Fillings and Sealants

How do cavity fillings work?

Cavity and tooth fillings are required to repair holes left in teeth due to tooth decay. Left unchecked, decay will continue to spread and damage the tooth. During the filling procedure, dentists clean away decay inside of a cavity, usually with a drill to prevent further damage. But this doesn’t fix the damage that has already been created, so a filling is necessary. Fillings replace the part of the tooth that is missing or destroyed by tooth decay. The dentist molds the filling to match the shape of the surrounding tooth, which restores the strength and integrity of the tooth and prevents further decay.

Who qualifies for dental sealants?

Sealants are designed for healthy teeth that have yet to develop cavities. In most cases, they’re placed on permanent molars shortly after they come in (around the ages of 6 and 12, respectively). However, adults can choose to get sealants too. It may be that their childhood sealants came off or they’re starting to develop cavities in other teeth for the first time.

Investing in affordable dental sealants can help you prevent more extensive (and expensive) oral health treatments in the future.

Should I have tooth sensitivity after a filling?

When you get a filling, the area around the infected tooth is numbed by your dentist. As a result, you likely won’t feel anything for an hour or two after your appointment but once the numbing wears off it is typical to feel pain in your teeth and gums.

Pain is common when drinking or eating anything that is hot or cold. It is also common when you brush or floss near the infected tooth. Tender gums are also typical after getting a cavity filled.

Minimize Tooth Sensitivity

You can reduce the sensitivity in your teeth and gums by:

• Taking an anti-inflammatory drug, like Advil or Motrin
• Temporarily avoiding hot, cold, or acidic foods and beverages such as fruit, wine, and yogurt
• Brush and floss more gently
• Use a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive