Fillings and sealants are quick and very effective dental solutions to help overcome and prevent cavities. They are common dental services to help protect your teeth long-term.
A composite dental filling varies in price depending on whether it’s interior or anterior, but typically ranges from $219 to $469 per filling, with certain insurance plans covering 100% of the cost. Please inquire about the price of dental sealants.
Office Fees
A dental sealant takes minimal time and can often be completed within a dental checkup appointment. Depending on the filling size, dental fillings take around 30 minutes to complete.
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Dental sealants typically have little to no discomfort and can be done during a regular dental checkup. The treatment can involve a local anesthetic and have a minimal amount of pain or soreness after the procedure.
Sedation DentistryFillings restore teeth damaged by cavities, while sealants act as a protective shield over molars to stop decay before it starts. Both are non-invasive, quick procedures that help maintain long-term oral health. Fillings repair damage that’s already there; sealants help you avoid it in the first place.
Sealants are often recommended for children and youth to protect their teeth against harmful chemicals and sugar, and elevate the level of protection if teeth aren’t properly taken care of. They can also be used with adults, but are less common with this age group.
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The process for a dental filling includes:
Exam and X-rays: Before anything starts, we will check the tooth and take an X-ray to see how deep the cavity goes. This will tell us if we can fix it quickly or if we need to look at other options.
Numbing the Area: A local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and the surrounding gum area. You will feel a little pressure during this procedure, but minimal pain.
Remove and Clean: We’ll remove the decayed part of the tooth and clean the area to prepare for the filling.
Placing the Filling: The filling material—usually composite resin (the tooth-colored stuff)—is layered into the space. Each layer may be hardened with a special curing light to ensure it stays put.
Shaping: After all layers are in, we will shape the filling to match your natural bite and polish it to feel smooth and natural.
The process for a dental sealant includes:
Clean the Tooth: We’ll clean the tooth to ensure we remove all trapped food and bacteria.
Prep the Tooth: Next, the tooth is dried, and a special solution is applied to roughen the surface and prepare it for the filling material.
Apply the Sealant: Now the sealant—a thin, plastic-like material—is painted onto the grooves of the tooth. It flows into all the little pits and fissures where cavities usually start. We use a special curing light to harden the sealant. This forms a strong, protective shield over the tooth.
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Following a Dental Filling: The numbness will wear off in an hour or two, and there should be minimal soreness. You’ll want to avoid chewing on that side for a few hours. Since your mouth is numb, you run the risk of biting your tongue or lip and causing further damage.
Following a Dental Sealant: A dental sealant does not require critical maintenance. However, we will check its quality and durability during your regular dental checkups.
The longevity of fillings and sealants can vary based on several factors, including the material used, the patient’s oral hygiene habits, and the location of the filling or sealant. They can last several years but may also wear down over time.
We will check the quality of the dental filling and sealant at every regular dental checkup.
While silver fillings may be used with some practices, they are a lot less common than composite fillings.
Composite fillings blend in with your tooth and are less noticeable, they also tend to have longer durability.
Yes, dental sealants are typically safe for both kids and adults. They are made from biocompatible materials, and for children specifically, sealants help protect their molars during cavity-prone years. Sealants are also effective for adults who are prone to tooth decay.
Regular dental exams are essential to maintain good oral health. Dental exams are the foundation of a good oral health routine and allow us to detect potential problems and treat them before they become serious.
Dental Checkups
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the unique needs of children and youth. We take a special interest in your child’s health to prevent problems before they become severe, to monitor dental health and to educate families on the best dental options.
Pediatric Dentistry
500 Grove St Suite 303
Herndon, VA 20170
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
