Abstract
This column discusses the management of chipped or worn dental sealants in a 22-year-old patient seeking a second opinion. The author explores the need for occlusal restorations, sealant repair, or no treatment for such cases. A literature search, guided by a PICO question, reveals strong evidence supporting sealant effectiveness in preventing caries. The Cochrane review found an 88% reduction in caries odds with sealants. Clinical guidelines and systematic reviews from organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) further endorse sealant use. The column emphasizes the importance of universal sealant application and highlights challenges in their adoption, such as concerns over bacterial sealing and reimbursement issues. The author recommends touch-up sealants for effective preventive care.
Recommended Citation
Abt, Elliot DDS, MS, MSc
(2022)
"10-Minute EBD: Should Chipped or Worn Dental Sealants Be Observed, Touched Up, or Restored?,"
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 104:
No.
10, Article 2.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol104/iss10/2
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