A filling is typically used to repair and restore damage to a tooth caused by decay. Cavities that are rived in a tooth as a result of that decay must be filled in to avoid pain and additional cavity-related damage.
Dentists in Birmingham, AL will fill in a cavity with filling material after the decay has been cleaned out and removed. Once that work has been completed, the filling material is applied to the open area to minimize more damage from occurring. Sealants serve a similar purpose in protecting against damage, but they are often applied at an early stage to prevent tooth decay in the mouths of young children.
Most dentists recommend that children get sealants once permanent teeth grow in fully, usually after the age of But people of all ages can receive sealant treatments to fill in the small, tiny crevices along the surface of their teeth. Acting as an outer layer along the enamel, the sealant is tasked with shielding the tooth from food particles that can promote decay and bacteria. When those substances get trapped in the natural grooves of the tooth, the enamel can break down; this is how cavities start to develop.
Each has a specific function. A dental sealant works as a preventative procedure. Dentists use it for children who have large crevices in their premolars or molars. These crevices are natural fissures in the teeth caused by chewing. But they can become deep and hard to reach with a toothbrush.
Thus, they often become ignored in the cleaning department and cause tooth decay. A dental sealant blocks out food particles. It stops them from collecting or getting trapped and then rotting. Thus decreasing the chances of tooth decay. It also protects the tooth enamel by adding a protective shield around it. In contrast, a dental filling is a restorative function. Dentists look at whether the tooth has already experienced or is experiencing decay. The filling repairs the damage caused by the decay.
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Emergency Dentistry. Schedule Your Visit. Book Now. Contact Us. While these fillings are fully functional, they can be difficult to conceal, and are generally not the preferred option in a modern dental setting. Porcelain is the preferred material for fillings under most conditions, because it most closely matches tooth enamel. However, other materials may be needed under certain circumstances. A dental sealant is designed as a preventative measure, in preparation for a permanent solution.
While a filling is designed to last for years, a sealant is designed to last for a year at the longest. That said, there are a few situations where a dental sealant can be useful. In this case, a sealant is a short-term solution that will keep your teeth from decaying for the time being.
The main application, though, is for pediatric use. And the crevices are hard to clean, creating a safe haven for decay-causing bacteria. Much like braces, sealants also come with some restrictions. If a child grinds their teeth at night, for instance, the sealant finish can quickly get worn down.
Sticky and chewy foods can even pull the sealant out altogether. On the other hand, sealants are relatively easy to apply. They come as liquid plastics and flow into any crevices or gaps inside a tooth. The dentist then sets the plastic with ultraviolet light, locking it into place. Dental bonding, like a filling, performs both purposes.
Cosmetic bonding is often performed in the event of a chipped tooth, or if a tooth is slightly misshapen or misaligned.
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