Did you know that the average American has three or more dental fillings and that roughly a quarter of Americans have 11 or more fillings? Further, over 90 percent of Americans have suffered dental decay in their permanent teeth.
Even people who properly care for their teeth may end up with caries and cracks. Fortunately, we can use dental sealants and fillings to repair and protect teeth, preventing tooth pain and other problems.
If you notice black spots on your teeth, are suffering from toothaches, or are experiencing sharp pain while chewing, contact a dentist right away. Have any questions about dental fillings and sealants? Feel free to reach out to Lovett Dental Conroe.
Using Dental Sealants to Protect Teeth Before They Decay
Lovett Dental Conroe is a leading dental clinic, and if you need your teeth sealed to protect against tooth decay, we can help. If tooth decay has already set in and dental caries have already formed, we can fill your teeth with the appropriate filling.
We also offer:
- Emergency dental services: Whether you suffered an accident, an infection, or another dental emergency, contact us right away.
- General dentistry: From general cleanings to dental sealants and fillings, we provide top-notch general dentistry.
- Specialty dental services: Our dental specialists can perform a variety of procedures, including root canals, implants, and oral surgery.
Dental sealants are used to prevent tooth decay by filling in cracks and fissures. Even if you brush and floss as your dentist recommends, you may still suffer from tooth decay. That’s why dentists apply dental sealants to areas where tooth decay is common, such as your back molars.
Ultimately, properly applied dental sealants can prevent tooth decay and caries. Ordinary chewing can damage tooth surfaces, causing fissures and cracks. Unfortunately, damaged teeth are more vulnerable to decay. Filling in pits and fissures with sealants protects your teeth from decay and makes brushing easier.
So how do dental sealants work? Each tooth is different, so dentists first examine the patient’s mouth to identify the areas most likely to suffer decay. A dentist places liquid sealant on the tooth’s surface. From there, the sealant flows into fissures and pits. Next, ultraviolet light is used to set the liquid.
Using Dental Fillings to Fill Cavities
If your teeth are already suffering from decay, you may need a dental filling. With fillings, a dentist first removes the decaying parts of your teeth. Then your dentist fills in the teeth with special filling materials. Let’s look at some common dental filling materials.
- Dental amalgam: A common filling type that’s typically an alloy composed of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Dental amalgam features silver coloring.
- Tooth-colored composites: Typically made of a mix of plastic resin and powdered glass, these fillings mimic your natural tooth color.
- Cast gold fillings: Made of a mix of metals, including gold, silver, and copper. Many people prefer the look of cast gold fillings to dental amalgam. These fillings often don’t contain mercury.
Each type of dental filling material has its own advantages and drawbacks. For example, while dental amalgam is generally considered safe, many prefer not to have mercury in their mouth. Tooth-colored composites look nice, but some composite materials are less durable than metal fillings. Cast gold fillings, meanwhile, are often expensive.
Wondering which dental filling material is right for you? Talk with a dentist to learn the pros and cons of each filling type. What works for one patient may not work for another. At the end of the day, you deserve the right dental services that work best for you.
Dental Fillings and Sealants at Lovett Dental Conroe
Don’t let toothaches or other dental issues ruin your quality of life. Get in touch with Lovett Dental Conroe at 936-760-2400 to learn more about dental fillings and sealants today.