Can You Get Cavities After Sealants Are Applied?

As much as people would like beautiful teeth that sparkle like a diamond, it is always better to practice preventative measures.

Modern preventive care procedures include the use of a dental sealant. However, a question often arises: Can having sealants still develop a cavity? The details of this question will be explained well throughout this article, and recommendations will be provided to patients willing to apply sealants to their dental care plans. In addition, we will share some advice from Rio Bravo Dentist NM on the same.

Understanding Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin, protective plastic coatings painted on the molars and premolars’ fissures to prevent food accumulation. These areas are more prone to decay because of the grooves and pits formed on them, which can house food particles and bacteria.

Sealants work as a shield in the sense that it is difficult for food and plaque to penetrate the grooves, thus resisting cavities.

How Sealants Work

Sealants are normally made from a plastic material or a resin that is placed on the surface of the tooth, which is called enamel. In terms of the application process, it is fast and does not cause much discomfort. In this process, the dentist or dental hygienist first scrubs the surface of the tooth and makes it very smooth; then, a special gel is put on the tooth surface to make it a bit rough; on this, a sealant is painted. In most cases, the softening component is blue light, which helps set the sealant firmly on the enamel surface.

Can Cavities Form After Sealants Are Applied?

Despite the high performance of sealants in the prevention of cavities, they do not guarantee optimum results. There are several reasons why cavities can still form even after sealants have been applied:

1. Sealant Wear and Tear

Sealants can erode, chip off, or become less effective in other ways, thus requiring a redo. If the sealant breaks, the underlying tooth surface becomes exposed to bacteria and other food particles, which causes demineralization. To make sure that sealants remain strong, individuals must undergo normal dental check-ups with a Rio Bravo Dentist NM.

2. Incomplete Coverage

Sealants are most effective when applied as a complete coat on the grooves and pits of the tooth. However, if the sealant application process is not properly done, some parts of that particular tooth may still be open to developing more cavities. To reduce this risk, it is recommended that a professional and an experienced dentist be consulted when applying the sealants.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene

The sealants are very effective in preventing cavities, but they should not be taken as an excuse for not flossing or brushing. That is right, infrequent brushing and flossing, as well as improper techniques of brushing and flossing, can still cause cavities, even in teeth that have been sealed. To get the best out of sealants, one has to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily, among other practices, according to the dentist.

4. Diet and Lifestyle

The consumption of sweet products is dangerous for teeth and produces cavities, tending to appear even if the patient has sealants. Fresh fruits and dairy products are important, and it is wise to avoid frequent intake of sugary and starchy foods, thereby protecting the teeth from decay.

Importance of Daily Oral Health Maintenance

As mentioned earlier, one way that made a significant impact on reducing the decline of oral health, and how sealants work appropriately is to incorporate dental visits as a norm. During these visits, the Rio Bravo Dentist NM will determine if the sealants are worn out or have been damaged in any way and thus will be replaced. Regular checkups topped up with good hygiene practices ensure one can avoid these cavities.

Conclusion

Dental sealants are one of the tools that help prevent cavities, especially for children and teenagers. Although they can help protect from cavities, they are not a foolproof shield against dental diseases. Some of these factors include worn-out sealants, inadequate coverage on teeth, lack of proper oral hygiene, and even diet habits that can lead to further cavities despite having sealants.

Ideally, dental sealants should be used in conjunction with brushing and maintaining high standards of hygiene, avoiding lean foods and sugary products, and most of all, visiting a Rio Bravo Dentist NM as often as possible. By incorporating these habits into your daily life, you can effectively minimize the chance of developing cavities and look forward to sparkling teeth for a long time.

If you are still thinking about dental sealants or would like to get more details about cavities, feel free to visit Rio Bravo Dentist NM.