Fillings and Sealants | Pearland, TX Cosmetic Dentists

Composite Fillings and Sealants in Pearland, TX

Protect & Repair With Sealants and Fillings

Tooth decay, also known as cavities or caries, is highly common among both children and adults and should be effectively treated as soon as possible to help improve and maintain your oral health. At Pearland Dental Group, Dr. Dave or Dr. Shah can help protect your teeth from cavities or repair damage like cavities with composite fillings and dental sealants.

According to the CDC, one in four adults have at least one cavity, over half of children aged six to eight have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth, and over half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had at least one cavity in their adult teeth. Read on to discover how our Pearland dentist can help protect your teeth from cavities and repair them after cavities have developed.

What Are Composite Dental Fillings and Sealants?

Composite Dental Fillings

Composite dental fillings, also called tooth-colored fillings, are non-metallic alternatives to traditional gold and silver (amalgam) fillings. Composite dental fillings are made from resin mixed with materials such as ceramic, quartz, silica, and porcelain. Just like metal fillings, composite fillings are used to treat dental damage such as chips, cracks, and cavities. However, these alternative restorations come with some distinct benefits that have seen them favored over gold and silver fillings.

Benefits of Composite Dental Fillings

Insulated – The metals in traditional gold and silver fillings can interact with other metal restorations in your mouth, generating a charge and shocking you (galvanic shock). The materials used in composite dental fillings are insulators that won’t generate electricity, preventing galvanic shock.
Natural Appearance – Composite fillings are customized to match your natural smile, an impossible-to-achieve effect when your fillings are gold or silver.
Non-Toxic – Silver fillings often contain a toxic metal called mercury, which can produce toxic vapor when you bite down on them. Composite fillings are completely non-metallic, preventing toxicity.
Temperature Resistant – Composite dental fillings don’t expand and contract when they come into contact with hot and cold. This reduces the stress put on the inside of the tooth, preventing sensitivity and helping to maintain the tooth’s structural integrity.
Preserves Enamel – Composite fillings require far less of your natural enamel to be removed to make room for them, which helps further preserve the structural integrity of the surrounding tooth.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic-like coatings that are painted onto the back teeth (molars). Your molars are the most vulnerable to cavities because of the depth and unique shape of their grooves. These spaces are often hard to clean on your own, making them ideal places for bacteria-laden plaque and tartar build-up. By coating these teeth in dental sealants, your Pearland dentists can help prevent build-up and tooth decay.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Cavity Prevention – Dental sealants help prevent bacterial build-up in children and adults.
Painless – Applying dental sealants is a fast and non-invasive process.
Effective – Dental sealants can prevent up to 80 percent of cavities in the first two years.
Cuts Dental Care Costs – Dental sealants help prevent the need for more costly restorations and procedures.
Combats Enamel Thinning – Dental sealants also help prevent your enamel from thinning, which helps your teeth look healthier and stay stronger.
Transparent – Dental sealants are completely clear, so they won’t diminish the look of your smile.

The Composite Dental Fillings Process

Initial Consultation

Before you can undergo treatment with composite dental fillings, your Pearland cosmetic dentist will have you attend an initial consultation. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth, take digital images and X-rays, review your medical history, and ask you about your smile goals.

Preparation

To prepare your teeth for your new dental fillings, we’ll clean your mouth and apply a local anesthetic to the soft tissue around the affected tooth or teeth. Once we’re sure you’re numb, one of our dentists will clean out any damaged or decayed tooth material.

Installing Your Composite Dental Filling

Once the tooth is clean, your dentist will apply the matching resin in layers, hardening each layer as they go with a handheld blue light. Then, they’ll shape and polish the resin for a smooth and natural appearance.

The Dental Sealants Process

Initial Consultation

Before you can have dental sealants applied, your Pearland, TX general dentist will have you attend an initial consultation. During this meeting, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, take digital X-rays, review your medical history, and ask you about your smile goals. They’ll also check for any pre-existing cavities, as you may not qualify for dental sealants if you already have tooth decay.

Preparation

To prepare your teeth for your dental sealants, we’ll thoroughly clean them first. This will help prevent food particles and bacteria from becoming trapped in the teeth.

Applying Your Dental Sealants

To apply your dental sealants, your cosmetic dentist will paint the sealant solution onto your back teeth. They’ll then harden the sealants with a blue light. We may have you wait to eat or drink anything for about 15 to 30 minutes after application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common rules for composite dental filling aftercare?

Once your composite dental filling is set, you’ll need to follow the instructions given to you by your dentist.

General rules for dental filling aftercare tend to include the following:

Wait until the anesthetic has completely worn off before attempting to eat, or attempting to drink hot drinks. Failing to wait until the anesthetic has worn off can lead to you damaging your mouth without knowing it.
Stick to softer foods and room temperature drinks for at least 24-48 hours after your filling is set.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and other potentially harmful substances for at least 24-48 hours after your filling is set.
Be sure to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
Practice regular oral hygiene including brushing, flossing, and rising between meals.
Manage any pain with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.

How much do composite dental fillings and sealants cost?

The exact cost of your composite dental fillings will depend on numerous factors including how many you need, the extent of any damage, and your insurance. The cost of your dental sealants will depend on similar factors such as how many teeth you want treated and your insurance coverage.

Our dentists and the rest of our dental staff encourage you to contact your insurance provider beforehand to confirm with them which costs they can cover. Rest assured that Pearland Dental Group will work with you to ensure you get the dental care you need.

Are composite dental fillings painful?

After a composite filling, it’s normal to feel some mild discomfort for the rest of the day or even up to a week afterward. This can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. If you experience pain that’s intolerable or lasts more than a week, contact Pearland Dental Group by dialing (281)993-9900. Our dentists will diagnose any issues you may be experiencing and figure out which steps to take next in your treatment.

How long do dental fillings and sealants last?

Both composite dental fillings and dental sealants can last 10 to 15 years before they need replacing, although sealants will be less effective at cavity prevention as time goes on. To get the most of your sealants and fillings, you’ll need to practice consistent proper oral hygiene. You should also visit Pearland Dental Group at least once every six months for a dental exam and cleaning. Your dentist will be able to determine if your sealants and fillings need repair or replacement while they care for your smile.

Learn More About How Fillings and Sealants Protect & Repair Your Smile!

At Pearland Dental Group, our dentists can help you protect and repair your teeth. While sealants offer an affordable, non-invasive method to help prevent cavities, composite dental fillings can repair your teeth while preserving their natural look. We proudly offer fillings and sealants to patients from Pearland and surrounding areas including Fresno, Houston, Alvin, and League City, TX.

If you’re interested in learning more about fillings and sealants, contact Pearland Dental Group at (281) 993-9900. You can also schedule an appointment by clicking the button below, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly.