|
Comparison
of Comp-Seals, Sealants, and Composites
Patients
have often questioned me on their "need" for sealants.
They also ask why I would do a "filling" if it is only
a tiny cavity or why some white fillings cost more than others when
they involve the same tooth surfaces. This information will hopefully
answer many of these questions.
SEALANTS
Sealants are strictly a preventive service. They are a fluoride
rich resin bonded into the deep grooves, pits, and fissures of the
tooth to prevent food and bacteria from lodging into these areas
and causing tooth decay.
I generally
recommend them for most permanent molars. I also advise them on
highly susceptible pre-molars and some select pits or grooves in
the anterior teeth. Some baby molars should also be sealed if they
are very susceptible.
When
we tell you sealants are elective, we mean that we are not treating
any disease. This does not diminish their value, however, in any
way. They are one of the best, preventive opportunities in dentistry
today.
COMPOSITE
SEALANTS (comp-seals)
Composite
sealants are also known as super-sealants or preventive resins.
These are used on teeth that have one or more spots with tiny cavities
(incipient carious lesions). They are often done without anesthetic,
particularly when the caries is identified in its' early stage.
The
process itself involves using a tiny, pediatric size bur to carefully
remove the small cavity. This area is then filled with a hard, white
bonded filling and the remaining grooves are sealed. This is a very
conservative way of treating a small problem before it becomes a
big one.
COMPOSITES
Composites
are what patients typically envision as a "filling". The
cavity is removed and a medium to large filling is placed. This
type of restoration is normally needed instead of a composite-sealant
if the decay has destroyed much of the dentin (the tooth structure
beneath the tooth enamel) or if the decay has spread between the
teeth. Composites are also often used to replace old alloys or amalgams
that have cracked. Teeth with recurrent decay under old fillings
may also be restored with composite. Normally, since composites
are white instead of silver, they would be done instead of an amalgam
or alloy when aesthetics are a concern.
|
