A 40-year-old with dark staining in grooves but no caries u2014 correct treatment is:

Dark staining alone in a 40-year-old WITHOUT caries indicates arrest or inactive disease u2014 appropriate management is observation. Board exam pearls: stained = observe; demineralized non-cavitated = sealant; cavitated = resin restoration. Age matters u2014 sealants are typically for higher-risk younger patients.