of tooth structure or margin of the sealant or restoration.

Answer 16

Microleakage

Question 17

____ is a component of acid etchant material.

Answer 17

acrylate

Question 18

The sealant firmly adheres to the toth surface because of ____.

Answer 18

sealant retention

Question 19

The purpose of a dental sealant is to ____.

Answer 19

prevent decay in pits and fissures of teeth

Question 20

Why are pits and fissures susceptible to caries?

Answer 20

Fluoride is less effective in these areas and these areas are diffucult to clean

Question 21

Are sealants the main preventive measure prescribed by the dentist?

Answer 21

No

Question 22

What are the ways for sealant materials to harden?

Answer 22

Polymerization - light cure or self cure

Question 23

Why is clear sealant material less desirable?

Answer 23

It is more difficult to evaluate

Question 24

What is the difference between filled and unfilled sealants regarding retention rates?

Answer 24

There is no difference

Question 25

Sealants are placed ____.

Answer 25

in pits and fissures

Question 26

What patient safety precautions should be considered when placing the etchant?

Answer 26

keep the etchant off the soft tissue have the patient wear eyewear

Question 27

What is the main cause of sealant faillures?

Answer 27

Moisture contamination

Question 28

What type of fillers are used in filled sealants?

Answer 28

fillers used – glass and quartz particles to give hardness and strength to resist occlusal forces – some may be radiopaque and can be seen on radiographs.

Question 29

What is the primary purpose of a dental sealant?

Answer 29

to cover occlusal pits and fissures to prevent decay

Question 30

Which teeth are most commonly sealed?

Answer 30

Premolars and molars Incisors will sometimes be sealed if they have deep lingual pits

Question 31

What is a contraindication for sealant placement?

Answer 31

obvious dental caries

Question 32

Which material is commonly used for sealants?

Answer 32

Resin-baased composite

Question 33

What is the purpose of etching the tooth surface before sealant application?

Answer 33

To create a rough surface for better adhesion

Question 34

What is microleakage in the context of dental sealants?

Answer 34

Microscopic leakage at the interface of the tooth and sealant

Question 35

Which type of sealant contains filler particles?

Answer 35

Filled resin

Question 36

What is the recommended method for cleaning the tooth surface before sealant application?

Answer 36

use a bristle brush and/or pumice - (pumice is prefered for resin based) no fluroide rinse is given before sealants

Question 38

Why should moisture control be maintained during sealant placement?

Answer 38

To prevent contamination and ensure proper adhesion

Question 39

What is the term for a sealant that sets without light activation?

Answer 39

self-cured or chemically cured

Question 40

What is an advantage of unfilled sealants?

Answer 40

they wear naturally and do not require occlusal adjustment

Question 41

What is the main reason for sealant failure?

Answer 41

moisture contamination during application

Question 42

At what age is it most beneficial to apply sealants to permanent molars?

Answer 42

As soon as they erupt, typically around age 6

Question 43

What are benefits of dental sealants?

Answer 43

protection against caries non-invasive procedure long-term cost savings

Question 44

How long should the etchant be applied to the enamel surface?

Answer 44

Approx 15 to 60 seconds, depending on the product

Question 45

What is the apperance of properly etched enamel?

Answer 45

Frosty white

Question 46

Which of the following is a reason to avoid sealant placement?

Answer 46

tooth has proximal decay

Question 47

How often should sealants be evaluated for retention and integrity?

Answer 47

At each routine dental examination

Question 48

Which of the following is a key advantage of glass ionomer sealants?

Answer 48

releases fluoride to help prevent decay

Question 49

When compared to resin-based sealants, glass ionomer sealants are generally:

Answer 49

less moisture sensitive and can bond to slightly moist surfaces

Question 50

In which clinical situation might a glass ionomer sealant be preferred over a resin-based sealant?

Answer 50

In cases wheere complete isolation from moisture is difficult

Question 51

What is the primary purpose of using a dental dam during restorative procedures?

Answer 51

to isolate the treatment area and maintain a dry field

Question 52

which of the following items is used to secure the dental dam around the tooth?

Answer 52

Clamp (retainer)

Question 53

Why might a lubricant be used when placing a dental dam?

Answer 53

to help the dam slide over the teeth more easily

Question 54

What is the purpose of inverting the edges of the dental dam around the teeth?

Answer 54

to create a seal and prevent moisture leakage