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Dental Fillings and Sealants

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.

  • The image features a price tag icon in dark gray with a circular dollar sign ($) in the center. The tag has a hole at the top with a loop, symbolizing attachment to items, representing pricing or cost in retail and commerce.

    Cost

    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
  • The image shows a black hourglass icon on a transparent background. The hourglass is a simple, stylized representation with two bulbs connected by a narrow neck, indicating the passage of time.

    Procedure Duration

    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.

    Request Appointment
  • The image shows a black silhouette of a tooth with three lightning bolts above it, positioned to the left, center, and right. The lightning bolts indicate pain or sensitivity, visually representing a common dental issue like a toothache.

    Pain Level

    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 Dentistry

Prevent and Fight Tooth Decay

Fillings 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.

01.

Process of Fillings and Sealants

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.

02.

What Are the Next Steps?

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.

FAQ

  • How long do fillings and sealants last?

    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.

     

  • Are silver fillings still used?

    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.

  • Are dental sealants safe for adults and children?

    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.

Where are we located?

The image shows a metallic office sign mounted on a wall. The sign has the number "303" at the top and the name "MARK JEFFERIES, DMD, PLC" below it. This image is relevant as it indicates the office location and the name of the professional, likely a dentist, working in room 303.

Mark S. Jefferies, DMD, PLC

500 Grove St Suite 303
Herndon, VA 20170

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Phone

703-793-1771

Email

[email protected]