Dental Fillings & Sealants in Alice

Fillings

Dental fillings are provided when teeth have suffered minor damage or decay. The most common reason to provide a filling is when a tooth has developed a cavity. A cavity is a small hole or void that forms on a tooth when it is exposed to plaque and tartar for a prolonged period of time. Fortunately, most cavities can be effectively treated if a filling is applied in a timely manner.

When providing a filling, we carefully remove any decay and existing filling material from the tooth and then apply the filling substance. We offer both amalgam and composite fillings. Both filling options are very durable and add to the tooth’s overall strength. However, composite, tooth-colored fillings offer the advantage of resembling natural teeth. A common practice is to provide amalgam fillings for back teeth and composite fillings for teeth in the front that are more likely to be noticed.

Sealants

Dental sealants are a preventive treatment that effectively protects teeth from bacteria and plaque. This can go a long way in preventing cavities and decay. Sealants are made of an acrylic plastic coating that is painted on the back teeth which are most vulnerable to cavities. In addition to protecting the teeth from cavities, sealants also make brushing easier by smoothing out rough surfaces. While sealants are most commonly provided for children and teens, they may also be recommended for adults who are are at risk of decay.

To apply dental sealants, we start by thoroughly cleaning the teeth. The next step is to slightly roughen the surface of the teeth using an etching gel so that the sealants can bond more easily. Then we carefully paint an acrylic coating over the teeth. The coating is allowed to harden so that it forms an effective barrier. Patients can care for their sealants like any regular healthy teeth.