Fillings and Sealants in Auburn

Preventing Cavities Before They Start

The best way to deal with cavities is to prevent them in the first place. We recommend visiting our office every six months for a regular dental checkup and cleaning. Our hygienists remove plaque and bacteria from hidden spots that are easy to miss when brushing and flossing at home, and our dentists check for early signs of decay. We may also recommend additional preventive care, such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have deep grooves where food and bacteria easily get trapped. Sealants harden into a smooth shield that keeps plaque out, dramatically lowering the risk of decay. The process is quick and painless – no drilling or numbing required – and sealants can protect teeth for several years. They’re especially beneficial for children and teens through our pediatric dentistry services, but adults with deep grooves can benefit too.

How Do Dental Fillings for Cavities Work?

Fillings are needed when decay leaves holes in teeth. Left untreated, decay continues to spread through the tooth’s hard outer layers and eventually reaches the inner pulp and root, which may then require root canal treatment or even a tooth extraction. During a filling procedure, your dentist numbs the area, removes the decayed portion of the tooth, and cleans the cavity. Because removing decay doesn’t restore the damage already done, a filling replaces the missing tooth structure. Your dentist shapes the filling to match your natural tooth, restoring its strength and protecting the softer inner layers exposed by decay.

What Types of Fillings Are There?

Several materials can be used for fillings, including gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (an alloy of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper), tooth-colored plastic, composite resin, and glass ionomer. The material used depends on your dentist’s recommendation, the extent and location of the decay, and your insurance coverage. At our office, we prefer tooth-colored composite fillings because they:

• Match the natural color of your teeth
• Bond directly to the tooth for added strength
• Often require removing less healthy tooth structure
• Contain no mercury or metal

When a cavity is too large for a filling to support the tooth, a dental crown may be the better option.

Signs You May Need a Filling

• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• A toothache or pain when biting down
• Visible holes, pits, or dark spots on a tooth
• A rough or broken edge you can feel with your tongue
• Food frequently getting stuck between certain teeth

Is Tooth Sensitivity After a Filling Normal?

When you get a filling, the area around the tooth is numbed, so you shouldn’t feel anything for an hour or two after your appointment. Once the numbing wears off, it’s normal to feel some tenderness in your teeth and gums. You may notice discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold items, or extra sensitivity when brushing or flossing near the treated tooth. This typically improves within a few days to a couple of weeks.

Minimize Tooth Sensitivity

You can reduce sensitivity in your teeth and gums by:

• Taking an anti-inflammatory pain reliever that contains ibuprofen
• Rinsing your mouth with 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt mixed with warm water to reduce inflammation
• Temporarily avoiding hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks
• Brushing and flossing gently
• Using a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive

If sensitivity lasts longer than a couple of weeks or your bite feels uneven, call us at (207) 784-1577 so we can make a quick adjustment. If you’re experiencing sudden, severe tooth pain, visit our emergency dentistry page.

Fillings and Sealants FAQs