how many times can a filling be replaced

How Many Times Can a Filling Be Replaced?

Dental care is important throughout your life. If you have a filling that is several years old, you may worry about how much longer it will last. Fortunately, Dr. Sharad Pandhi and our team at Smile Perfection provide regular checkups and dental fillings in Tuscon, so we can help.

Call Smile Perfection in Tuscon, Arizona, at 520-293-2166 if you have a dental emergency or would like to schedule an appointment for a routine checkup.

The Lifespan of a Dental Filling

Many dentists will not replace dental fillings without good reason. Even if you have a filling that is more than a decade old, it could be several years before it needs replacement. Additionally, regular dental checkups can extend the life of your filling.

How many times can a filling be replaced? The answer depends on different factors, such as:

  • Type of filling material
  • Remaining tooth structure 
  • Sustained sensitivity 

Your dentist will use these factors to determine if your filling can be replaced or if a different kind of dental procedure is more appropriate. 

Material Used 

Fillings can consist of several different types of material. Each one has a varying lifespan and cost. 

  • Glass Ionomer: best for temporary fillings and on surfaces that are not used to chew, such as the side of a molar, and can last up to seven years 
  • Amalgam: best for high durability and low cost and can last up to 15 years
  • Ceramic: best for a filling that needs to match your tooth color and can last up to 15 years
  • Gold: best for longevity as they last the longest, up to 30 years

Remaining Tooth Structure 

Each time a filling needs replacement, your dentist must drill away new decay. This increases the size of the filling while decreasing tooth structure. Eventually, a tooth with multiple cavity treatments will become too fragile to hold the filling. When this occurs, your dentist may discuss other treatment options with you. 

Reasons to Replace a Filling 

Though your dentist will not replace a filling without good reason, you may require a replacement long before the filling falls out. Reasons to replace a filling include: 

  • A routine exam discovers the filling has cracked.
  • You begin to experience tooth sensitivity that lasts several weeks.
  • Your filling is still in place but has become very worn down.

At Smile Perfection, we are passionate about helping fellow Tuscon residents achieve their best and brightest smiles. Whether you currently have a filling or think you might need one, our team can help determine the best treatment plan for your oral health goals.

How many times can a filling be replaced? There is no finite number. The best way to determine if your filling can be replaced is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. 

Neglecting your oral health is never a good idea. The dental professionals at Smile Perfection in Tuscon, Arizona, provide a full spectrum of care, from regular checkups all the way to dental filling aftercare. Call us at 520-293-2166 and schedule an appointment today. 

filling aftercare

Dental Filling Aftercare: Six Tips

Dental fillings are the most common treatment for cavities, and although the minor procedure doesn’t cause excessive discomfort, a few simple filling aftercare tips can prevent setbacks and complications. Below, our team from Smile Perfection, the leading provider of dental fillings in Tucson, AZ, shares some important instructions for preventing post-filling issues and protecting your teeth. 

Call the office at (520) 293-2166 if you have questions about how to take care of a filling. In the meantime, read on to learn more about what to do after you have a tooth filled to minimize discomfort and maximize oral health.

1. Continue Brushing and Flossing 

There’s no reason to avoid your regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing after getting a filling. However, the area may still be sore, so be extra gentle and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent irritation. 

2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures 

Hot and cold foods and drinks can irritate your mouth and cause extra pain or discomfort after a dental filling. Avoid extra cold food and drinks like ice cream and iced drinks in favor of tepid water. You should also avoid hot soup, coffee, and tea for at least 12 hours after your dental procedure. 

3. Eat Soft Foods 

Eating hard or sticky foods right after a dental procedure can damage composite fillings, amalgam fillings, and silver fillings. Instead, enjoy soft foods like eggs, pudding, and yogurt during the filling aftercare period to prevent discomfort and damage. Foods to avoid include hard or sticky candy, nuts, tough meat, and jerky, as well as anything high in sugar, which can increase the risk of infection. 

4. Rinse Frequently 

Rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash or salt water every few hours after a dental procedure to help keep your mouth clean and reduce bacteria and discomfort. It’s common to have bad breath for a few hours after getting a filling, but rinsing can help reduce that side effect. 

5. Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication 

Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce swelling and soreness after a dental procedure. In most cases, the discomfort only lasts for a day or two after the dental filling, but some medication can help take the edge off. 

