Alamance Pediatric Dentistry

Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, dental sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively “seals” the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids. Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can’t reach. Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.

A dental filling is a common dental procedure used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or cavities. During the process, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the space with a filling material, which can be made of various materials like amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, or gold. The purpose of a dental filling is to restore the tooth's structure and function while preventing further decay. It helps to restore the tooth's appearance and strength, allowing you to chew and use the tooth normally.

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure where a tooth is removed from its socket in the bone. It's typically done for various reasons, such as severe decay, damage, or overcrowding. The process involves loosening the tooth in its socket and then carefully removing it. Dentists may perform extractions for wisdom teeth, baby teeth, or permanent teeth, depending on the situation.