Dental sealants act as a shield for your teeth. A dentist paints a thin plastic coating onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (the molars), where it fills in the deep grooves so food and bacteria can’t settle there.
Sealants do a good job of protecting teeth, but many people still wonder if a cavity can form underneath one. Dental Sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in molars, but decay can still develop under them in certain situations.
How Decay Forms Beneath a Sealant
Sealants only work to protect the tooth surface if the seal is completely intact. Tooth decay occurs underneath the seal for various reasons:
- Bacteria Entrapment While Sealing: Moisture or food remnants trapped on the tooth surface before the material is applied allow bacteria to attack the enamel of the tooth.
- Wear and Tear: Constantly chewing hard foods causes wear and tear of dental sealants, thereby creating cracks in the material.
- Loss of the seal: If a sealant becomes partially detached or develops an area that is no longer adequately sealed, bacteria and food particles may reach the underlying grooves and increase the risk of decay.
Decay beneath a sealant is often hidden because the tooth remains covered. You might not experience any pain until the cavity gets bigger and gets into the deeper layers of the tooth.
Signs of a Problem Underneath
Early detection can help prevent small decay problems from escalating into a major concern. Some of the usual symptoms include:
- Dark spots or discoloration under a translucent or stained sealant
- Pain when eating hot, cold, or sugary food
- Rough edges around the tooth that the tongue can feel
- Chipped or cracked sealant material
Regular dental visits are important because your dentist can examine the sealant and surrounding tooth surfaces for signs of wear, damage, or decay.
Preventing Cavities with Dental Sealants
Sealants serve as a powerful defense mechanism, but they do not replace standard oral hygiene habits. Bacteria can attack the exposed sides of the tooth and in between teeth where a sealant can’t reach.
To keep your protected teeth healthy, brush twice every day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily using dental floss. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as acid-producing bacteria thrive on sweet leftovers.
Above all else, allow your dentist to inspect the sealants during regular cleaning sessions. If a sealant is cracked or has worn out, your dentist will be able to repair or replace it for you.
When properly maintained, dental sealants shield back molars against decay for many years, keeping natural teeth strong and healthy.
Protect Your Smile with Vital Dental
Appropriate preventive treatment and specialist attention are important to keep your teeth protected from decay. Want to keep your family’s teeth cavity-free or need your existing sealants checked? The skilled staff at Vital Dental is here to help.
Call us at (972) 984-1700 to schedule an appointment now and learn more about our high-quality dental sealants to keep your smile looking great for years to come.