Oklahoma Pit and Fissure Sealants State Practice Exam

What is a potential consequence of a sealant being applied too thickly?

1. Increased visibility

2. Possible sensitivity

3. Interference with the bite

4. Faster degradation

The correct answer is: Interference with the bite

When a pit and fissure sealant is applied too thickly, one significant consequence is that it may interfere with the patient's bite. An overly thick sealant can create an uneven occlusal surface, which may lead to discomfort or altered function when the patient bites down. This misalignment can cause stress on the teeth and jaw, potentially leading to issues such as temporomandibular joint discomfort or wear on the opposing teeth. While other options may be relevant in various contexts, they do not directly address the immediate and practical consequences of excess sealant thickness. For instance, increased visibility pertains to aesthetic aspects rather than functional issues, possible sensitivity is more related to the material's interaction with tooth structure rather than application thickness, and faster degradation doesn't directly link with thickness but rather with the material's inherent properties and environmental factors. Thus, interfering with the bite is a clear and direct outcome of applying a sealant too thickly.