A filling restores a tooth damaged by decay, while a sealant coats cavity-prone grooves to help protect your tooth from future decay.
Fillings and Sealants
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Cost
Fillings range from $50 to $500, depending on location, materials used, and the number of tooth surfaces requiring treatment.
Office Fees -
Procedure Duration
Your filling or sealant appointment typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many teeth need treatment.
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Pain Level
Your comfort is a priority; fillings can be completed with local anesthesia, while sealants are applied without drilling or removing tooth structure.
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Cavity Fillings and Dental Sealants in Lee's Summit, MO
Fillings and sealants are preventive and restorative treatments designed to protect teeth and support long-term oral health. Fillings repair teeth affected by cavities or minor damage by removing decay and replacing the affected area with a durable material. Dental sealants provide an added layer of protection by coating the deep grooves of back teeth, where food particles and bacteria can easily collect.
While fillings restore teeth after decay develops, sealants can help prevent cavities from forming in vulnerable areas. Both treatments are simple, effective ways to preserve your natural teeth and help keep your smile healthy and comfortable.
01.
The Process
- For a filling, your treatment area is numbed to help keep you comfortable.
- Your dentist removes the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth and thoroughly cleans the area.
- Your cavity is filled with a durable material that is shaped and polished to restore your tooth’s function and appearance.
- For a sealant, your tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried before its chewing surface is prepared.
- Your dentist paints the sealant onto the tooth and hardens the material, creating a protective barrier against decay.
02.
Next Steps
- Continue brushing and flossing regularly to help protect your teeth, fillings, and sealants.
- Schedule regular dental checkups so your dentist can monitor your restorations and overall oral health.
- Have your sealants checked periodically because they can be reapplied when necessary to maintain protection.
- Contact our dental office if you experience discomfort or notice a problem with a filling or sealant.
- Keep up with routine dental care to help identify new areas of decay before they require more extensive treatment.
FAQ
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What is the difference between dental fillings and dental sealants?
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When is a dental filling needed?
A dental filling may be needed when a tooth has a cavity, minor crack, or other damage. Fillings restore the affected area, helping protect the tooth from further decay while improving strength and function.
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How do dental sealants help prevent cavities?
Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection against cavities by covering the deep grooves of back teeth where food and bacteria can collect. This thin, protective coating creates a smoother surface that is easier to keep clean.
Related Services
Dental Checkup
Your dental checkup combines preventative care with a close evaluation of your oral health. Your dental team examines your teeth and gums, checks for cavities and gum disease, removes plaque and tartar, polishes your teeth, and may take X-rays to identify concerns that aren’t visible during an exam.
Dental Checkup