Sealant Application and Polishing Flashcards
7 cards from real EFDA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Sealant Application and Polishing flashcards as text
Which factor most significantly affects the long-term retention rate of pit and fissure sealants?
Answer: Moisture control during placement
Adequate moisture control is the single most critical factor in sealant retention because contamination prevents proper bonding to etched enamel.
Coronal polishing before sealant placement is intended to remove:
Answer: Plaque and light stain from tooth surfaces
Coronal polishing removes soft deposits and light stain so the enamel surface is clean for effective etching and bonding.
Which prophy angle motion is recommended during coronal polishing to prevent heat buildup?
Answer: Intermittent light pressure with a slow-speed, low-rpm technique
Intermittent, light-pressure strokes at low speed minimize frictional heat that could damage the enamel or pulp.
A filled resin sealant differs from an unfilled resin sealant primarily in that it:
Answer: Has greater wear resistance due to filler particles
Filled sealants contain inorganic filler particles that increase wear resistance, making them better able to withstand occlusal forces.
When would it be CONTRAINDICATED to place a pit and fissure sealant?
Answer: A tooth with an open, shallow fissure that self-cleanses easily
Teeth with open, shallow fissures that can be cleaned by a toothbrush are self-cleansing and do not benefit from sealant placement.
During coronal polishing, which surface of posterior teeth is most commonly polished using a prophy cup?
Answer: Buccal, lingual, and occlusal surfaces accessible to the cup
Prophy cups are effective on smooth accessible surfaces such as the buccal, lingual, and occlusal surfaces but cannot reach tight interproximal areas.
What is the purpose of applying a bonding agent before some resin-based sealants?
Answer: To enhance adhesion by wetting the etched enamel and filling microporosities
A bonding agent improves the sealant's adhesion by penetrating the etched enamel surface and creating a resin-enamel hybrid layer that enhances retention.