6. Avoid Tobacco

Smoking or using tobacco after a dental filling increases the risk of infection. Avoid using any tobacco products for at least 12 hours after getting a filling to give the site time to heal and prevent a potentially serious complication.

Get Filling Aftercare Instructions From Our Experienced Team 

If you suspect you need a filling or you’re having trouble with an existing dental filling, contact our team at Smile Perfection in Tucson, AZ, by calling (520) 293-2166 or request an appointment online. Our accomplished general dentistry team offers a wide range of care and procedures to support your overall dental health, including all types of fillings, from amalgam and silver to gold tooth fillings. We’ll make sure you have filling aftercare instructions and advice to reduce the risk of complications and ensure your tooth heals as quickly as possible. 

gold tooth filling

Gold Tooth Fillings: Everything You Need To Know

When you get a cavity, you need a filling to prevent further damage to your teeth. But what does a dentist use for tooth fillings? You have a few choices, gold tooth fillings among them. 

If you need dental fillings in Tucson, AZ, Dr. Sharad Pandhi at Smile Perfection has over four decades of experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. With our help, you’ll pick a filling that works well and looks great on your smile. Continue reading to learn whether gold tooth fillings will work for you. 

What Is a Gold Tooth Filling?

Substances in foods and drinks slowly eat away at your tooth’s enamel, causing cavities over time. Cavities create a gateway for even more tooth damage and erosion. Dentists use fillings to protect the inside of the tooth and prevent further damage. 

A gold filling or crown consists of different materials, including:

  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Copper
  • Zinc palladium
  • Platinum

Some people may refer to a gold filling as a gold alloy or amalgam. The dentist drills away damaged tooth areas, fits the filling into the cavity, and installs it. You’ll experience a similar process with a gold crown. 

Advantages of Gold Tooth Fillings

Gold fillings offer a tried and true method of sealing off cavities. Gold is the oldest material used in fillings. While dental care providers offer a diverse range of fillings, many favor gold fillings over other materials. 

Some advantages of a gold tooth filling include the following:

  • Gold fillings can last over 25 years.
  • They boast a better fit, preventing bacteria from entering the cavity.
  • Gold doesn’t corrode as easily as some other materials.
  • Gold fillings resist breakage. 

Disadvantages of Gold Tooth Fillings

Like many dental treatments, gold tooth fillings also come with a few disadvantages. Since the cost of gold fluctuates, so does the cost of gold tooth fillings, so your crown or filling appointment could run up a higher bill. 

Additionally, you could endure multiple dental procedures for your dentist to install a gold filling. During the first appointment, your dentist gets an impression to cast the alloy. They’ll place the filling during the second appointment. 

Finally, you may want to avoid gold fillings if you already have silver ones. Your saliva conducts electricity. The gold and silver alloys have opposite charges. These conditions lead to shocks in your mouth.

If you want a less expensive filling material that matches your teeth, we have various other options available.

Get Your Perfect Smile With Smile Perfection!

At Smile Perfection in Tucson, AZ, we offer gold tooth fillings, as well as resin, porcelain, silver, and amalgam options. You can find a solution that fits your budget and smile while meeting your dental insurance requirements. You can also learn about our other pertinent dental restoration services or discover preventative treatments for a resilient smile. Schedule your appointment with us today at 520-293-2166. Find out more about preventative treatments by reading up on the difference between dental fillings and sealants

can you get veneers with missing teeth

Can You Get Veneers with Missing Teeth?

With so many cosmetic dental procedures available, you no longer have to suffer the embarrassment and insecurity caused by missing teeth. However, it can be challenging to find the best course of action for your needs amidst the plethora of available information. If you’re asking, “Can you get veneers with missing teeth?” read on to learn about the latest dental treatments.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

If you have a missing tooth that is in a less noticeable area of the mouth, it may be easy to ignore it and put off seeking treatment. Regardless of its location in the mouth, a missing tooth can negatively impact oral health and precipitate cosmetic concerns in the future. The long-term consequences of missing teeth include the following:

• Creates extra space in the mouth, allowing teeth to shift over time, causing crowding or gaps

• Can negatively impact speech

• Can negatively impact the ability to chew

• Can lead to bone loss, causing the jawbone to shrink over time

• Can lead to gum disease and tooth loss

What About Dental Veneers?

Can you get veneers with missing teeth? The short answer is no; dental veneers are not viable for missing teeth.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-fabricated porcelain covers that attach directly to the teeth. Since veneers require a surface to adhere to, a missing tooth needs a prosthetic that brings cosmetic benefit and structural support.

