What Is the Difference Between Dental Sealants and Dental Filings?

Beyond the routine dental cleanings at our dental office near you, your dentist provides wide restorative and preventative treatments that can help keep your teeth in good shape. It is important to adhere to regular dental checkups and cleaning to ensure that you do everything necessary to maintain good oral health.

The ADA estimates that 90% of Americans over 20 years have had cavities at some point in their lives. Though it may seem scary to spot a small hole in your tooth, you should remember that cavities are very common and certainly not the end of the world. The necessary thing is to make an appointment with your dentist in Tampa as soon as you notice that something is off.

This article will discuss two of the most common procedures in a dental office near you. they are fillings and sealants. Both are minor dental procedures that are usually straightforward and quick and have little recovery time.

Though a skilled dentist should be able to guide you through the two procedures and recommend to you the best cause of action, it is important to be informed. This will help you make the best choice for your oral and child’s health. By reading this article, you will discern whether a sealant or a filing is the best cause of action to take for your teeth. So, without further ado, let’s start

A dental sealant is a thin coating painted on the chewing surface of your teeth, usually the molars and the premolars, the back teeth, to prevent tooth decay. The coating quickly bonds into the grooves and depressions of your teeth forming protective should over the enamel of your teeth.

Though thorough flossing and brushing can remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque from the smooth surfaces of your teeth, they cannot get into the crannies and nooks of the back teeth to remove food debris and plaque. Dental sealants protect the vulnerable area from tooth decay by slinging out food debris and plaque.

On the other hand, sealants combine plastics, metal, glass, or other materials used to restore or repair teeth. The most popular use of dental fillings is to fill an area of the tooth your dentist removed due to decay or a cavity. Fillings are also used to repair broken, cracked teeth and teeth worn down from wrong use, such as tooth grinding, nail-biting, or bottle opening.

A dental sealant is different from a filling in many ways. For instance, dental sealants serve as preventative dental treatment, while the dental filling is a restorative dental treatment.

Can You Put a Dental Sealant Over a Filling?

Dental sealants work over teeth that do not have dental fillings. They will protect this type of tooth from bacteria that can lead to cavities that would require dental fillings. In addition, sealants can work and last for years and prevent most forms of bacteria from entering the teeth. Our dentist at 33635 is proud to offer sealants to you to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

However, a question often arises from patients is whether sealants can be applied over teeth that have dental fillings. Dental sealants are meant to prevent cavities that would need fillings. It is easier to apply a dental sealant than a dental filling. In addition, sealants are less expensive to use than other options.

Do I Need Filling or Sealant?

Sealants are an easy, quick, and painless way to prevent dental cavities. A tooth with no cavity is healthier and stronger than a tooth with a filling or untreated decay. Sealants are less expensive, last for a long period, and are easier to apply than fillings. Your dentist near you will advise that you get a sealant rather than a filling. Then, even if you have tooth decay, the decay will be removed, the cavity cleaned, and the sealant applied. Visit your emergency dentist in Tampa for more clarification.

Where Can You Get Dental Sealants in Tampa?

If you want to distinguish more between dental sealants and dental filings, you can visit Dr. Eric Boe in Westbay Dental to indulge more in them. You will be guided on the best procedure depending on your unique needs. In addition, you can book an appointment through our online website.