Do I need a sealant or filling?

A filling is used to repair damage that has occurred to a tooth, usually from dental decay

dental decay

Tooth decay, also known as cavities or caries, is the breakdown of teeth due to acids produced by bacteria. The cavities may be a number of different colors from yellow to black. Symptoms may include pain and difficulty with eating.

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Tooth decay - Wikipedia

. A sealant is used to cover a portion of a tooth to prevent damage from occurring. A filling is necessary to restore a tooth after a cavity or hole has formed from tooth decay.

Is a tooth sealant a filling?

During a filling, the natural tooth structure is actually modified. Meaning, that the decayed part of the tooth is removed and then filled. In contrast, a dental sealant only fills in the natural grooves of the tooth without changing the structure.

Can you put sealant over filling?

The Pros and Cons of Dental Sealants

They can seal in dental decay – if your teeth are not properly examined, sealants can seal in acids in a decayed tooth, resulting in more harm than good. They cannot be applied over dental fillings or decayed teeth.

Does a sealant mean you have a cavity?

For example, dental sealants are an ideal way to prevent cavities from developing, whereas composite fillings are not necessary until a cavity has developed. However, dental sealants can be used to treat early signs of tooth decay before a cavity forms.

Do dentists still use sealant?

Yes. Dental cavities are one of the most common chronic conditions among children and teens. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain and infection and problems in eating, speaking, and learning. Sealants are an extremely effective yet underutilized shield that protects children's teeth from cavities.

Sealer vs Filler | Which do you need and when?

What is the difference between a filling and a sealant?

Differences between sealants and filling

The main difference between the two is the longevity of the applied intervention. A sealant is only expected to last not more than a year, while fillings can last up to ten years. The sealant is preventive, while the filling is a form of damage repair.

At what age are dental sealants most effective?

Can you still get cavities with sealants?

Can You Still Get Cavities After Sealants Are Applied? Some may believe that once sealants are applied, you are safe from developing cavities or tooth decay. Unfortunately this is not the case because sealants only cover a small amount of the tooth.

How long does tooth sealant last?

Dental sealants can last up to ten years if they are cared for properly. Over time, they will wear away, but every time you come in for an appointment your dentist will check to make sure they are still intact. Once they've worn down too far, your dentist will easily reapply your sealants if needed.

How much does tooth sealant cost?

Dental sealants are a thin coating that is painted on teeth to protect them from cavities. This painless procedure can be $30 to $60 per tooth, although some insurance or discount plans can reduce that cost.

Are dental sealants expensive?

Dental sealant costs

Without insurance, the cost of dental sealants can be $30–$40 per tooth. Dentists are free to set their own rates, so you may want to search your area for the best dental sealant price.

What teeth get sealants?

Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth -- usually the back teeth (the premolars and molars) -- to prevent tooth decay. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.

Does sealant for teeth hurt?

Do dental sealants hurt? Dental sealants only need to be brushed onto the teeth and do not cause pain. The only discomfort that may be felt while getting dental sealants is your child having to hold their mouth open for a few minutes.

Can adults get sealants?

But adults can sometimes benefit from sealants too, because you never outgrow the risk for developing cavities. A sealant can be placed on a tooth that does not have a cavity in its pits and grooves. If a tooth is stained or has mild decay, your dentist may suggest you get a sealant, or another option may be necessary.

What is the most common cause of sealant loss?

The leading cause of dental sealant failure is due improper placement allowing salivary contamination. This may be in part to clinician's lack of experience, lack of patient cooperation and an inadequate amount of sealant material used.

Which is an indication for sealants?

Main. The sealant restoration is indicated primarily on the occlusal surfaces of permanent molars and premolars and may also be indicated for primary molars. They are most appropriate when the prepared cavity in a pit or fissure is small and discrete.

Do sealants stay on forever?

Although sealants can safely remain on the teeth for up to nine years, they are not completely effective for the entirety of their lifespan. Due to this, most dentists recommend that dental sealants are applied every two to four years.

How do you seal a hole in your tooth?

Filling a hole or cavity for a short time can help reduce your risk of infection. Many drug stores and pharmacies sell temporary tooth repair kits that allow you to fill holes in your teeth with safe, putty-like materials until you're able to visit a dentist.

When do you stop getting sealants?

How Long Do Sealants Last? Sealants can protect the teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. Your dentist can replace sealants as necessary.

Can you get sealants at any age?

A dental sealant placed on the child's teeth chewing surfaces will fill the deep grooves that are difficult to clean properly when brushing. Dental sealants are ideal for kids aged between five and 14 years. The moment your child's first permanent molars appear, you need to ask your dentist about dental sealants.

Can I brush my teeth after sealants?

Yes, you can absolutely brush your teeth after getting sealant. It is important, however, that you avoid things that can weaken your sealants such as ice, hard candy, gummy candies, taffy, caramels, sticky candy, popcorn, gum, and certain other foods that can scratch or otherwise damage the sealant.

How do you stop tooth decay from spreading?

Who would be a good candidate for sealants?

Dental sealants should be applied on newly erupted permanent molars and pre-molars. This generally occurs between the ages of 6 and 14. Sealants applied at this time can protect children's teeth during these cavity-prone mid- childhood years.

Is a fissure seal a filling?

Fissure sealants may work similarly to fillings however, they are not fillings and cannot be used to fill cavities or on teeth that have already had fillings installed.

Should you get preventative fillings?

By getting a preventative filling, you can seal up these pits and grooves, ensure that your tooth is easy to clean, and completely avoid decay. This is a particularly good choice if you have a history of cavities, or you have genetically weak enamel that's susceptible to decay.