Veneers are best suited to cover tooth stains, cracks, chips, and discoloration. Contact the team at Smile Perfection to learn more about the benefits of veneers in Tucson.

Treatment Options for Missing Teeth

Dental technology has evolved exponentially in the last 20 years, bringing several cosmetic and restorative treatments to the forefront, and delivering astoundingly realistic results. Dental implants have become increasingly popular because they are natural-looking, durable, and fortify the structural integrity of the mouth and jaw.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that consists of two primary components:

•  A surgically planted post that integrates with the jawbone

•  The post provides an anchor for a dental prosthetic with the look, feel, and color of your natural tooth

Unlike dentures, bridges, and partials, dental implants do not require maintenance, repair, or fittings. The dental crown has a structural support component at a lower price point. The dental implant procedure is one and done; the result is a built-to-last prosthetic tooth. Dental implants have a lifespan of 40 years or more with proper care.

To find the best plan for you, ask your Tucson dentist about available treatment options.

Smile Perfection Is the Premier Dental Practice in Tucson

Hopefully, we answered the question, “Can you get veneers with missing teeth?” and you have the peace of mind of knowing that a beautiful smile is just a phone call away. To learn more about ways to improve your oral health or schedule an appointment, call Smile Perfection at 520-293-2166.

Keep reading to find out if you can get veneers with gum disease.

can you get veneers with gum disease

Can You Get Veneers with Gum Disease?

Maintaining a healthy smile helps you look your best. However, improper care for your teeth can result in many issues like cavities and rotting teeth. Frequently these problems result from years of inadequate oral health that might lead to worse conditions like gum disease.

Patients with gum disease who want to address their smile’s aesthetic concerns ask, “can you get veneers with gum disease?” While veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure that could considerably improve your smile, the current state of your gum disease or oral health might determine whether you would make a suitable candidate for veneers.

Restorative dental procedures and dental veneers by Smile Perfection might be your best option for reviving a healthy, beautiful smile.

Different Types of Gum Disease

A significant determinant in your ability to get veneers with gum disease stems from your type of gum disease. Dentists diagnose two major types of gum disease—gingivitis and periodontitis—each with differing severity. However, the causes of gum disease remain pretty similar.

These causes include:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Smoking
  • Prescription medications
  • Plaque accumulation from poor oral health practices
  • Hormonal changes
  • Poor diet and nutrition
  • Genetics

While you can avoid some causes, many are in your control or easily remedied through restorative dental treatment. Prioritize visiting your dentist routinely if you have any of these issues.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis refers to a minor and common form of gum disease. The most prominent symptom is bleeding while brushing or flossing your teeth.

While gingivitis isn’t as severe as periodontitis, it can still increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Additionally, your gingivitis will likely inhibit your ability to receive cosmetic dental treatment.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis represents a much more severe form of gum disease. The symptoms of periodontitis are like those of gingivitis but more intense. 

Extreme bleeding while brushing and flossing, bad breath, and a growing smile after gum recession indicate some signs of periodontitis. Like gingivitis, this gum disease can increase your chances of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

When Gum Disease Might Limit Cosmetic Dentistry Viability

When considering these gum diseases, the question remains: can you get veneers with gum disease?

Gum disease causes excessive bleeding, swelling, and even the loosening of teeth. Because of these conditions, dentists cannot perform cosmetic dentistry procedures like veneers on patients with gum disease. It’s crucial to address your oral health before getting composite or porcelain veneers, as these cosmetic procedures could irreparably damage your smile.

Treatment for Gum Disease

Receiving treatment for gum disease and other dental issues is essential, especially since these conditions can cause teeth loss. Most restorative dentistry can address these problems so long as the diseases haven’t advanced too far. Additionally, getting treatment for gum disease lowers your chances of other diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease while requalifying you for veneers.

Dentistry Procedures From Tucson’s Premier Practice Smile Perfection

For more answers to the question “can you get veneers with gum disease” or for help choosing between veneers and crowns, call (520) 293-2166 and schedule an appointment with Smile Perfection today.

What Are The Stages of Tooth Decay

What Are The Stages of Tooth Decay?

Regular dental hygiene and dentist visits often spare you the dangers of advanced tooth decay. However, if you leave a problematic tooth untreated, you may experience the five stages of tooth decay. 

Are you interested in a brighter smile? Learn about dental veneers in Tucson, AZ, from the team at Smile Perfection. Read on for more information on how tooth decay progresses and what each stage does to your teeth.

