Oklahoma Pit and Fissure Sealants State Practice Exam

Which of the following is a contraindication for applying sealants?

1. Presence of deep pits and fissures

2. History of caries

3. Teeth that aren't fully erupted

4. Newly erupted teeth

The correct answer is: Teeth that aren't fully erupted

The presence of teeth that aren't fully erupted is a contraindication for applying sealants because sealants are intended to protect the occlusal surface of teeth that have fully erupted, allowing for proper adhesion and coverage of the pits and fissures. When a tooth is not fully erupted, it may not have developed its full surface area, which can interfere with the effectiveness of the sealant. Furthermore, if a sealant is applied to an incompletely erupted tooth, it could lead to improper placement and potential failure of the sealant, ultimately resulting in inadequate protection against caries. In contrast, deep pits and fissures may actually indicate a higher need for sealants, as these areas are more susceptible to decay. A history of caries suggests that the individual may benefit from preventive measures like sealants, and newly erupted teeth are often the most suitable candidates for sealants because they are typically free from decay and have just become exposed to the oral environment, making them prime for sealant application before they have the opportunity to develop further issues.