Can You Get Teeth Sealants If You Have Fillings?
It is not advisable to get teeth sealants if you have dental fillings. Filling repair a cavity and restore a tooth, and dental sealants protect teeth from further decay. Sealants remain one of the most cost-effective preventive treatments dentists can offer their patients. Dental sealants might not be a good option if you have one or more cavities. Fillings are usually preferred when dealing with small cavities or decay in one isolated area.
This is because filling the tooth will conceal it while protecting it from further decay. On the other hand, dental sealants will only preserve your tooth’s surface, exposing it to future decay.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Teeth sealants are a preventive procedure that can be used to protect teeth from decay. The coatings are placed on the chewing surface of your teeth and can prevent cavities from forming and recurring in that area. While dental sealants are used for children and teens, they are often overlooked for adults. Dental sealants are the most cost-effective way to protect teeth from tooth decay.
Dental sealants can prevent cavities from forming on the chewing surfaces of teeth. The surface of teeth is porous, which allows harmful bacteria to get inside. If it isn’t removed, it will cause tooth decay. Sealants protect teeth from bacteria by creating a barrier on the tooth’s surface. They are a much less invasive procedure than other methods of cavity prevention, such as fillings or root canals.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
When placed on the chewing surfaces of teeth, dental sealants form a shield over the tooth’s pores that bacteria can’t penetrate. This allows the tooth’s surface to stay clean and healthy while protecting it from decay.
Our dentist in Aurora, CO, will clean the teeth to be sealed and separate them with a sheet to keep them free from saliva. He will then roughen the teeth and apply the coating on the pits and fissures.
Why Are Dental Sealants Important?
Dental sealants are necessary because they’re a preventive treatment that can halt the progression of tooth decay before it begins. It’s important to note that dental sealants aren’t just a “quick fix” to a cavity. It’s also a preventive measure to stop the progression of tooth decay before it starts. Sealants are applied to teeth in good condition and at low risk of tooth decay.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Teeth fillings repair teeth that have cavities or other tooth decay. They are typically made of metal, porcelain, or plastic.
Dental fillings can be made from many different materials, and they all work similarly by repairing the decayed.
Can You Get Sealants If You Have Fillings?
No, it is not advisable. Dental sealants and fillings are two different procedures used to address specific problems. The sealants are coatings used for preventive purposes, while fillings are restorative. This means they are used to restore a tooth damaged by decay or trauma.
Dental sealants are placed on the grooved chewing surface of teeth, while fillings are placed on the tooth’s smooth portions and inside. If you’re considering getting sealants but already have fillings in your teeth, visit a general dentist near you for more information.
What Are The Downsides Of Sealants?
Compared to other methods of cavity prevention, sealants are relatively quick and painless. The treatment involves applying a plastic-like substance to the teeth’s chewing surface and hardening it with a special light.
The teeth sealant will wear off over time, so you may need to redo it in 5-10 years. Visit an emergency dentist near you for a replacement of the sealant cracks or chips because it reduces the effectiveness.
Should You Get A Filling Or A Sealant?
There are several factors to consider when deciding between a dental filling and a dental sealant. Sealants are preventive treatments like fluoride varnish and protect the teeth from decay and cavities. Filling repairs damaged teeth or cracked or chipped teeth. However, consult our Aurora dentist on which procedure is most suitable for you.
Final Thoughts
Sealants are an excellent way to prevent tooth decay. However, they’re only effective if you take care of them properly. To do this, brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste and floss at least once daily.
Visit Spruce Canyon Family Dentistry every six months for teeth cleaning and assessment.