Outcome 1 - Enamel Sealants Flashcards
(25 cards)
Are Sealants Effective in Preventing Decay?
Scientific research (supported by ADA and others) has demonstrated the high efficacy of sealants in preventing the development of dental caries.
Studies have shown that sealants are highly effectvie with a success rate of up to 100% in preventing and arresting the progression of decay in both primary and permanent molars in children and adolescents.
Sealants Role in Decay Prevention
Sealants provide a protective barrier over the pits and fissures of teeth, preventing food particles and bacteria from accumulating in these susceptible areas.
By sealing off these vulnerable areas, sealants help to minimize the risk of decay and cavities, particularly in molars where the anatomy makes thorough cleaning challenging.
Sealants role in preventing noncavitated lesions
Sealants can also play a role in halting the progression of noncavitiated occlusal caries lesions, particularly in children and adolescents who receive sealant treatment.
By sealing off the affected area, sealants prevent further demineralization and promote remineralization, effectively arresting the development of caries lesions.
What are the advantages of Dental Sealants?
- Prevention of Dental Caries - by creating a physical barrier that protects pits and fissures from plaque/bacteria accumulation
- Non-Invasive Procedure - does not require drilling or removal of healthy tooth structure
- Pain-Free and Quick Application - completed in a single visit, no need for anesthesia or recovery time
- Cost Effective - cheaper than fillings or crowns, investing in sealants can help save money on future dental treatments
- Long-Lasting Protection - when properly applied can provied protection against decay for several years, helping maintain oral health and reduce need for extensive dental work
What are the Disadvantages of Dental Sealants?
- Limited Protection
- Potential for Sealant Failure
- Timing and Technique
- Patient Compliance
- Allergic Reactions
How is Limited Protection a disadvantage of Sealants?
Sealants only protect the occlusal surfaces of teeth and do not shield other areas susceptible to decay, such as smooth surfaces or interproximal areas. Additional preventive measures may be necessary for comprehensive cavity prevention.
How can Sealants Fail?
Sealants may wear off or become damaged over time, especially in individuals who grind or clench their teeth. Regular dental check-ups are needed to monitor the condition of sealants and replace them if necessary.
How is timing and technique a disadvantage of Sealants?
Sealant application requires precise technique and proper isolation of the teeth to ensure optimal adhesion and effectiveness. Inadequate application may result in sealant failure or incomplete coverage.
How does the success of sealants depend on Patient Compliance?
The success of sealants depends on patient compliance with oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits. Patients must maintain good oral hygiene habits and attend follow-up appointments for sealant evaluation and maintenance.
Can patients have allergic reactions to sealants?
Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the materials used in sealants. Dentists should inquire about an known allergies before proceeding with sealant placement.
How do Sealants work?
Sealants create/provide..
- Physical Barrier
- Smoothing Effect
- Prevention of Decay
- Long-lasting protection
How do Sealants create a Physical Barrier?
Sealants can be applied as a liquid resin or Glass Ionomer material that flows into the pits and fissures of a tooth’s occlusal surface
Once applied, the sealant material quickly hardens, forming a thin, protective barrier over the pits and fissures.
This barrier effectively seals off the deep, narrow channels in the enamel surface, preventing food particles, bacteria and acids from accumulating in these vulnerable areas.
How do Sealants have a Smoothing Effect?
Sealants create a smooth, even surface on the occlusal surface of the tooth, eliminating the deep grooves and irregularities where debris can become trapped.
By filling in the bits and fissures, sealants make it easier for patients to clean their teeth effectively through regular brushing and flossing, reducing the risk of decay
How do Sealants Prevent Decay?
By sealing off pits and fissures, sealants prevent the colonzation of bacteria and the formation of dental plaque in these areas.
Without the presence of bacteria and food particles, the risk of decay is significantly reduced, as the conditions necessary for cavity formation are minimized.
Do Sealants provide long lasting protection?
Dental sealants provide long lasting protection against decay, typically lasting several years before requiring replacement.
Regular dental check ups allow dentists to monitor the condition of sealants and re-apply them if necessary to maintain optimal protection.
Contraindications to Sealants
- High Enamel Mineralization - teeth with high level of enamel mineralization and lack of deep pits and fissures may not benefit
- Obvious Dental Decay - teeth with existing decay on the occlusal surface or proximal surfaces should not receive sealants, as they require restorative treatment
- Insufficiently Erupted Teeth - sealants should not be applied to teeth that have not fully erupted as proper adhesion and coverage cannot be achieived
- Primary Teeth Expect to be Lost Soon
- Poor Patient Cooperation - if not able to cooperate or tolerate dental procedures
What does Enamel Sealant Placement target?
Targets teeth with morphology that is at the most risk of dental caries and is not indicated in teeth with shallow well-coalesed pits and fissures.
Does Sealant material penetrate the bottom of a pit or fissure?
Wide V and shallow fissure are more apt to be filled by sealant material. Although ideally, the sealant should penetrate to the bottom of a pit or fissure, this is frequently impossible becaues of the debris.
Microscopic examination of pits and fissures after sealant application has shown that the sealant does not penetrate to the bottom because residual debris, cleaning agents, and trapped air prevent the passage of the material
What must be done before applying dental sealants?
Preparing the occlusal surface before applying dental sealants is crucual for ensuring proper adhesion and effectiveness
Steps before applying Dental Sealants
- Cleaning with a Rubber Cup & Pumice
OR Air Polishing - Thorough Rinsing and Drying - A dry surface is necessary for proper adhesion of the sealant material.
- Final Inspection - visually inspect the tooth surface to ensure that all stains, deposits, and debris have been adequately removed
What teeth benefit the most from sealants?
Those with deep pits and fissures, particularly the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars. These teeth are more susceptible to dental caries because their anatomy creates areas where food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped, making them difficult to clean through brushing alone.
Can incisors need have sealants?
Certain Max central and lateral incisors may also have deep pits and grooves that could benefit from sealant protection, especially in individuals with a high risk of dental caries or those with visible depressions indicating a higher incidence of deay
Overall, the following teeth typically benefit from sealants:
- Permanent molars (both first and 2nd)
- Premolars (both first and 2nd)
- Certain Max central and lateral incisors with deep pits and fissures
Contraindications to sealants:
- High level of enamel mineralization with a lack of deep pits and fissures
-Obvious dental decay on the occlusal surface
-Proximal surface decay that would include the occlusal surface to be restored
-Insufficiently erupted teeth
-Primary teeth are expected to be lost soon
-Poor patient cooperation in the dental chair
