Dental Sealant Vs Filling: What Is The Right Option
Difference between dental sealant and filling is a frequently asked question as people consider treatment options for preventing and treating cavities. Although the two are prevalent in restorative dentistry, they very much differ in their functions. A dental sealant is a prophylactic measure meant to prevent cavities before they begin.Â
In contrast, a filling is a restorative measure applied when the tooth has already been damaged by decay. Knowing which to use when is important in making informed choices by the patient concerning their dental hygiene, which safeguards their teeth over a long period.
What Is a Dental Sealant?
A dental sealant is a thin chemical coating applied to the tooth surfaces of the chewing teeth, known as the molars and the premolars. These back teeth have deep grooves, called fissures, which easily trap food particles and bacteria. They may appear easy to clean, but are actually difficult to clean thoroughly, and therefore, these teeth are highly susceptible to decay. The surface of the grooves can be coated with a fissure sealant, which will smooth the surface and allow for maintaining good oral hygiene, making it a lot more difficult to create a cavity.
Dental sealants are usually recommended for children immediately after the permanent molars erupt. Dental cavities in children are among the most prevalent oral problems in the world; hence, a cavity sealant used at an early age has long-term coverage. Sealants can also be used as a preventive measure in dental care among adults who have deep fissures or have a history of cavities.
What Is a Tooth Filling?
A tooth filling is applied when the cavity is already starting to destroy the enamel, unlike a sealant. In this, the dentist will extract the rotten part of the tooth and fill it with a restorative material. This not only restores the functionality of the tooth but also prevents the bacteria from spreading further.
There are fillings made in various materials. The composite fillings are well preferred due to their natural appearance, particularly on the front teeth, whereas the amalgam fillings are stronger and cheaper but less appealing. Porcelain and gold fillings are stronger and less prone to staining, but are costly. Irrespective of the substance, a filling is aimed at restoring the chewing function and preserving the natural tooth structure.
Prevention vs Restoration
The primary difference between dental sealants and fillings lies in their purpose, with fillings serving a more significant role. Sealants are preventative- they protect healthy teeth against the formation of cavities. Fillings, on the other hand, are restorative; they heal what is already decayed.
Sealants are considered a preventive resin restoration, which ensures that patients do not suffer invasive treatment in the future. Restorative dentistry involves fillings, which enable the damaged teeth to be functional and pain-free. Preventive treatments like sealants are most effective in childhood, while restorative treatments like fillings may be needed throughout life as decay occurs..
The Dental Sealant Procedure
Getting a sealant is a quick and painless procedure. To begin with, the dentist will clean the tooth in detail to push out the plaque and debris. This is followed by applying a mild acidic gel that leaves the surface rough, which enhances the bonding of the sealant. The dental sealant substance is painted in the tooth grooves after the gel has been rinsed and dried. Lastly, the sealant is hardened in a few seconds by a special curing light, which forms a durable protective coating.
It is a straightforward process that does not need any drilling or anesthesia and can be performed in a few minutes on each tooth, which is why it is particularly effective with children or nervous patients.
The Filling Procedure
The filling process involves additional procedures to address the existing decay. The dentist will start by applying local anesthesia to the region so that it does not hurt. The decayed part of the tooth is removed with the help of a drill or laser. The cavities are prepared and moulded, ready to receive the filler.
The dentist then inserts the selected material, such as a composite or amalgam, into the cavity and shapes it to fill the tooth’s natural contours. Lastly, hardening, polishing, and adjusting the filling are made so that the bite is normal. This treatment often lasts longer than sealants, and it is essential for saving a tooth when it has already started to decay.
When Sealants Are Recommended
The most frequent recommendation for sealants is in children and teens shortly after permanent molars come in. Sealants give an added protection, as kids are known to have problems with regular oral care. Adults may also benefit, as well as those with deep fissures or a history of frequent cavities. In either scenario, the sealants minimize the chances of future dental issues and the expenses of treatment in the long run.
When Fillings Become Necessary
Once decay has gone past the surface, fillings will be required. Indications like tenderness, chewing pain, or holes in the tooth itself are obvious. Dentists can also diagnose cavities in X-rays or on regular examinations. In the case of front teeth, dentists tend to apply dental bonding or composite materials to make them look natural. Stronger materials are often chosen for back teeth, which endure greater chewing pressure.
Comparing Costs: Sealant vs Filling
Cost is one of the practical questions that patients ask. Compared to the cost of filling, the sealant cost is normally cheaper. Sealants save money because they prevent cavities and reduce the need for more extensive treatments in the future. Fillings are also affordable, but their cost varies depending on the type of material used. The composite and ceramic resins are costly than the amalgam, yet they are chosen due to aesthetics. Early investment in sealants may prevent the need for fillings in a lifetime.Â
Dental Bonding and Composite Options
Other restorative techniques should also be mentioned when comparing dental sealants to fillings. As an example, dental bonding is a procedure in which tooth-colored resin is applied and cured with a special light to fix chips, gaps, or small cavities, particularly in front teeth. Composites are also flexible and are used in bonding as well as fillings. They are much appreciated because they can be bonded to create a smooth surface with a natural enamel.
Sealants and Fillings in Preventive Care
Sealants and fillings are not opposing treatments but complementary ones. Sealants focus on prevention, which means that teeth are kept cavity-free as long as possible. When prevention fails, fillings come into the picture and they restore the damage and functionality. They are all vital components of the overall dental health, particularly in families that want to take care of their children’s teeth besides their own.
Conclusion: Protect Your Smile with the Right Choice
The choice between dental sealants and fillings depends on the tooth condition. Sealants are used to prevent cavities in healthy teeth, and fillings are used to restore strength when decay has already taken place. Both play a crucial role in ensuring good oral health and lifelong dental health.
At Dental Faith, we will ensure that you make the most suitable decisions about the preventive and restorative choices that will be beneficial to your needs. Does your child need a cavity sealant to protect newly erupted molars, or do you need a filling to restore your teeth? Our specialized team is dedicated to providing excellent care and support to you without causing harm.
It is not good to wait until a minor issue expands into a major problem. Today, schedule your appointment on Dental Faith and take the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile.
FAQs
Are sealants better than fillings?
Sealants and fillings are used in different ways. Sealants are also preventive; they prevent the beginning of tooth decay, whereas fillings are restorative; they heal the teeth when they are already damaged. They are both good, although each one is useful in a certain scenario.
What are the downsides of dental sealants?
Sealants are not permanent and usually last several years before reapplication may be needed. They can perforate or diminish through excessive chewing. Also, they are not effective when put in place when decay has begun.
What is the difference between filling and sealing?
The filling is used to fix a tooth that has already decayed, to restore its structure and functionality. Instead, a sealant is used to cover deep grooves, thereby preventing the creation of holes by bacteria and food.
Why don’t dentists put sealant on adults?
Dentists normally do not administer sealants to adults since most adults already have some amount of wear, restorations, or decay. In children and teenagers, sealants are most effective in permanently erupted teeth.