What are dental fillings & fissure sealants?
Fissure sealants
Fissure sealants are a white or clear dental material, similar to a white tooth filling, placed in the pits and fissures of a tooth. They provide a barrier against bacteria that can cause plaque.
Fissure sealants are applied to the permanent molars of children (and occasionally adults) as early as possible following tooth eruption. The treatment is completed in one visit by the dentist and the process is usually quick and easy, taking only a few minutes per tooth.
Dental fillings
A dental restoration (or dental filling) is a treatment to restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structures resulting from caries or external trauma. Dental filling materials include various types such as gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, and composite resins, each with its own applications and characteristics.
When are fillings needed?
Dental fillings are essential when a tooth has been compromised by decay or trauma. They serve to repair cavities, cracks, and chips in teeth, and to prevent further decay and damage. Fillings are typically needed when:
- A Tooth Has a Cavity or Hole: Cavities caused by tooth decay create holes in the teeth that need to be filled to restore the tooth’s structure and function.
- A Tooth is Cracked or Chipped: Cracks or chips in teeth can occur due to trauma or habits like tooth grinding. Fillings help repair these damages and prevent further issues.
- A Tooth is Worn Down from Tooth Grinding or Other Habits: Habitual tooth grinding can wear down the enamel, leading to the need for fillings to restore the tooth’s surface.
- A Tooth Has Been Damaged by Trauma or Injury: Accidents or injuries that damage teeth often require fillings to repair the affected areas and restore the tooth’s integrity.
From: £95*
More about pricingBefore treatment
You do not need a referral to see a specialist to have fissure sealant applied or to have dental fillings.
Fissure sealant
This is a preventative treatment and there is no preparation or consideration prior to the application of the fissure sealant.
Dental fillings
Local anaesthetic may be administered during your appointment, so it is best to eat a meal before your appointment as the numbness can last for several hours.
During treatment
Fissure sealant
The dentist prepares the tooth by thoroughly cleaning and preparing the pits and fissures of the tooth with a special solution. The tooth is then dried, and the sealant is applied and allowed to set hard – usually by shining a blue light onto it.
Dental fillings
The dentist will determine whether you need a filling and discuss treatment options with you. The dentist may also take an x-ray to determine the extent of the damage or decay.
Local anesthetic is usually required for a dental filling; the dentist will administer this. The dentist will remove the decay or damaged area using special dental instruments.
The dentist will place the filling in the affected area using dental materials agreed by the dentist and the patient. Composite fillings offer tooth-colored options but may be less durable and more expensive than alternatives like amalgam and ceramic fillings. The choice of filling material depends on factors like the type of damage, the patient’s preferences, and the longevity of the materials.
Indirect fillings, such as inlays and onlays, are crafted in a dental lab and require two visits for placement. They are used when a tooth cannot support a simple filling but isn’t damaged enough to need a crown.
After treatment
Following your restoration, it is important that you take care of it. Fillings and fissure sealants are strong but they are still susceptible to damage.
Preventing tooth decay
Tooth decay is a common issue that can be effectively prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental care. Here are some tips for preventing tooth decay:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste – fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.
- Floss once a day to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth – flossing reaches areas that brushing alone cannot, helping to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Reduce your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages – consuming sugary and acidic items can wear down enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly for Check-Ups and Cleanings: Regular dental visits allow for early detection and treatment of potential issues, preventing more serious problems down the line.
- Avoid Biting or Chewing on Hard Objects, Such as Ice or Hard Candy: These habits can cause cracks or chips in your teeth, leading to the need for fillings.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
Pricing
| Fissure sealant/minimally invasive restoration: | £95-£120 |
| Composite restorations: | From £120 (small) and from £295 (large) |
| Composite build-ups: | £350 per tooth |
FAQs
Dental fillings are a common dental treatment that provides several benefits. These benefits include:
- Pain management: Fillings can treat both tooth decay and tooth defects, relieving discomfort and pain. In most cases, symptoms resolve immediately after the procedure.
- Protects against further damage: Fillings replace compromised tooth tissue to prevent further decay and deterioration of the affected tooth.
- Restores Tooth Function: After the filling is placed, you can resume normal dental function, allowing you to chew and speak like you would with a natural tooth.
- Improves Appearance: Modern tooth-colored restorative materials, particularly composite resins, make it easier to achieve an aesthetic outcome that closely resembles the natural tooth, both in terms of appearance and texture.
- Prevents Infection: Dental fillings are an important treatment for oral infections, as they prevent the spread of infection and help maintain the health of surrounding tissues.