Nobody loves hearing they have a cavity, but here is the reassuring part: fixing one today is nothing like the dentistry you may remember. No silver fillings, no long appointments, and with sealants, we can often stop the next cavity before it starts.
Tooth-colored fillings: repairs you cannot see
We repair cavities with composite fillings matched to the shade of your natural teeth. Once placed and polished, the filling is essentially invisible. Beyond looks, composite fillings bond directly to your tooth, which means we remove less healthy tooth structure than old-fashioned silver fillings required. They are strong, durable, and metal-free.
Getting a filling is straightforward. We numb the area so you feel nothing, remove the decayed portion, and build the tooth back up layer by layer. Most fillings are done in a single visit, and you can eat normally once the numbness wears off.
Dental sealants: prevention in minutes
The chewing surfaces of back teeth have tiny grooves where food and bacteria hide, and even great brushing cannot always reach them. That is why molars get most cavities. A dental sealant is a thin protective coating painted onto those grooves, sealing them shut. No drilling, no numbing, done in minutes, and it can protect a tooth for years. Sealants are wonderful for kids, but adults with cavity-prone molars benefit too.
The takeaway
Fillings fix the cavities you have. Sealants help prevent the ones you do not have yet. Together with regular checkups, they are the simplest, most affordable way to keep your natural teeth healthy for life.
How long do fillings and sealants last?
A tooth-colored filling typically lasts many years, often a decade or more, depending on its size, location, and your habits. Grinding your teeth or chewing ice shortens that lifespan. Sealants usually protect for several years before slowly wearing down. Neither lasts forever, which is why we check them at every visit.
If a filling chips, cracks, or you feel a sharp edge with your tongue, call us. A damaged filling lets bacteria sneak underneath, which can quietly start a new cavity. The fix is usually quick when caught early. This is one more reason regular checkups matter: we spot worn dental work long before it becomes a problem.
Have questions about a sensitive tooth, or a treatment plan from another office? We are happy to give you a second opinion. Call (978) 788-9338 or book online, and we will take a look together.