“Can cavities form under sealants?”
I am a 21 year old female. I wonder if cavities can form under sealants?
10 Answers
DentistDentist
Yes, if the sealant leaks around the edges or decay develops in the grooves or pits in the tooth.
Yes
Sealants are thin layer of composite resin that is painted over the ridges and grooves of posterior teeth to seal out bacteria that cause decay. Over time the sealant can chip, wear, or be lost, allowing the teeth to decay.
If the sealant is placed carefully the decay is eliminated from the subsurface. IF the sealant is leaking, the decay can form under the sealant. Proper maintenance is critical for the sealants to be protective and not harmful.
Cavities can form under sealants and, unfortunately, if not properly diagnosed, a sealant might be placed over a tooth with an existing cavity. In these cases, the proper treatment would have been a minimally invasive filling rather than a sealant.
Yes and they do happen about 50 % of the time
Anna S. Vasilev
Dentist
Yes, if sealants were placed without the right indications. It could be that sealant is put on a tooth with existing decay, covering it, or if a wrong technique of placement was used.
Current research shows that it is very unlikely that a cavity will form under an intact sealant. In fact, it is unlikely that even small areas of decay will progress under intact sealants or restorations. That being said, sealants need to be checked regularly to ensure that they remain intact and well bonded to healthy tooth structure.
I hope this answers your question.
Stay well,
Russell
I hope this answers your question.
Stay well,
Russell
Sealants are placed in deep grooves to reduce risk of decay. If they de-bond or disintegrate, can still form cavities. It reduces the risk, but still possible.
Yes, cavities can form under a sealant. Either they were not placed properly or your dental hygiene was not good enough. See your provider to have the tooth restored as soon as you are able.
