A sealant is a plastic film that is put over the deep grooves on your back teeth. This tooth-colored film protects the areas most likely to develop cavities. It prevents plaque build-up on the surface enamel.
Fillings are used to restore a tooth’s normal shape, look, and function. Fillings are used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay, something that happens most often in the back teeth because it’s so hard to properly brush and floss them.
Why Use Sealants?
Sealants are great for prevention. Once adult teeth have come in, covering those deep grooves at the top of the molars helps keep cavities from forming in the first place.
Because the bristles of a toothbrush tend to be too big to get into all the nooks and crannies on the surface of your back teeth, they can’t always remove all of the food, plaque and tartar that collect there. Once a sealant is applied, it is easier to keep the tooth clean.
The best time to add a sealant is after the age of 13, when the adult molars have grown in.
What Are the Types of Fillings?
There are several types of fillings available to you when you go to restore your tooth:
Porcelain | Are often called inlays or onlays; this filling can be matched to the color of the tooth and is stain-resistant.
Composite Resins | Can be matched to the color of the tooth, but they are best for small fillings and last about three to ten years.
Silver Amalgam | Is a combination of mercury, copper, silver, tin, and zinc; this type of filling is noticeable but inexpensive.
Gold | fillings can last more than 20 years but are also the most expensive.
Glass Ionomer | Contains glass particles and is often used in the front teeth.
Types of Restorations
There are three types of restorations that can be done using fillings.
- Direct Filling | Uses small amounts of material, and it can be done as a same-day procedure.
- Semi-Direct Filling | Repairs a larger area and requires more material.
- Indirect Filling | Used for large restoration, when most of the visible tooth needs to be replaced.
We will talk to you about your options for fillings and what may work best for your unique circumstances.
Call Us Today!
Are you looking to add a sealant to your back teeth? Do you already have a cavity and need a filling to restore your tooth? Call River Dental and set your appointment today!