Cavity Fillings and Sealants
Keep your smile healthy with our dental fillings and sealants. Whether you need a cavity treated or want extra protection, our skilled team offers advanced care to keep your teeth strong.
Dental Fillings and Sealants at Finger Lakes Dental
At Finger Lakes Dental Care, we provide high-quality dental fillings and sealants to repair and protect your teeth from decay. Whether you need a filling to restore a damaged tooth or a sealant to prevent future cavities, our team offers safe, effective treatments designed to keep your smile healthy.
Fillings restore strength and function to teeth affected by decay by removing damaged areas and replacing them with durable, tooth-safe materials. Sealants provide a simple and painless way to prevent cavities by coating the grooves of molars and blocking bacteria from settling in hard-to-reach areas. Protect and preserve your smile—schedule an appointment today.
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How long do dental fillings last?
Dental fillings typically last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the material used, the location of the filling, and your oral hygiene habits. Tooth-colored composite fillings may wear out a bit sooner than metal amalgam fillings, while porcelain inlays and onlays can last even longer with proper care. Brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding help extend the life of your filling. Your dentist will monitor your restorations over time and let you know when a replacement is needed.
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Are dental sealants only for children?
Dental sealants are commonly recommended for children and teens because their newly erupted molars are more prone to cavities, but adults can benefit from them as well. Anyone with deep grooves or hard-to-clean areas on their teeth may be a good candidate. Sealants provide an extra layer of protection against decay, making them useful for patients of any age who want to reduce their risk of cavities.
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Do dental fillings or sealants hurt?
Dental fillings and sealants typically cause little to no discomfort. For fillings, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area, so you shouldn’t feel pain while the decayed portion is removed and the tooth is restored. You may experience mild sensitivity afterward, but it usually fades quickly.
Sealants are completely painless. The tooth surface is cleaned, dried, and coated with a protective material—no drilling or numbing required. Both treatments are quick, comfortable, and designed to keep your smile healthy.
More questions about fillings or sealants?
If you have additional questions about cavity fillings or dental sealants or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out to our office and we’ll be happy to help.