At our Park Ridge dental office, we believe dentistry is about more than treating teeth—it’s about treating people. Cavities are one of the most common dental concerns we see, but they’re also highly preventable. With modern options like tooth-colored fillings, dental sealants, and Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), we can help protect your teeth and restore your smile with comfort and confidence.

Understanding Cavities

Tooth decay begins when bacteria in dental plaque produce acids that weaken enamel. Over time, this leads to cavities that can affect patients of any age. Cavities may start small, but without treatment, they can spread deeper into the tooth and cause significant discomfort.

At our Park Ridge dental office, we use advanced technology to detect cavities early. Early intervention means smaller, less invasive treatments and a better chance of preserving your natural tooth structure. Regular checkups every six months are the best way to catch decay before it becomes a bigger problem.

How Fillings Restore Your Smile

When a cavity is present, we restore the tooth with a natural-looking composite filling. Unlike traditional silver amalgam, composite resin blends seamlessly with your enamel, offering both durability and aesthetics.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

  • Tooth-colored and natural in appearance
  • Metal-free and mercury-free
  • Bond tightly to enamel, preventing cracks or leakage
  • Require less drilling than silver fillings
  • Strong enough for both front and back teeth

Fillings are considered part of our restorative dentistry in Park Ridge because they return strength and structure to your tooth, but they can also be cosmetic. We often use bonding techniques to smooth chips, close small gaps, or reshape teeth for a more balanced look.

When a Crown Is the Better Option

In cases where decay is extensive or the tooth is structurally weakened, a filling may not be enough. A dental crown covers the entire tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and function. Crowns are often recommended when:

  • More than half of the tooth is compromised
  • A tooth has multiple large fillings
  • A tooth is cracked or fractured
  • A root canal has been performed

Our goal is always to provide the most conservative treatment that will give you lasting results.

Aftercare & What to Expect

Most patients find getting a filling to be comfortable and straightforward. It’s common to experience mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for a day or two. If discomfort lingers, a simple adjustment can restore your comfort.

Foods to Avoid Right After a Filling

  • Hard or crunchy items like nuts, pretzels, or ice
  • Sticky or chewy foods such as gum, caramel, or taffy
  • Very hot or cold foods and drinks
  • Sugary snacks and beverages, including soda and candy

Caring for Your Filling Long-Term

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush
  • Floss daily to keep plaque away from the edges of fillings
  • Avoid teeth grinding; ask about a night guard if you clench at night
  • Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce bacteria
  • See your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams

Routine checkups allow us to monitor your fillings and ensure they stay strong and healthy.

Sealants for Prevention

Sealants are a preventive treatment designed to stop cavities before they start. A sealant is a thin resin coating applied to the grooves of molars and premolars, where food and bacteria often collect. Hardened with a special curing light, the sealant acts as a protective barrier.

Sealants for Children and Adults

Sealants are most commonly recommended for children as their permanent molars come in, but adults can benefit too—especially if you have deep grooves, early enamel wear, or a history of cavities.

Sealants vs. Fillings: What’s the Difference?

  • Sealants prevent decay on healthy teeth.
  • Fillings restore teeth that already have decay.

Both bond to the tooth and strengthen it, but sealants are preventive, while fillings are restorative.

Can Sealants Be Placed Over Fillings?

Sealants are designed to adhere to natural enamel, not to restorative materials. For this reason, they aren’t usually placed over existing fillings. However, in certain cases—such as when a tooth has a small filling in one area but deep grooves elsewhere—your dentist may recommend a sealant-like material for added protection.

The best way to protect a filled tooth is with consistent care: regular checkups, fluoride treatments, proper brushing and flossing, and a healthy diet.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

For some patients, a non-invasive alternative to traditional fillings is available: Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF).

What Is SDF?

SDF is a liquid solution that combines:

  • Silver to fight bacteria
  • Fluoride to strengthen enamel
  • Ammonia to stabilize the formula

When applied to a decayed tooth, it halts the progression of decay, hardening softened enamel and killing cavity-causing bacteria.

SDF vs. Traditional Fillings

  • Fillings require drilling to remove decay, followed by restoration with composite resin.
  • SDF is simply brushed on—no drilling, no numbing, no discomfort.

The trade-off: SDF permanently stains the decayed area black, which is not ideal for visible teeth but works well for baby teeth or molars.

Who Benefits Most from SDF?

  • Young children with early cavities
  • Elderly patients with root decay
  • Patients with dental anxiety or special healthcare needs
  • Anyone seeking a conservative approach to cavity management

SDF is not a replacement for all fillings, but it can delay or prevent the need for more invasive treatment.

Preventive Care & Long-Term Protection

While fillings, sealants, and SDF are effective, prevention is always the best strategy. Preventive care in our Park Ridge office includes:

  • Professional cleanings and exams
  • Digital X-rays for early detection
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Sealants for children and adults
  • Personalized home care and nutrition guidance

These services are central to our family and general dentistry in Park Ridge, helping patients of all ages build and maintain healthy habits for life.

Our goal is to help you and your family maintain strong, healthy smiles for years to come.

Restore and Protect Your Smile in Park Ridge

Whether you’re considering sealants for your child, need a filling or crown, or are exploring Silver Diamine Fluoride for early decay, our Park Ridge dental office is here to help. We’ll explain your options, answer your questions, and recommend the most effective, comfortable treatment for your needs.

Call us today at (847) 696-3240 to schedule your visit and experience compassionate, preventive-focused dental care in Park Ridge.