Learn About Tooth-Colored Fillings
A SHORT RUNDOWN OF COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
Odds are, every time you are scheduled to see your dental practitioner in Dallas, TX, you're crossing your fingers that he or she won't discover a cavity. Not surprisingly, nearly everyone will develop a cavity or two sometime. For those who've developed a cavity lately, it was presumably handled with a tooth-colored filling. The modern alternative to the traditional alloy fillings, tooth-colored fillings are produced with a composite resin substance that fills and closes off a cavity after the decayed area has been eliminated. Unlike metal amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your own teeth to keep them looking clean and sexy. Because tooth-colored fillings are among the most frequent procedures done at MINT dentistry in Lancaster, we thought we should go over a few of the more common questions people want to know about them.
HOW MUCH WILL I NEED TO PAY FOR TOOTH-COLORED CAVITY FILLINGS?
Your cost for a composite resin filling is based on many things. Two major factors are the diameter of the cavity and if any sedation is necessary. Filling a cavity is a quick procedure, which means it can usually be conducted with just local anesthesia in a brief appointment. Though, if you experience dental anxieties or a severe gag reflex, sedation, for example, nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, is sometimes suggested. For those who have dental insurance, the dentist should make sure of your coverage prior to billing you for the residual amount. For people who don't carry insurance, several dental practitioners in Dallas, TX offer flexible payment options or take low-interest medical financing. In general, it's less expensive to remedy a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to neglect it until it gets bigger.
CONSEQUENCES IF YOU DON'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Opting to ignore your dentist's discovery of a cavity and recommendation to receive a composite resin filling can result in more concerns and costlier solutions in the long run. In the event that a cavity grows too extensive for a composite resin filling, it may be addressed with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are more expansive than tooth-colored fillings but less substantial than crowns. Inlays and onlays are individually made to fit over the decayed area once it has been removed. In cases where the decay has extended to the inside of the tooth, it's possible that a root canal will be necessary. A root canal removes the compromised pulp deep within the tooth, and, generally, the tooth is then fitted with personalized crown to prevent future damage. Delaying medical treatment can encourage the infection to branch out to the rest of your mouth and, ultimately, to get into your circulatory system and impact other areas of your body. Basically, the more you delay treating a cavity, the longer, more difficult, more expensive, and more unpleasant the treatment will be. This is why it is necessary to have annual oral health exams with a dentist in Dallas, TX so he or she can find and fix cavities before they get worse.
THINGS PATIENTS CAN IMPLEMENT TO PREVENT CAVITIES
At this point, you've most certainly learned that it is wiser (and cheaper) to head off cavities altogether. While no one is completely immune from ending up with cavities, there are many things we can do to protect our teeth:
- FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities also occur between the teeth and at your gumline. That's why it's important that you floss at least once every day. Flossing gets rid of any food particles stuck between your teeth and promotes blood circulation in your gum tissue. At your next professional cleaning, ask your dentist or oral health care professional to show you the most effective flossing technique to ensure that you obtain the maximum benefits from your oral health care routine. - GET PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWICE PER YEAR
An appropriate home oral care system is quite important in preventing cavities, but getting professional cleanings two times per year at a dentist's office in Dallas, TX is also essential. At your professional cleaning, your dental hygienist will skillfully scale your teeth to remove any areas of built-up plaque and tartar below the gumline. If you brush and floss the recommended amount, there is typically very little plaque and tartar, but the majority of individuals will have a bit, typically at the gumline or in places that are challenging to get to, like the back teeth. Receiving biannual dental cleanings at your dentist will ease the removal of buildup before it can develop into a cavity. You could also ask your dental practitioner to tell you where he or she cleared away the most plaque and tartar so you can concentrate on these areas more closely each time you brush at home. - CLEAN YOUR TEETH TWO TIMES EVERY DAY
Brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste at least two times a day or after you eat is one of the most helpful things people can do to defend against cavities. The best times to brush your teeth are right after having breakfast and again after supper. This practice will help with getting rid of the food particles and germs before they start to produce a cavity. Though it's generally not an option to brush after eating lunch, you can still rinse your mouth with mouthwash. - PROACTIVE TREATMENTS
For those who are genetically susceptible to having cavities or simply would like to be more proactive in preventing them, you could ask your dentist about suggestions for preventive treatments. While they are usually recommended for child and teen patients, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments can also be effective choices for some adults. Dental sealants are made from a transparent, pliable coating that is placed on the back teeth to help control pit and fissure cavities from developing in the uneven top surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments help in fortifying the enamel and preventing cavities. For the most part, molar sealants and professional fluoride treatments are only included with dental insurance for younger patients, but it's a smart investment for older patients who want to avoid cavities.
AN ALTERNATIVE DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
In the event that you unfortunately develop a cavity, you need to get it treated as soon as possible with a tooth-colored filling at a dental practice in Dallas, TX. If you are looking for a great dental practitioner who provides advanced treatments such as composite resin fillings, set up an appointment at MINT dentistry in Lancaster. Our incredible crew of dental professionals can work with everyone for any existing concerns, help them head off future concerns, and keep their smiles in great shape.