What Is the Most Common Cause of Sealant Loss?
October 1, 2022
Cavities are the major contributors to dental emergencies, invasive procedures, and tooth loss. That is why our Beverly Hills dentist offers treatments to avert and protect against dental caries (cavities).
One of the methods used is the application of dental sealants on molars and premolars.
Although this method is very effective, the sealant may fail to result in tooth decay. This occurs when the sealant material allows food debris and bacteria to enter the tooth.
As a result, plaque and tartar build up underneath the sealant leading to cavity formation. Continue reading to find out the causes of sealant failure.
Causes of Sealant Failure
The most common cause of >dental sealant failure occurs during the placement stage. You must remain still when the dentist applies the coating material until it dries.
This prevents saliva from coming into contact with the sealant and forming bubbles. In addition, the expert must use the right techniques and equipment to keep saliva away from the teeth.
Another cause of sealant failure is the dentist's lack of or inadequate experience. As a result, they may not prepare the tooth properly, use an insufficient amount of sealant material or apply the sealant improperly.
As a result, acids and bacteria reach the tooth and destroy the enamel.
Patients also contribute to sealant failure. For example, they may fidget and allow saliva to reach the sealant during application.
In addition, some people use over-the-counter tooth sealants instead of the dentist. As a result, they are not properly applied, resulting in sealant failure.
Other causes are wear and tear on the tooth's surface over time. Excessive chewing forces or bruxism accelerate the wearing down of the sealants.
This exposes the enamel to bacteria and subsequent cavities. The sealants also get damaged if the patient chews on ice or hard candy, bites their nails, or opens packages using their teeth.
How Often Do Dental Sealants Need to Be Replaced?
Generally, when a dentist applies dental sealants, they last 5-10 years. However, over-the-counter tooth sealants may not last as long. It is because they are not professionally placed.
Although sealants can last up to ten years, their effectiveness slightly reduces after the second year. After that, they continue being less effective until they dissolve and need replacement.
This is due to normal dental wear and tear, which thins the sealant material over time. In addition, bad oral habits and dental trauma can damage the sealant, causing them to be replaced sooner.
Therefore, it is imperative that a dentist checks the sealants during routine dental exams. They ensure that the sealants have not been chipped, broken, or worn out.
The frequency of replacing sealants depends on individuals. Those who take great care of their sealed teeth may benefit for years before a replacement is necessary.
However, if the plastic material is damaged or worn out, the dentist will repair or replace them. The process for replacing the sealants is as simple as the initial application. It is fast and painless.
Tips to Prevent Sealant Failure
- Avoid chewing on ice and hard candy as they may chip or break the sealant.
- Do not bite your nails or open packages and bottles using your teeth. The force will damage the sealant.
- Practice good oral hygiene habits. They include brushing twice daily and flossing once each day. This reduces the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth.
- Do not clench your jaw or grind the teeth because the pressure on your teeth wears down the sealants faster.
- Get your sealants from a well-trained and experienced dentist. They will use the right techniques and materials to prevent sealant failure. For example, the dentist will first clean the teeth and eliminate all decayed parts. Next, they will place isolators in the mouth to keep saliva from contaminating the sealant. After, the dentist will apply an etching acid to increase sealant retention. Finally, they will properly apply the sealant.
When sealants fail, the patient often realizes it when decay reaches the dental pulp. Unfortunately, this results in expensive and extensive restorative dental work.
You can avoid dental sealant failure by getting your sealants from the experts at The Art of Dental Wellness. We will apply them properly and check them regularly to ensure their effectiveness.
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