Cavities are the most common dental problem Americans face. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) says that 91 percent of those over the age of 20 have had cavities at one point in their lives.
Fortunately, several dental procedures are available that target dental caries, with tooth filling being the most popular one. Dental sealants are another common dental treatment for cavities, but many people confuse them with dental fillings since these two procedures are similar.
Rod W. Gore, a local family dentist in Scottsdale, shares this guide if you’re unsure whether to get a dental filling or a sealant.
Dental Filling
Dental fillings restore teeth that have cavities caused by decay. The filling “fills” the hole in the tooth to keep bacteria and food remnants from collecting inside, which prevents the cavity from worsening.
A dental filling procedure starts with the hygienist cleaning your teeth. The dentist will then use a drill to remove the decayed part of the tooth. Afterward, they’ll fill in the tooth and shape the material so it doesn’t interfere with your bite.
The main distinction of a dental filling is that it’s a restorative dental treatment. This means a cavity is already present so the purpose of the filling is to repair the damage.
Dental Sealant
A dental sealant, on the other hand, is a preventive dental procedure. It’s applied onto the chewing surfaces of molars because these deeply grooved areas are where food often settles. The sealant acts as a barrier that protects the enamel from corrosive oral acids that cause decay.
Sealants are more common among children to prevent cavities as early as possible, although adults can also get them upon their dentists’ recommendation. The CDC says that children without sealants are three times more likely to develop molar cavities.
The Difference
Apart from one being a restorative treatment and the other a preventive procedure, dental fillers and sealants also differ in permanency. They both can last years, but fillers generally have a longer lifespan. This is because fillers use more durable material and are applied through a more invasive process compared to sealants.
Meanwhile, sealants wear down faster because they’re only layered on top and cover just a small part of the teeth.
Another difference is the procedure itself. During a dental filling, the dentist modifies the natural structure of the teeth. There may be some pain involved because they’ll have to drill down the decayed part of the teeth. On the other hand, a dental sealant is only applied to the grooves of molars, so it doesn’t alter the tooth’s structure.
Which One Should You Get?
If you’re unsure which dental procedure you need, it’s best to consult your dentist. They’ll examine your teeth and create a dental care plan tailored to your specific needs. They’ll tell you whether you need fillers, sealants, or a different procedure, depending on the dental problems you’re facing.
Rod W. Gore, DDS is a trusted family dentist in Scottsdale. Our clinic offers general, restorative, preventive, and cosmetic dental procedures for patients of all ages. We make sure that you receive the dental care you need at your current age so you can continue doing the things you enjoy.
Call 480-585-6225 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment today.