Caries prevention: fissure sealants: 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 · Caries prevention: fissure sealants

Sample item

What is the primary purpose of a pit-and-fissure sealant on a newly erupted permanent molar?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Prevent plaque retention and caries in deep occlusal fissures

Sealants physically cover deep occlusal pits and fissures that are difficult to clean and vulnerable to caries. They complement fluoride, diet advice, and oral hygiene.

Option by option

  • A. Treat pulpal infection

    Pulpal infection requires endodontic treatment or extraction.

  • B. Whiten the tooth permanently

    Sealants are not cosmetic whitening agents.

  • C. Prevent plaque retention and caries in deep occlusal fissures (correct)

    Correct. Sealing fissures reduces plaque stagnation in a high-risk site.

  • D. Replace fluoride exposure completely

    Fluoride remains useful even when sealants are placed.

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 C, Prevent plaque retention and caries in deep occlusal fissures. Sealants physically cover deep occlusal pits and fissures that are difficult to clean and vulnerable to caries.

Why is "Treat pulpal infection" not the answer?

Pulpal infection requires endodontic treatment or extraction.

Why is "Whiten the tooth permanently" not the answer?

Sealants are not cosmetic whitening agents.

Why is "Replace fluoride exposure completely" not the answer?

Fluoride remains useful even when sealants are placed.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Caries prevention: fissure sealants in Dentistry. They complement fluoride, diet advice, and oral hygiene.

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 Caries prevention: fissure sealants?

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.