Fillings and Sealants
Fillings and Sealants: What You Need to Know
Dental Fillings
A filling is used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay or minor fractures. The procedure involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the cavity with a durable material.
Types of Fillings:
Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings – Blend with natural teeth, ideal for front or visible teeth.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings – Strong and durable, typically used for back teeth.
Gold Fillings – Long-lasting but expensive.
Ceramic Fillings – Stain-resistant and aesthetically pleasing but costly.
Glass Ionomer Fillings – Release fluoride to help prevent further decay, often used for children’s teeth.
When You Need a Filling:
You have a cavity (decay).
Your tooth has minor fractures or wear.
There’s sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets.
Procedure for Fillings:
Numbing the area with local anesthesia.
Removing the decayed portion of the tooth.
Cleaning and preparing the space.
Filling the cavity with the chosen material.
Shaping and polishing the filling for a natural feel.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are a preventive treatment used to protect teeth from cavities. They are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars.
Who Needs Sealants?
Children and teenagers (high risk of cavities).
Adults with deep grooves in their teeth.
Those prone to tooth decay.
How Sealants Work:
They create a smooth surface over deep grooves and pits where food and bacteria can get trapped.
They help prevent cavities by acting as a protective barrier.
They can last up to 10 years with proper care.
Sealant Procedure:
Cleaning and drying the tooth.
Applying an acidic gel to roughen the surface for better adhesion.
Rinsing and drying the tooth again.
Painting on the sealant and hardening it with a special light.