Stage One: Demineralization

Tooth enamel, the protective shield that keeps your tooth safe and functional, primarily consists of minerals. Plaque bacteria attack this outer layer and wear it down over time, causing your enamel to lose its minerals. Demineralization often presents with a white spot on your tooth, the ground zero of your tooth’s battle with decay.

When you visit the dentist, they may use a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel in place of its minerals. You can also fight tooth decay at home with fluoride toothpaste.

Stage Two: Enamel Decay

Ignoring your tooth during this stage allows the enamel to break down, eventually turning the white spot brown. Cavities begin to form, requiring fillings to stop them from worsening. Your dentist may use resin, ceramic, amalgam, or composite fillings that match the color of your teeth.

Stage Three: Dentin Decay

The layer of your tooth below the enamel is called dentin, a soft material that easily gives way to acid from plaque bacteria. Once the decay reaches your dentin, it spreads faster. This quick spread of decay leads to tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold substances.

Some dentin decay requires a filling, but more severe cases may need a crown. Crowns cover your tooth above the gums, protecting it from further damage.

Stage Four: Pulp Damage

Your tooth’s pulp contains the blood vessels and nerves, keeping your tooth healthy and providing tooth sensation. If your pulp becomes damaged by decay, it begins to swell. However, your tooth cannot swell with it, causing pain as its nerves become compacted.

Most patients presenting their dentists with tooth decay at this stage require a root canal. During a root canal, the dentist removes the damaged pulp in your tooth and cleans the cavity. Once filled, a crown goes over the tooth.

Stage Five: Abscess

Of all the stages of tooth decay, abscess brings the most pain. When you let tooth decay continue for too long, the damage allows infection to form. This infection not only hurts but may also spread to other parts of your body, making it essential to treat it quickly.

Treating an abscess often involves a round of antibiotics to fight the infection. After the infection disappears, you’ll either undergo a root canal or, in severe cases, have the tooth pulled.

Tooth Decay Treatment Starts with the Best Dentist in Tucson, AZ

If you experience any of the five stages of tooth decay, visit Smile Perfection in Tucson, AZ, for professional dental care. Call (520) 293-2166 to request your appointment today. Do you worry about halitosis? Learn how plaque causes bad breath.

does plaque cause bad breath

Does Plaque Cause Bad Breath?

Nobody likes to have bad breath. You can usually easily prevent this unpleasant condition with good oral care. However, many people may adopt faulty oral hygiene habits because they don’t understand what exactly causes the smell. So, does plaque cause bad breath?

Smile Perfection staff believe in providing optimal oral care services and advice. We know our way around teeth, to the point our experienced dentists have the qualifications necessary to provide dental veneers in Tucson, AZ. Continue reading to learn how tartar and plaque cause bad breath and a few additional facts to build your oral hygiene knowledge.

#1. Tongue Bacteria Is Not the Only Thing That Can Smell

Bad breath, or halitosis, also comes from the buildup of plaque around your teeth, forming from natural oral bacteria breaking down carbohydrates and other food materials, making volatile sulfur compounds. These compounds produce the smell we all love to hate. 

Most people brush their tongues to help remove the bad-smelling bacteria hiding in tongue crevices, but flossing and brushing teeth is also important. Consistent oral hygiene habits help eliminate the smell and benefit your oral health.

#2. Plaque Becomes Tartar in a Limited Amount of Time

Because plaque causes bad breath, tartar does the same. Tartar, a buildup of plaque that hardens over time, requires dentist tools to remove it.

After you eat, plaque forms very quickly because of bacteria breaking down your food. It only takes about 48 hours for bacterial plaque to become tartar, less if you have a dry mouth. Generally, we know that tartar increases your risk for gum disease, but it also continues to produce a bad smell. 

The yellow compactions usually form around the bases and between your teeth where brushing and flossing did not reach. Brushing and flossing prevent that plaque from solidifying. Once it is too late, the developed tartar releases foul smells you can’t remove with personal care, requiring a dentist. Does plaque cause bad breath? Yes, it can. 

#3. Chewing Gum Can Add Value to Your Oral Hygiene Habits

Saliva helps deter bacterial activity, extending the time it takes for plaque to become tartar. However, prescription medications and natural causes can result in a dry mouth. One way to help yourself produce more saliva includes chewing gum.

