Sealants or Fillings Making Informed Decisions

September 01, 2023, Relate Dental Care Culver City

When it comes to protecting your teeth from decay, sealants and fillings are two common options dentists recommend. But what exactly is the difference between sealants and fillings, and when is each used? Understanding the unique roles that dental sealants and fillings play in oral health can help you make informed decisions about cavity prevention and treatment.  

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the pits and grooves of teeth. These are most commonly placed on the chewing surfaces of back molars and premolars. The purpose of sealants is to provide a protective barrier that keeps out food particles and bacteria. This prevents decay from developing in vulnerable areas of the teeth.  

Sealants are made from safe plastic materials like acrylic resins. They are typically applied to teeth that may be prone to cavities but have shown no signs of decay yet. The application process is quick and painless. First, the tooth is cleaned and etched to create a roughened surface. Then the liquid sealant is brushed onto the pits and fissures. It bonds to irregularities and quickly hardens with a special curing light.

Benefits of Dental Sealants:

• Highly preventive - They stop decay before it has a chance to take hold.
• Painless to apply - No anesthesia or drilling is required. 
• Effective - Sealants can reduce decay risk by 60% in molars.
• Quick and easy - The application process takes just a few minutes.
• Safe for children - They are recommended for kids as soon as molars erupt.
• Single application - One treatment can protect teeth for up to 10 years.

What are Dental Fillings?

Unlike preventive sealants, dental fillings are restorative. Fillings are used to repair teeth that have already developed areas of decay from bacterial infection. The decayed portion of the tooth is drilled away and filled with synthetic dental material to restore form and function.

Fillings help stop further progression of decay into the tooth structure. They also reinforce the weakened tooth left after the inner layers have been eaten away by cavity bacteria. The aim is to save the natural tooth rather than extract it.

Types of Dental Filling Materials:

• Composite resin - Tooth-colored, adheres to the tooth structure. 
• Silver amalgam - Metal alloy mixture, more durable than composite.
• Glass ionomer - Translucent material made of acrylic and glass.
• Gold - Gold alloy castings for larger cavities.
• Ceramic - Mimics natural tooth color and transparency.

Benefits of Dental Fillings:

• Repair decayed and damaged teeth.
• Restore tooth function and integrity. 
• Prevent further cavity development.
• Relieve sensitivity and pain caused by decay.
• Save natural teeth that may otherwise require extraction.

When Should Sealants vs. Fillings Be Used?

The main difference between sealants and fillings comes down to timing. Sealants are applied proactively before decay begins. Fillings are used restoratively after decay has already set in.
Sealants should be applied as soon as possible once back teeth have fully erupted, around ages 6-7. This helps protect teeth through the cavity-prone years of childhood. Fillings, on the other hand, are recommended once decay has been identified on an X-ray or visual exam. Waiting allows more destruction to occur.

Sealants and fillings actually work best together. Sealants help prevent the need for fillings on molars. But if decay does occur despite sealants, fillings are available to repair the damage. Keeping up with regular dental exams and hygiene will allow early detection and treatment of cavities.

In summary, sealants provide preventive protection against decay, especially for children’s teeth. Fillings repair areas of decay that have already developed. Using both sealants and fillings in combination offers the best defense against tooth decay, according to dentists. For professional guidance on whether sealants or fillings are recommended for your situation, consult with a dentist like those at Relate Dental Care. Their experienced dentists near Ladera Heights can assess your oral health status and advise whether preventive sealants or restorative fillings are the right choice to protect your smile.

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