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Correct Answer: etched.
in dental procedures, particularly when applying sealants, the preparation of the tooth surface is crucial for the success of the treatment. sealants are materials used to protect the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of the teeth from decay. to ensure that the sealant adheres properly to the tooth, certain steps must be followed.
the key step in this preparation is etching. etching involves applying an acidic substance to the enamel surface of the tooth. this substance is commonly phosphoric acid, which roughens the surface at a microscopic level. by creating a rougher surface, the etching process increases the surface area available for bonding and creates microscopic undercuts where the sealant can flow into and lock itself upon curing. this mechanical interlocking is essential for the durability and effectiveness of the sealant.
although cleaning the tooth surface is important to remove any debris, plaque, or calculus, it is not sufficient by itself to ensure the adhesion of the sealant resin. similarly, isolating the tooth from saliva and other contaminants is crucial during the application of the sealant to prevent moisture from interfering with the setting of the resin. however, isolation alone does not facilitate the bonding of the sealant to the tooth.
scaling, which involves removing tartar and plaque from the tooth surfaces, is a common procedure in oral hygiene. while scaling is vital for overall dental health and can precede the application of a sealant, it does not substitute for the etching process in promoting adhesion.
in summary, while cleaning, isolating, and scaling are important steps in dental treatments, it is the etching process that is crucial for ensuring the effective adhesion of resin-based sealants to the tooth surface. some types of non-resin sealants may not require etching, but for resin-based sealants, etching is indispensable.
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