Overview

Dental Sealants are preventive materials applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to protect against cavities.

Dental sealants are crucial for preventing cavities in children and adults, especially in deep pits and fissures where brushing is difficult.

Learn more in our comprehensive RxDx BDS Course

Indications

✓
Deep Pits and Fissures

Cavity-prone areas

✓
Children and Adolescents

High-risk age groups

✓
Caries-prone Patients

High cavity risk

✓
Newly Erupted Teeth

First and second molars

✓
Preventive Care

Cavity prevention

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

✗ Patient refusal
✗ Existing cavities

Relative Contraindications

✗ Poor oral hygiene
✗ Inability to cooperate

📋 Equipment Checklist

Check off items as you gather them:

Pre-procedure Preparation

Preparation includes patient assessment, tooth selection, cleaning, and understanding sealant types.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Tooth Assessment

Evaluate tooth condition.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Missed cavities
  • Poor assessment

💡 Pro Tip:

Check for existing caries.

Step 2: Tooth Cleaning

Clean tooth surface.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Incomplete cleaning
  • Poor isolation

💡 Pro Tip:

Use proper cleaning technique.

Step 3: Isolation

Isolate tooth properly.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor isolation
  • Saliva contamination

💡 Pro Tip:

Use cotton rolls or rubber dam.

Step 4: Acid Etching

Etch enamel surface.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Inadequate etching
  • Over-etching

💡 Pro Tip:

Follow manufacturer instructions.

Step 5: Sealant Application

Apply sealant material.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Incomplete coverage
  • Voids

💡 Pro Tip:

Cover all pits and fissures.

Step 6: Curing

Light cure sealant.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Incomplete curing
  • Wrong time

💡 Pro Tip:

Use adequate time.

Master Sealants with RxDx

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Post-procedure Care

Post-procedure care involves monitoring sealant retention, regular check-ups, and reapplication if needed.

Complications & Management

Complication Incidence Signs Management Prevention
Sealant loss 10-20% Missing sealant Reapplication Proper technique
Caries under sealant 2-5% Cavity development Cavity treatment Proper assessment
Incomplete coverage 5-10% Uncovered areas Reapplication Proper application
Bite interference 1-3% High bite Adjustment Check occlusion

Clinical Pearls

💡

Always check for existing cavities before sealing.

🎯

Use proper isolation technique.

⚡

Cover all pits and fissures completely.

🔍

Check sealant retention regularly.

📊

Document sealant placement.

🎨

Use appropriate sealant color.

⚠️

Monitor for sealant loss.