When gum helps you produce saliva, you increase the time needed for plaque to form into tartar. You also help your breath temporarily smell better while you prepare to brush and floss your teeth. In this manner, gum with little to no sugar benefits your oral hygiene habits.

Learn How to Better Care for Your Teeth with Smile Perfection

Have you been wondering, “Does plaque cause bad breath?” Crucial knowledge like plaque causing bad breath should be obvious, but many people remain unaware. That is why our dental care team at Smile Perfection takes extra care of your oral health. We provide cleanings at reasonable costs, inform others about the different types of toothbrushes, screen for oral cancer, and more.

Call 520-293-2166 today to schedule your oral care appointment in Tucson, AZ, and protect or regain a healthy smile.

types of toothbrushes

Three Types of Toothbrushes and When to Use Them

Dental care affects much more than your teeth. Bad teeth contribute to physical health problems like gum disease, headaches, and heart disease. You may also develop poor self-esteem, leading to withdrawal from social activities and difficulty dating, making friends, or getting a job.

Luckily, your teeth don’t care what you use on them so long as you rid them of plaque and bacteria. The different types of toothbrushes available allow you to choose your preference, though certain toothbrush features work better for particular dental situations. Whether you prefer electric or manual toothbrushes, learn which toothbrush works best for you.

Do you want to improve the health and appearance of your teeth? Learn more about veneer installation in Tucson, AZ.

Type 1: Manual Toothbrushes

Many people enjoy manual toothbrushes. These toothbrushes are disposable dental brushes. You operate this toothbrush by hand to scrub your teeth.  

These toothbrushes come in various sizes, shapes, and colors and offer different bristle strengths. Soft bristles work just as well as medium bristle brushes. However, either option provides more benefits than hard bristles.

Hard bristle toothbrushes cause more damage than they correct. Many people use heavy pressure when brushing, so combining that force with hard bristles can injure gums and tooth enamel.

Using hard bristles for an extended time may also cause gum damage or recession. This toothbrush type can also make you vulnerable to tooth sensitivity, cavities, thinned enamel, and stained teeth.

When considering your next manual toothbrush purchase, the best manual toothbrushes have multiple levels or angled bristles that clean your teeth better than flat brushes. Toothbrushes with varying bristles reach every tooth crevice, especially if you wear braces or have crowded teeth. You should replace your manual toothbrush every three to four months or any time the bristles begin to fray.

Type 2: Rotating Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes with a rotating head brush your teeth in quick circular motions. They may also include a pulsating function.

If you have trouble reaching your rear molars when using a manual toothbrush, rotating electric toothbrushes have plenty of reach. Furthermore, if you have crowded teeth, this toothbrush type has a small head for tight spaces.

These toothbrushes may slow you down since you have to brush each tooth individually. Nonetheless, you’ll guarantee that every tooth receives careful cleaning.

Type 3: Sonic Toothbrushes

Do you want an electric toothbrush but prefer brushing your teeth with the same movements as manual brushing? Sonic toothbrushes have an oval brush head that vibrates and pulses. As a result, this toothbrush type helps you clean your teeth better than manual toothbrushes.

If you like both manual and electric types of toothbrushes, the sonic toothbrush offers the best of both worlds.

Choose the Best Toothbrush for Your Dental Situation

While all offer some cleaning ability, specific types of toothbrushes work better for certain dental situations. If you want more information on choosing the right toothbrush, call (520) 293-2166 to schedule an appointment with Smile Perfection.

Do you know the best way to cover bad teeth? Get more information to decide between veneers or crowns.

veneers or crowns

Veneers or Crowns: Which Dental Procedure Is Right For You

Planning a dental procedure can be stressful, especially if you aren’t sure what procedure you need. In addition, it can be challenging for patients to remember the differences in dental operations like veneers and crowns. This article will explain how to determine whether you need veneers or crowns.

Once you choose the best procedure for you, it’s vital to find a dental care provider you trust. Veneers, crowns, fillings, cleanings, and tooth extraction in Tucson by Smile Perfection can help you restore your smile, improve your oral health, and boost your overall confidence.

What Are Crowns?

Crowns allow dentists to cover and protect damaged tissue. Dental crowns cover the top of the natural tooth with porcelain or a similar material, ensuring no further damage occurs. 

Dentists typically use crowns in cases where a cavity or injury severely damages the underlying tooth. Although fillings can sometimes serve an aesthetic purpose, they primarily reinforce and protect the tooth structure. 

What Are Veneers?

