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As a parent, you want the very best for your child, and that includes a healthy, happy smile. You may have heard your pediatric dentist mention dental sealants and fillings. But what are they, and when are they needed?
In this blog, Dr. Henry Martinez explains key differences between these two dental procedures to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Dental sealants and fillings both play important roles in protecting your child’s teeth, but they serve different purposes. Sealants are a preventative measure applied to healthy teeth to protect them from decay, while fillings are used to repair teeth that already have cavities.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are an effective way to protect your child’s teeth from decay. A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars), where deep grooves and pits are prone to trapping food particles and bacteria. This barrier prevents decay-causing bacteria from settling in the pits and grooves of the teeth.
Procedure for Applying Sealants
- Cleaning: The tooth is cleaned to ensure the sealant adheres correctly.
- Drying: The tooth is dried, and an absorbent material is placed around it to keep it dry.
- Etching: A special acidic solution is applied to the tooth’s chewing surface to create a rough texture, helping the sealant bond to the tooth.
- Rinsing and drying: The tooth is rinsed and dried once more.
- Application: The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds to the tooth and hardens.
- Curing: An ultraviolet light is used to help the sealant harden and set.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are restorative treatments designed to repair damage caused by tooth decay. When a tooth has a cavity, the decayed portion is removed, and the resulting space is filled with a material to restore the tooth’s normal function and shape.
For more information about treating cavities in baby teeth, read: Do you need to treat cavities in baby teeth?
Procedure for Applying Fillings
- Numbing: A local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the affected tooth.
- Drilling: The decayed part of the tooth is removed using a dental drill.
- Cleaning: The cavity is cleaned to remove any remaining bacteria and debris.
- Filling: The cavity is filled with a material, which might be composite resin, silver amalgam, or ceramic.
- Shaping and polishing: The filling material is shaped to fit the tooth and then polished to ensure a smooth surface.
What Is the Difference Between Dental Sealants and Dental Fillings?
| Sealants | Fillings | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Preventative measure to protect against tooth decay. | Restorative measure to repair damage from tooth decay. |
| Application | Applied to the outer chewing surface of molars. | Applied inside the decayed part of the tooth. |
| Materials | Thin plastic coating. | Composite resin, silver amalgam, ceramic, or other materials. |
| Procedure | Quick, non-invasive, and painless. | Invasive, requires drilling, and may need local anesthesia. |
| Use case | Ideal for protecting baby and permanent teeth from decay. Simple and quick application during a regular dental visit. Effective for patients with deep grooves on their molars. | Necessary for repairing cavities and restoring tooth function. Various materials available to match the natural appearance of teeth. Restores the strength and integrity of a decayed tooth. |
Maintaining Oral Health
Proper dental care and regular dental visits are important to detect and prevent tooth decay early. Encourage your child to practice good oral hygiene by:
- Regular brushing: At least twice a day with fluoride or hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
- Flossing: Daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth.
- Healthy diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks to reduce the risk of cavities.
- Dental check-ups: Schedule routine visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and examinations.
FAQ
Can cavities grow under sealants?
If the sealant becomes damaged or wears away over time, cavities can develop underneath. It is important to have sealants checked regularly by your dentist to ensure they remain intact and effective.
Are sealants better than fillings?
Sealants are designed to protect teeth from developing cavities. Fillings, on the other hand, are a restorative treatment used to repair damage caused by existing cavities. Both dental treatments complement each other in providing comprehensive dental care.
How long do sealants last on your teeth?
Sealants can last up to 10 years, though this can vary based on factors such as diet, oral hygiene, and the natural wear and tear on the teeth. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor the condition of the sealants and reapply them if necessary to continue providing protection against tooth decay.
Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry: Your Partner in Oral Health
At Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we offer both dental sealants and fillings to protect your child’s smile. Our friendly and experienced team will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your child’s individual needs.
If you are searching for ‘dental sealants near me’ or ‘top pediatric dentist in Phoenix, AZ’ we can help! Call (602) 935-7427 to schedule an appointment or complete the online inquiry form!
