The
majority dental sealants (tooth
sealants) are placed on the teeth of
children. In order to suitably position a sealant, a dentist should be able to
keep the teeth dry.
Sealants means that, at a minimum, the
chewing surface of the teeth being
sealed should be erupted (placed through the gum tissue extensively). The
patient necessity also is at an age where they are able to provide some level
of cooperation. The particular point at which this combination of proceedings
occurs will vary from child to child.
Molars,
the first of a child's permanently back teeth
to come in, are typically sealed at around age six. All other permanent teeth might be treated when they too
first appear. Generally the last teeth can
be sealed are the permanent second molars, which come in at around age twelve.
An
adult's teeth can be sealed, though
this process is normally utilized as a preventive measure for children so to
help protect their teeth during those
years when they are most likely to experience tooth decay. The necessity for dental sealants for also a child's or
an adult's teeth should be
considered on a case by case basis.
Every
tooth that has anatomical characteristics (such as deep grooves) which may
place it at risk for upward tooth decay must be sealed. By far the most common teeth for a dentist to seal are a
person's "back" teeth, & of these teeth the molars are the most common teeth on which dental
sealants are placed. It is perhaps more common for a dentist to seal
"permanent" teeth rather
than "baby" teeth, but every one has their own needs. Your dentist
will make their advice for sealants on
a case by case basis.




