Which of the following conditions would prevent the sealing of teeth?

Sealing of teeth typically involves the application of dental sealants, which are intended to protect the pits and fissures of teeth from decay. The presence of pits and fissures is essential for sealants to adhere properly and to be effective in preventing cavities. If the tooth surface is smooth and lacks these features, there are no vulnerable areas for the sealant to protect, making the sealing process unnecessary.

In this context, a lack of pits and fissures on the tooth surface means that there are no depressions or grooves susceptible to plaque accumulation and decay. Therefore, without these features, there is no indication to apply sealants, as the primary purpose of sealants is to fill those specific areas for protective benefits.

The other options, such as healthy tooth structure, newly erupted teeth, and strong patient cooperation, do not inherently prevent the sealing of teeth. In fact, healthy tooth structure is often one of the best conditions for applying sealants. Newly erupted teeth are actually prime candidates for sealants due to their potential vulnerability to decay. Strong patient cooperation facilitates the procedure but does not prevent it. Thus, the focus should be on the necessity of the appropriate tooth features, which is validated by the choice regarding the lack of pits and fissures