Paediatric dentistry: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Paediatric dentistry

Sample item

What is the purpose of a fissure sealant on a newly erupted molar?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Block plaque and food retention in deep occlusal fissures

Fissure sealants create a protective barrier over deep pits and fissures, reducing stagnation sites where occlusal caries commonly begins.

Option by option

  • A. Treat an existing periapical abscess

    Abscesses need infection and source-control management.

  • B. Replace missing dentine after a root fracture

    Root fractures require different restorative or endodontic management.

  • C. Whiten intrinsic tooth discoloration

    Sealants are not bleaching agents.

  • D. Block plaque and food retention in deep occlusal fissures (correct)

    Correct: sealing deep fissures prevents plaque stagnation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Block plaque and food retention in deep occlusal fissures. Fissure sealants create a protective barrier over deep pits and fissures, reducing stagnation sites where occlusal caries commonly begins.

Why is "Treat an existing periapical abscess" not the answer?

Abscesses need infection and source-control management.

Why is "Replace missing dentine after a root fracture" not the answer?

Root fractures require different restorative or endodontic management.

Why is "Whiten intrinsic tooth discoloration" not the answer?

Sealants are not bleaching agents.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric dentistry in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: sealing deep fissures prevents plaque stagnation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Paediatric dentistry?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.