Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: four minutes
When it comes to protecting teeth from cavities, both dental sealants and dental fillings play important roles, but they serve different purposes.
In this blog, you will learn:
- How dental sealants and fillings work
- The key differences between prevention and treatment
- When each is needed
- What to expect during each procedure
Table of Contents
- What Clearwater Dentistry Offers for Cavity Prevention and Treatment
- What Are Dental Sealants?
- What Are Dental Fillings?
- Dental Sealant vs Filling: Key Differences
- What to Expect During Each Procedure
- Schedule a Dental Exam in Greeley, CO
Key Takeaway
Think of sealants as protection and fillings as repair. Starting with preventive care like sealants can keep your teeth healthier for longer and help you avoid the need for more involved dental work later.
What Clearwater Dentistry Offers for Cavity Prevention and Treatment
At Clearwater Dentistry in Greeley, CO, we focus on preventing cavities before they start—and restoring natural teeth gently and conservatively when needed. Dr. Alan Baughman offers:
- Dental sealants for children and adults to protect molars from decay
- Composite dental fillings to restore tooth enamel damaged by cavities
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
- Comprehensive exams and cleanings to catch issues early and support long-term oral health
Now let’s compare sealants and fillings in more detail.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the outer chewing surface of permanent molars. These areas have deep grooves that trap food particles and decay-causing bacteria, especially in kids who are still mastering their oral hygiene routines.
Sealants protect healthy teeth from developing cavities. Most sealants are placed during childhood, often as soon as the first and second permanent molars erupt.
What to know about sealants:
- Purpose: Prevent cavities before they start with a preventive measure
- When applied: On healthy teeth with no signs of decay
- Material: Clear or white composite resin that hardens under ultraviolet light
- Lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care
- Ideal for: Kids, teens, and cavity-prone adults
- Effectiveness: Acts as a physical barrier on the tooth surface to block harmful bacteria
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings restore teeth that have tooth decay. After removing the decayed portions of the tooth, your dentist fills the space with a composite filling to stop the damage from spreading.
Fillings are essential when tooth enamel has already broken down due to tooth decay.
What to know about fillings:
- Purpose: Treat existing decay with a restorative dental care solution
- When applied: On teeth with cavities or cracks
- Material: Tooth-colored composite resin
- Lifespan: 5–10 years depending on the material, chewing surface location, and home care.
- Ideal for: All ages with diagnosed decay
- Additional benefit: Prevents further damage and tooth loss if decay is treated early
Dental Sealant vs Filling: Key Differences
| Feature | Dental Sealant | Dental Filling |
| Function | Prevents decay with a preventive treatment | Repairs decay with a restorative procedure |
| Tooth condition | Healthy | Damaged by tooth decay |
| Application | Painted on and cured with ultraviolet light | Decayed portions removed, material placed |
| Pain level | None | May need numbing |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (varies by material and size) |
| Insurance coverage | Often covered for children | Usually covered |
| Visit length | Quick | Slightly longer |
| Surface benefit | Creates a smooth surface | Restores function to damaged areas |
What to Expect During Each Procedure
If you or someone in your family needs a cavity filled or you are considering preventive care like dental sealants, it helps to know what each process involves. Here’s a quick look at what happens during both treatments.
Dental Sealant Application
- Tooth is cleaned and dried.
- A special gel roughens the surface for bonding.
- Sealant is painted on the chewing surface and hardened with ultraviolet light.
- Quick and painless procedure.
Dental Filling Procedure
- The area around the tooth is numbed.
- Decayed portions are removed.
- Cavity is shaped and cleaned.
- Composite resin is applied, cured, and polished.
Both procedures are designed to protect your teeth and preserve your oral health, but sealants are a simple, non-invasive way to help prevent cavities before they start. They are most often used for children, especially when permanent molars first appear, but can benefit cavity-prone adults as well. When used early, sealants can reduce the need for fillings or more complex dental work later on.
| Pro Tip: Prevention Costs Less Than RepairDental sealants are a simple, low-cost way to help protect you or your child’s smile from cavities. They can save you the expense and stress of more serious treatments down the road. Already have a cavity? Getting it filled early prevents pain, infection, and the risk of tooth loss later. |
Schedule a Dental Exam in Greeley, CO
From sealants to fillings, we make it easy to stay ahead of dental problems. Schedule an appointment with Clearwater Dentistry and keep your smile on the right track.
We are an in-network provider and accept most forms of payment, making it easier to get the care you need. To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO.
