Sealants
What is primary purpose of pit and fissure sealants?
A. improve esthetics
B. prevent occlusal caries
C. reduce sensitivity
D. whiten teeth
B. prevent occlusal caries
Although occlusal surfaces account for only about 13% of total tooth surfaces, pit-and-fissure caries account for approximately what percentage of caries in permanent pediatric teeth?
A. 20%–30%
B. 40%–50%
C. 60%–70%
D. 80%–90%
Answer: D. 80%–90%
Which finding is generally a contraindication to placing a sealant?
A. Deep, stain-free fissures
B. A newly erupted permanent molar
C. A cavitated lesion extending into dentin
D. A noncavitated enamel lesion
C. A cavitated lesion extending into dentin
Which isolation method is considered the gold standard?
A. Cotton rolls
B. Rubber dam
C. Dry angles
D. Gauze
B. Rubber dam
which outcome measures clinical efficiency best?
A. procedure time
B. patient age
C. Number of assistants
D. sealant color
A. procedure time
Sealants are primarily retained by:
A. chemical bonding
B. fluoride exchange
C. ionic bonding
D. micromechanical retention
D. micromechanical retention
Which system had the shorter average chair time in the study?
A. Rubber dam
B. Isolite
C. Cotton roll isolation
D. Both were equal
B. Isolite
Isolite: 10.00 minutes
Rubber dam: 19.36 minutes
Why are pits and fissures especially susceptible to dental caries?
A. They contain less mineralized enamel
B. They are difficult to access with a toothbrush
C. They are constantly exposed to gingival fluid
D. They cannot be cleaned by saliva
Answer: B. They are difficult to access with a toothbrush
Which feature of Isolite helps patients keep their mouth open for prolonged periods of time?
A. LED light
B. Mirror
C.Bite block
D. Clamp
C. Bite block
Which variable is most likely to confound procedure time?
A. Tooth shade
B. Operator experience
C. Patient eye color
D. Appointment day
B. Operator experience
Deep pits and fissures are more susceptible to caries because they:
A. teeth with these erupt earlier
B. retain plaque
C. contain dentin
D. have thinner cementum
B. retain plaque
Which system did most patients find more comfortable?
A. Rubber dam
B. Isolite
C. Both were equally comfortable
D. Neither system was comfortable
B. Isolite
69% found isolite more comfortable
Previous research reported approximately what reduction in caries one year after sealant placement?
A. 38%
B. 58%
C. 79%
D. 86%
Answer: D. 86%
Which Isolite feature improves visibility?
A. Clamp
B. Saliva ejector only
C. Floss
D. Integrated illumination
D. Integrated illumination
A statistically significant reduction in chair time does NOT necessarily indicate:
A. A measurable difference
B. Clinical significance
C. A rejected null hypothesis
D. Proper analysis
B. Clinical significance
acid etching improves sealant retention by:
A. forming ionic bonds
B. thickening enamel
C. removing dentin
D. creating enamel microporosities
D. creating enamel microporosities
What was the average chair time for sealant placement using rubber-dam isolation?
A. 10 minutes
B. 13.45 minutes
C. 19.36 minutes
D. 29.50 minutes
Answer: C. 19.36 minutes
What is the best approach to sealants at future recall appointments?
A. Assume they are permanent and do not examine them
B. Remove and replace every sealant annually
C. Evaluate their retention and repair or replace deficient areas when indicated
D. Place a crown over every sealed tooth
C. Evaluate their retention and repair or replace deficient areas when indicated
Which isolation system combines suction, bite block, retraction, and illumination?
A. Isolite
B. Rubber Dam
C. Cotton rolls
D. Dry angles
A. Isolite
Which study design best compares patient preference when each child experiences both isolation methods?
A. Case report
B. Cross-sectional survey
C. Split-mouth randomized clinical trial
D. Retrospective chart review
C. Split-mouth randomized clinical trial
Long term sealant success depends most on:
A. proper moisture control and bonding
B. patient age
C. occlusal adjustment
D. tooth shade
A. proper moisture control and bonding
Which statement best summarizes the authors’ conclusion?
A. Rubber dam should be replaced by Isolite for every restorative procedure
B. Isolite is faster but produces significantly poorer sealant retention
C. Isolite is a viable alternative to rubber dam for pediatric sealant placement
D. Neither isolation system provides adequate moisture control
Answer: C. Isolite is a viable alternative to rubber dam for pediatric sealant placement
Which permanent teeth are most commonly sealed first?
A. Maxillary incisors
B. Mandibular first molars
C. Canines
D. Premolars
B. Mandibular first molars
A clinician finds equal sealant retention but shorter treatment times using Isolite. What is the best conclusion?
A. Rubber dam is superior
B. Isolite offers greater efficiency without compromising effectiveness
C. Sealants no longer require isolation
D. Chair time is the only important outcome
B. Isolite offers greater efficiency without compromising effectiveness
Which outcome requires a validated questionnaire?
A. Procedure time
B. Patient satisfaction
C. Sealant retention
D. Number of teeth treated
B. Patient satisfaction