Find Dental Fillings and Sealants Near You
When tooth pain strikes or you’re concerned about your family’s cavity risk, finding trusted dental care near you becomes a top priority. At Littleton Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Tom Bonbright provides gentle, effective dental fillings and sealants that restore damaged teeth and prevent future cavities before they start.
Don’t let dental problems disrupt your life when treatment is available right in your neighborhood. Call (720) 719-0012 today to schedule your appointment with our Littleton dentists and experience the difference personalized dental care near you can make.
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, wear, or minor fractures. When bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode tooth enamel, cavities form, creating holes in the tooth structure. Left untreated, these cavities can grow larger and deeper, potentially reaching the tooth’s pulp and causing severe pain or infection.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves and pits that naturally occur in these areas. These microscopic crevices can be difficult to clean thoroughly with regular brushing, making them vulnerable to bacterial accumulation and subsequent decay.
The molars and premolars are particularly susceptible to decay due to their complex anatomy. These teeth feature numerous grooves, pits, and fissures that serve important functions in food processing but can also trap plaque and bacteria. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, it can be challenging to remove all debris from these areas.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Sealants
Dr. Tom Bonbright recommends sealants for various patient groups who can benefit from this preventive treatment:
- Children and Adolescents: Newly erupted permanent teeth are most vulnerable to decay during the first few years after emergence. Sealants provide crucial protection during this high-risk period when oral hygiene habits are still developing.
- Adults with Deep Grooves: Many adults have naturally deep pits and fissures in their back teeth that remain difficult to clean effectively throughout their lives. These individuals benefit significantly from sealant protection.
- Patients with Cavity History: Those who have experienced frequent cavities in the past often have tooth anatomy or risk factors that make sealants particularly valuable for preventing future decay.
- Individuals with Limited Dexterity: Patients who struggle with thorough brushing due to physical limitations can benefit from the simplified cleaning that sealants provide on treated surfaces.
How do dental fillings and sealants benefit you?
The benefits of dental fillings and sealants extend far beyond simply addressing immediate dental concerns. These treatments work together to create a comprehensive approach to oral health that can save patients time, money, and discomfort over the long term.
Dr. Tom Bonbright has observed numerous benefits that these treatments provide to patients in Littleton, CO:
- Immediate Pain Relief and Protection: Dental fillings provide instant relief from tooth pain and sensitivity while preventing further decay progression. When cavities are treated promptly, patients avoid potential complications such as root canal infections, abscesses, and tooth loss.
- Superior Aesthetic Results: Modern filling materials, particularly composite resins, blend seamlessly with natural teeth, allowing patients to smile confidently without visible signs of dental work. Dr. Tom Bonbright takes great care in matching materials to each patient’s natural tooth color.
- Exceptional Cost-Effectiveness: Both treatments represent smart investments in long-term oral health. By addressing cavities when small and preventing new ones from forming, patients avoid the expense and complexity of more extensive treatments like dental crowns or root canals.
- Long-Term Cavity Prevention: Sealants offer impressive preventive value, with studies showing reduction rates of up to 80% in treated teeth. A single sealant application can protect a tooth for many years, potentially eliminating the need for multiple fillings.
- Preserved Natural Tooth Structure: These conservative treatments maintain as much natural tooth material as possible while providing effective protection. This approach supports long-term oral health and reduces the likelihood of future complications.
- Enhanced Oral Hygiene: Sealants create smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces that make daily oral hygiene more effective. Patients often find it easier to maintain clean teeth after sealant placement, contributing to better overall oral health.
Reduced Treatment Anxiety: When dental problems are addressed promptly and preventively, patients experience less discomfort and develop more positive associations with dental care. This creates a beneficial cycle of regular maintenance and early intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of dental fillings varies depending on the material used, the size and location of the filling, and individual factors such as oral hygiene and chewing habits. Composite fillings generally last 5 to10 years, while amalgam fillings can last 10 to15 years or longer. Dr. Tom Bonbright monitors all fillings during regular checkups and will recommend replacement when necessary to maintain optimal tooth protection.
While sealants are most commonly applied to children’s teeth shortly after permanent molars erupt, adults can also benefit from this preventive treatment. Dr. Tom Bonbright evaluates each patient’s individual risk factors and tooth anatomy to determine whether sealants would be beneficial. Adults with deep grooves in their teeth or a history of frequent cavities are excellent candidates for sealant treatment.
If a filling becomes loose or falls out, it’s important to contact Littleton Advanced Dentistry promptly to schedule a replacement appointment. In the meantime, patients should avoid chewing on the affected side and may use temporary filling material available at pharmacies if needed. Dr. Tom Bonbright can usually accommodate urgent filling replacements quickly to prevent further complications.