Which term describes the coating used to prevent decay in occlusal pits and fissures (reworded)?

Which term describes the coating used to prevent decay in occlusal pits and fissures (reworded)?

• A. Sealant
• B. Pontic
• C. Disclosing Agent
• D. Topical Fluoride

Answer: (A)

Sealants are protective coatings designed specifically to block decay in the grooves of chewing surfaces. When applied to the pits and fissures of back teeth, a sealant fills in the tiny crevices with a thin plastic resin or glass ionomer. After bonding and curing, the surface becomes smooth and less prone to trapping food particles and bacteria, which helps prevent caries in areas that are hard to clean with a toothbrush alone. In practice, the tooth is cleaned and often etched to help the coating adhere, then the sealant is applied and cured with light. The other options don’t fit this purpose: a pontic is a fake tooth used to replace a missing one in a bridge; a disclosing agent is used to reveal plaque for teaching or demonstrations; topical fluoride is used to strengthen enamel and prevent decay but is not a coating placed specifically to seal pits and fissures.

Sealants are protective coatings designed specifically to block decay in the grooves of chewing surfaces. When applied to the pits and fissures of back teeth, a sealant fills in the tiny crevices with a thin plastic resin or glass ionomer. After bonding and curing, the surface becomes smooth and less prone to trapping food particles and bacteria, which helps prevent caries in areas that are hard to clean with a toothbrush alone. In practice, the tooth is cleaned and often etched to help the coating adhere, then the sealant is applied and cured with light.

The other options don’t fit this purpose: a pontic is a fake tooth used to replace a missing one in a bridge; a disclosing agent is used to reveal plaque for teaching or demonstrations; topical fluoride is used to strengthen enamel and prevent decay but is not a coating placed specifically to seal pits and fissures.