Can You Put a Dental Sealant Over a Filling? Expert Dentist Perspective

What Are Dental Sealants?

They are types of tooth fillings that dentists use for preventive dental care. They are effective for preventing oral infections in the back teeth. Dentists usually recommend dental sealants to patients with deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars.

Dental sealants in SE Calgary work by creating a barrier over teeth. They disallow direct contact between foods and teeth. This way, you have a lower risk of dental cavities.

Are Dental Fillings Different from Sealants for Teeth?

Dental fillings in SE Calgary are popular restorations for repairing and restoring teeth. Dentists employ dental fillings to restore teeth function by substituting the damaged portion of the tooth enamel with a filling material.

The main difference between dental fillings and sealants regards their roles in dentistry. Dentists in Calgary use dental fillings to restore damaged teeth and oral sealants to prevent damage from occurring in the first place.

Besides, getting a tooth filling is different from getting dental sealants. The dentist must remove the damaged portion of your tooth enamel before restoring your tooth with an oral feeling.

However, the dentist will not need to trim or shave your enamel during a dental sealant procedure.

Can You Put a Dental Sealant Over a Filling?

Any dentist near you will tell you that there is no point in placing a dental sealant over a filled tooth. Ideally, the role of a dental sealant is to protect your teeth so you don’t need dental fillings. Therefore, a dental sealant would be irrelevant to your treatment if you already have a tooth filling. When you visit us at Meadows View Dental, the first interaction with a dental expert will entail a comprehensive dental exam. The examination will allow the dentist to evaluate your oral health status before prescribing a treatment.

Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Sealants?

Technically, your teeth should not necessarily hurt after dental sealants. Instead, you may experience some tooth sensitivity as a result of the dental work. You may even have an uneven bite for a few days before you get used to your dental sealants. However, if your teeth hurt or you have substantial dental pain after your procedure, contact your dentist. It could be that you need a dental feeling instead of a tooth sealant because of an underlying infection. Your dentist will evaluate your mouth to detect unseen cavities developing underneath the treated tooth.

What Are the Healthiest Fillings for Teeth?

Dentists use different materials to create dental fillings for restoring teeth. The materials differ to provide for various oral needs, including sturdiness, longevity, cosmetic value, functionality, and safety. Therefore, your dentist will ensure to inform you of the different materials available for restoring your teeth.

The healthiest dental fillings for your teeth are those that serve the intended role without undermining your preferences. Dentists typically recommend porcelain as the best material for any oral restorations. The benefits of porcelain include:

1. Durability – porcelain can last between 10 and 20 years.
2. It is non-toxic – you don’t have to worry about toxic metals like mercury that may cause allergic reactions.
3. Sturdiness – although they do not compare to natural teeth, porcelain is quite sturdy compared to counterparts like composites.
4. Better resistance to stains and abrasions

What Is the Longest Lasting Dental Filling?

Dental fillings last anywhere between 5 and 15 years. The longevity of a dental filling depends on various factors, including the type of material. Some of the common types of dental fillings are gold, silver, porcelain, or composite fillings. Metal-based dental fillings are stronger than their counterparts, which may explain why they last longer. However, porcelain dental crowns are also among the materials that last between 10 and 15 years. Composite fillings have the shortest durability, typically between five and seven years.

The good news is that you can always increase the longevity of your dental fillings by caring well for your teeth. Some tips include:

1. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily.
2. Visiting a dentist regularly for dental cleanings and checkups.
3. Avoiding hard and crunchy foods that may crack or break your restorations.
4. Abandoning poor oral habits like chewing hard non-food items.