Oklahoma Pit and Fissure Sealants State Practice Exam

Why is proper tooth cleaning important before sealant placement?

1. To enhance aesthetics

2. To ensure adhesion

3. To reduce sensitivity

4. To avoid staining

The correct answer is: To ensure adhesion

Proper tooth cleaning before sealant placement is crucial to ensure adhesion. For the sealant to bond effectively with the tooth surface, any plaque, debris, or contaminants must be removed. This cleaning process prepares the enamel, creating a clean and roughened surface that allows for a stronger mechanical bond between the sealant material and the tooth structure. The adhesive qualities of sealants rely heavily on the integrity of the surface it is applied to. If the tooth is not adequately cleaned, residual materials can hinder the bonding process, leading to diminished effectiveness of the sealant. This could result in the sealant failing to provide the necessary protection against cavities in the fissures and pits of the teeth. While aesthetics and avoiding staining are important considerations, they do not directly impact the functionality and effectiveness of sealant adherence. Similarly, reducing sensitivity, while a beneficial outcome in some scenarios, is not directly linked to the process of applying pit and fissure sealants. Therefore, the primary reason for proper tooth cleaning is to facilitate a strong adhesion of the sealant to the tooth.