Our preventive role as dentists is not always easy, especially when it comes to pediatrics. Getting compliance from parents who constantly justify their children’s poor oral hygiene and tooth wear by saying “I have weak teeth” can test any dentist’s patience. The truth is that we have the ability to prevent tooth decay and preventive sealants are one of the most effective methods.
The average family with two athletic kids has a schedule that would make most socialites envious. An active lifestyle can get in the way of scheduling regular visits to the dentist. A sealant that can be placed in a quick visit is vital to prevention and patient compliance.
As a recent graduate, I joined a pediatric practice that was extremely motivated to prevent attrition as well as optimize the production of the hygiene chair business. Due to practice goals, I was asked to place sealants on most patients the day they were diagnosed with the need. A 30-minute preventive appointment often meant four fillings would be placed in addition to prophylaxis, oral hygiene education and fluoride treatment. The kid would throw up a weird tongue twister at the last second and I’d be forced to start the process all over again. Constantly running 10 to 15 minutes behind schedule in my first few weeks on the job, I felt defeated. Knowing the importance of installing a sealant with sound margins for long term durability and protection, I knew I couldn’t let my tight schedule compromise the sealants. After researching various sealants, I found one that I liked, Embrace WetBond pit and fissure sealant.
Embrace WetBond is a unique resin-based, moisture-resistant sealant. (1) The sealant has multifunctional moisture-activated methacrylate monomers. (2) This technology allows clinicians to place effective sealants even when there is slight moisture on the tooth, which is especially useful when treating anxious, orally defensive patients. Embrace WetBond allows clinicians to place better retained sealers with smooth, undetectable margins and increased fluoride release. (1)
A longitudinal study conducted by Howard E. Strassler, DMD, and Joseph P. O’Donnell, DMD, MS, reported on the durability of Embrace WetBond pit and fissure sealant after four to six years of initial placement. The study results showed that Embrace WetBond had more than double the retention rate of the leading competitor. (2) Embrace Sealant is an ionic resin that is rich in phosphates and forms a strong resin-hydroxyapatite bond that seals against microleakage. (3)
Choosing products that help reduce the risk of tooth decay is a vital part of any dentist’s role. Embrace Wetbond sealant allows clinicians to place high-quality sealants with longevity, even with difficult patients on strict schedules.
1. Hoffman I. Moisture resistant, resin based pothole and crack sealant. Dental Tribune. 2009(Dec):17A-18A.
2. Strassler HE, O’Donnell JP. A unique moisture-resistant resin-based pit and fissure sealer: Clinical technique and research results. Inside Dent. 2008? 4 (9): 2-3.
3. Products – Overview WetBond Embrace – Product Overview. Pulpdent website. https://www.pulpdent.com/shop/category/embrace-wetbond-overview. Accessed 30 October 2017.
Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on RDH eVillage. Click here to describe.
