No matter how well you take care of your teeth, you may get cavities from time to time. If you do, it’s nice to know that making a dental appointment doesn’t have to be a hassle. At Lovett Dental Baytown, we use sealants to protect the teeth and fillings to repair cavities formed by decay.

patient getting dental fillings and sealants baytown txDental Fillings and Sealants

Dental fillings and sealants are both general dentistry procedures. Sealants prevent tooth decay. We apply plastic-like sealant on your molars, covering the part of the teeth used to chew food. Deep grooves in the molars make it easy for food to become stuck there. Dental sealants cover the pits and fissures to protect your teeth from decay. Thus, you may experience fewer cavities.

When you brush and floss your teeth, it’s easy to miss the fissures and pits, which are very small and deep. They may even be smaller than your toothbrush bristles, making it hard to clean them. Applying dental sealants can help you avoid cavities. So, dental fillings and sealants in Baytown, TX, mainly differ based on their purpose.

Applying Dental Sealants

Any member of our dedicated dental team requires just a few moments to apply dental sealants. The process is quick and pain-free.

Here are the steps followed to complete the process:

  1. The dentist cleans and dries the tooth.
  2. The dentist applies the sealant to the tooth, and the sealant fills in the fissures and pits.
  3. Using ultraviolet light, the dentist sets the sealant. The bluish or purple light dries the sealant quickly.
  4. Once the dentist checks the tooth, they may need to use the UV light again. Otherwise, you’re done.

Although sealants help form a barrier to prevent cavities, they can chip over time. Continue to care for your teeth and see your dentist regularly for teeth cleaning to prevent tooth decay. Lovett Dental Baytown performs dental fillings and sealants to help ensure your teeth last a lifetime.

Dental Fillings

If you already have tooth decay, sealants can’t protect the tooth. Once a tooth has decayed, you need a filling to repair it. Fillings strengthen the tooth and protect it from further damage. Since the dentist also removes the tooth decay, any pain associated with the cavities should go away. Additionally, fillings also repair cracked teeth so you can use them without feeling pain.

Now you can see why dental fillings and sealants each have their own purpose. If you have to get a filling, you might want to take the opportunity to ask whether the dentist can seal your other molars.

Applying Fillings

Fillings take longer than sealants to apply. Here are the steps needed to fill a cavity:

  1. The dentist uses an anesthetic to numb your mouth around the decayed tooth.
  2. The dentist uses a drill or laser to remove the decayed portions of the tooth.
  3. Next, the entire tooth is cleaned.
  4. Finally, the dentist applies the filling and polishes it to complete the procedure.

The type of material used determines the price. Common filling materials include gold, silver amalgam, and composite resin fillings. Composite resin fillings are the same color as your tooth and help the filling blend in with your natural teeth.

Lovett Dental Baytown

Dental fillings and sealants are just two of the many services we perform. Feel free to ask about our cosmetic dentistry services. We also provide pediatric dentistry solutions for younger members of the family. Don’t put your dental health on hold. Contact us at 281-838-8400 today to schedule an appointment.