Sealant Application and Polishing Flashcards

When polishing teeth prior to sealant placement, which abrasive is recommended?

Answer: Oil-free, fluoride-free pumice or prophy paste

Fluoride-free, oil-free prophy paste or pumice is used because fluoride can interfere with etching and oils can contaminate the bonding surface.

A sealant placed over an incipient (non-cavitated) carious lesion will most likely:

Answer: Arrest caries progression by sealing bacteria from nutrients

Research supports that intact sealants over non-cavitated lesions arrest caries by cutting off bacterial access to fermentable carbohydrates.

What isolation method is considered the GOLD STANDARD for sealant application?

Answer: Rubber dam

Rubber dam provides the most reliable moisture control and is considered the gold standard for sealant placement, though cotton roll isolation is commonly used in practice.

Which statement about glass ionomer sealants is CORRECT?

Answer: They release fluoride and adhere via chemical bond to enamel

Glass ionomer sealants chemically bond to tooth structure and release fluoride, making them useful for partially erupted teeth where isolation is difficult.

After curing a light-cured sealant, the surface often feels sticky. This is called the:

Answer: Oxygen-inhibited layer

The oxygen-inhibited layer forms on the sealant surface because oxygen in the air inhibits polymerization of the outermost resin, leaving a tacky uncured layer.

When checking the occlusion after sealant placement, which material is used?

Answer: Articulating paper

Articulating paper marks the areas of premature occlusal contact so the EFDA can identify and adjust high spots on the sealant.

The concentration of phosphoric acid most commonly used for enamel etching prior to sealant placement is:

Answer: 37%

37% phosphoric acid is the standard concentration used for enamel etching because it effectively demineralizes the surface within the recommended application time.