What issue may arise with filled sealants if not properly adjusted?

Get ready for the New Mexico Dental Assisting License Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam success!

If filled sealants are not properly adjusted after placement, they can indeed cause discomfort for the patient. Sealants are designed to fill in the grooves and pits of teeth to prevent decay. However, if they are oversized or not smoothly contoured to the adjacent tooth surfaces, they can interfere with the patient's bite. This improper adjustment can lead to pressure points during chewing, causing discomfort or pain for the patient.

Maintaining a proper occlusal surface and ensuring that the sealant does not create any high spots is crucial for patient comfort. By carefully checking and adjusting the sealant after application, the dental assistant or dentist can prevent any discomfort that may arise, promoting a better overall experience for the patient.

In contrast, while discoloration, frequent replacements, and the risk of falling out might happen in other contexts of dental sealants, the primary immediate concern with improperly adjusted filled sealants is the discomfort they can cause during normal functions like eating or speaking.

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