Oklahoma Pit and Fissure Sealants State Practice Exam

What characteristic makes filled resin sealants preferable in certain cases?

1. They are cheaper

2. They are easier to apply

3. They are more wear-resistant

4. They are quicker to set

The correct answer is: They are more wear-resistant

Filled resin sealants are preferred in certain cases primarily because they are more wear-resistant. This characteristic is crucial for areas of the teeth that experience high levels of wear and tear, such as in posterior teeth where chewing forces are stronger. The added fillers in these sealants contribute to their durability, enabling them to withstand the mechanical stresses that come from biting and grinding, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the tooth surface and providing long-term protection against decay. In contrast, while some sealants may be cheaper or quicker to set, those attributes do not necessarily make them the best choice for high-stress areas. Ease of application can also vary among different sealant types, but again, this does not speak to the essential characteristic of wear resistance that filled resin sealants provide. Therefore, wear resistance is key in selecting a sealant that will most effectively protect the tooth in environments demanding greater durability.