Dental sealants are used to seal the chewing surface of children's back teeth (molars). It is the molars that have pits and grooves on the biting surface and are, therefore, more susceptible to decay.
The age of the child may vary on when the sealants are placed depending on the eruption of the molars. The first permanent molars erupt at around 6 years of age, but some children will experience the eruption earlier or later. However, the molar must be fully erupted (fully positioned above the gum) before a sealant can be placed. The second permanent molars usually erupt around 12 years of age, but, again, this will vary in each child.
Not all teeth require the protection that dental sealants provide. It is the shape of the grooves and pits that place some teeth at a greater risk than others. Children with deep and narrow grooves have a more urgent need for sealants.
How long a dental sealant lasts will vary. A sealant in place for 3-5 years would be considered a success. However, any length of time a sealant is in place and protecting the tooth is beneficial. Many sealants placed on the teeth of children can remain intact in the grooves as an adult.
If you notice a portion or even the entire sealant has come off, you should let your dentist know. Additionally, the integrity of the sealants should be checked at 6 month recall visits.
The procedure for placing a sealant requires no drilling. The tooth is first etched with a liquid to prepare the tooth for the sealant. Then a flowable material is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth and then cured with a light to harden the material.
In addition to dental sealants, a dentist will consider other variables that might contribute to decay. This should include the amount of plaque that is present, the amount of decay in the past, and the patient's exposure to fluoride.
David A. Dersh, DMD, PA serves its patients by educating them on their options to best meet their dental needs, empowering them to make informed decisions about their oral health. We work with individuals and organizations to provide efficient and cost-effective dental care.
The above information is for general education purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Consult a qualified dentist to determine an individualized treatment plan. Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the contents of this article are current, accurate and complete, neither David A. Dersh, DMD, PA nor any other party involved in the publication of this article make guarantees of any kind as to its accuracy, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and are not responsible for any errors or omissions of any kind.
The age of the child may vary on when the sealants are placed depending on the eruption of the molars. The first permanent molars erupt at around 6 years of age, but some children will experience the eruption earlier or later. However, the molar must be fully erupted (fully positioned above the gum) before a sealant can be placed. The second permanent molars usually erupt around 12 years of age, but, again, this will vary in each child.
Not all teeth require the protection that dental sealants provide. It is the shape of the grooves and pits that place some teeth at a greater risk than others. Children with deep and narrow grooves have a more urgent need for sealants.
How long a dental sealant lasts will vary. A sealant in place for 3-5 years would be considered a success. However, any length of time a sealant is in place and protecting the tooth is beneficial. Many sealants placed on the teeth of children can remain intact in the grooves as an adult.
If you notice a portion or even the entire sealant has come off, you should let your dentist know. Additionally, the integrity of the sealants should be checked at 6 month recall visits.
The procedure for placing a sealant requires no drilling. The tooth is first etched with a liquid to prepare the tooth for the sealant. Then a flowable material is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth and then cured with a light to harden the material.
In addition to dental sealants, a dentist will consider other variables that might contribute to decay. This should include the amount of plaque that is present, the amount of decay in the past, and the patient's exposure to fluoride.
David A. Dersh, DMD, PA serves its patients by educating them on their options to best meet their dental needs, empowering them to make informed decisions about their oral health. We work with individuals and organizations to provide efficient and cost-effective dental care.
The above information is for general education purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Consult a qualified dentist to determine an individualized treatment plan. Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the contents of this article are current, accurate and complete, neither David A. Dersh, DMD, PA nor any other party involved in the publication of this article make guarantees of any kind as to its accuracy, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and are not responsible for any errors or omissions of any kind.
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