Although veneers are similar to crowns in some ways, they serve a different purpose. Porcelain veneers cover the entire tooth, allowing for a perfectly white smile regardless of the condition of your natural teeth. Veneers are the most effective whitening option since they can cover even the deepest stains. 

Additionally, newer composite veneers offer superior durability and strength, making them an excellent option for many patients. Although veneers can be expensive, they can provide a truly stunning smile.

Do I Need Veneers or Crowns?

If you’re wondering whether you need veneers or crowns, the answer depends on the problem you want to solve. For patients dealing with cavities or significant tooth injuries, crowns are usually the best option. Signs that you may have a cavity include soreness and pain in a specific part of the mouth, as well as tenderness when brushing or chewing.

However, veneers are an incredible option if your goal is to improve your appearance with a brighter smile. Although these fillings do not treat injuries, they can effectively hide tooth stains and damage. If you’ve tried other types of teeth whitening with limited success, veneers may be perfect for you.

Get Expert Dental Care in Tucson, AZ

Hopefully, this article helped you determine whether you need veneers or crowns. If you still have more questions, you can explore our website to learn the difference between fillings and dental sealants and answer many other common questions. However, choosing a dental practice is also vital, so residents of Tucson turn to Smile Perfection for the best possible experience.

At Smile Perfection, our expert team provides premier dental services to give you the brightest possible smile. Our team can walk you through the process of determining what procedure is right for you, ensuring we inform you of all the options. Then, when you’re ready to schedule your procedure for veneers or crowns, you can call Smile Perfection at 520-293-2166 for quality dental service in Tucson, AZ, at affordable prices. 

dental fillings and sealants

Main Differences Between Dental Fillings and Sealants

Though both dental fillings and sealants serve to treat your teeth by sealing off a specific area and are beneficial to oral hygiene, they differ in several ways. The primary function, material, and longevity of dental fillings versus sealants are essential distinctions.

In this article, we’ll go over the main differences between dental fillings and dental sealants. Understanding each is the perfect start if you think you need either procedure. 

To schedule dental fillings, sealants, or gentle tooth extractions in Tucson by Smile Perfection, call 520-293-2166 today. 

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are procedures that restore your teeth following tooth decay. Once the decay erodes your enamel and causes a cavity, or hole, within the tooth, your dentist uses a filling to treat the tooth. The dental filling restores the decayed tooth’s appearance and health.

Process of Dental Fillings

To start, your dentist removes any damaged enamel and cleans out the open area to ensure they can safely insert the filling. Then, your dentist adds the dental filling, which guards against future tooth decay and allows the affected tooth to grow stronger.

Materials for Dental Fillings

There are several different materials for dental fillings. For a tooth located in the back of the mouth, you might opt for a material such as gold or silver amalgam. For a more visible tooth in the front of the mouth, something like porcelain may be more appropriate as it can match the color of your teeth.

Longevity of Dental Fillings

Dentists consider fillings to be permanent. Dental fillings can last anywhere from a couple of years to several decades based on your oral hygiene following the procedure.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a preventative procedure. Children and adults can have deep grooves in their premolars or molars that are difficult to clean. Over time, food, plaque, and oral acids may build up in these crevices and lead to tooth decay.

Process of Dental Sealants

To prevent tooth decay, your dentist applies a dental sealant to the chewing surface of your teeth. The sealant fills the deep grooves and protects against damaging buildup. This helps decrease the likelihood of decay while acting as a guard for your enamel.

Material for Dental Sealants

One significant difference between dental fillings and sealants is that while fillings come in many materials, sealants are plastic. Your dentist applies a liquid plastic into the tooth’s crevice, which hardens under a specialized UV light.

Longevity of Dental Sealants

Because dental sealants are on the surface of the teeth, they don’t last as long as fillings. Though strong, sealants are temporary and will erode over time. A dental sealant should last several years with good oral hygiene before another application is necessary.

Dental Fillings and Sealants from Smile Perfection

If you require dental fillings or sealants in Tucson, Smile Perfection is the place to go. Our trusted dental team will safely and effectively protect or restore your teeth to ensure pristine oral health. Learn about the ways you can get cavities on your front teeth by visiting our website.

Call Smile Perfection at 520-293-2166 for top-quality dental services in Arizona.

Smile Perfection logo

5828 N Oracle Rd., Suite #100, Tucson, AZ 85704
Info@SmilePerfectionAZ.com
520-293-2166

Copyright ©
Website by CS Design Studios