Learn About Composite Resin Fillings
A QUICK LOOK AT TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
Odds are, any time you are scheduled to visit your dental practitioner in Dallas, TX, you're praying that he or she won't discover a cavity. Not surprisingly, almost everyone will develop a cavity or two sometime. For those who've gotten a cavity lately, it was probably treated with a tooth-colored filling. The current new version of the old, silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are formed from a composite resin material that fills and seals a cavity after the decayed area has been removed. Unlike traditional fillings, composite resin fillings match seamlessly with your own teeth to keep your smile looking clean and sexy. Since tooth-colored fillings are one of the top procedures requested at MINT dentistry in White Rock, we would like to cover a number of the most regular questions our patients want to know about them.
HOW MUCH WILL I NEED TO PAY FOR TOOTH-COLORED CAVITY FILLINGS?
The price for a composite resin filling is based on many things. Two important issues are the extent of the cavity and if any sedation will be required. Filling a cavity is a routine procedure, so it can generally be completed with only local anesthesia in a short appointment. Though, if you are affected by dental anxieties or a strong gag reflex, dental sedation, for example, nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, is often recommended. For people who have dental insurance, the practice should vet your coverage before charging you for the remaining amount. For individuals who don't carry insurance, many practices in Dallas, TX offer flexible payment options or take low-interest medical financing. In most cases, it's less expensive to remedy a cavity with a composite resin filling than to avoid the issue until it gets bigger.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS IF A PATIENT DOESN'T GET A NEEDED FILLING
Opting to ignore your dentist's detection of a cavity and encouragement to have a tooth-colored filling can result in more concerns and costlier solutions in the future. In the event that a cavity becomes too extensive for a tooth-colored filling, the tooth can be addressed with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are more expansive than composite resin fillings but not as big as crowns. They are custom made to fit over the decayed part of the tooth after it has been prepared. In the event that the decay has reached the inside of the tooth, it's possible that a root canal will have to be done. Root canal therapy extracts the compromised pulp deep within the tooth, and, generally, the tooth is then fitted with personalized crown for protection. Putting off medical treatment can cause the infection to extend to the rest of your mouth and, eventually, to get into your circulatory system and impact other areas of your body. In summary, the more you delay fixing a cavity, the slower, more invasive, more costly, and more unpleasant the eventual solution will be. This is why it is crucial to schedule yearly oral health visits with your dentist in Dallas, TX so he or she can diagnose and fix cavities before they get worse.
PRACTICES PATIENTS CAN IMPLEMENT TO HOLD OFF CAVITIES
By now, you've probably determined that it would be smarter (and cheaper) to head off cavities to begin with. Though nobody is fully immune from getting cavities, there are lots of things everyone can do to maintain the health of our teeth:
- BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride at least two times every day or after every meal is one of the most important things you can do to ward off cavities. The most effective times to brush are in the morning after having breakfast and again after eating your evening meal. This regimen will aid in cleaning away food debris and bacteria before they start to form a cavity. While it's typically not practical to brush your teeth after having lunch, you should still rinse with mouthwash. - FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities often develop between the teeth and against your gumline. Therefore, it's important that you floss a minimum of once per day. Flossing extracts any debris stuck between your teeth and promotes blood circulation in your gums. When you have your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the best flossing technique so that you obtain the maximum effectiveness from your daily routine. - SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES A YEAR
A consistent home oral health system is really important in avoiding cavities; however, going in for dental cleanings at least twice a year at a dental practice in Dallas, TX is also critical. In your dental cleaning, the dental professional will gently scale your teeth to clean away any areas of built-up plaque and tartar beneath your gumline. If you brush and floss the recommended amount, there will probably be very little plaque and tartar, though many people will have at least a little, typically at the gumline or in areas that are challenging to reach, for example, the back teeth. Having bi-annual dental cleanings at the dentist will help in the elimination of plaque and tartar before it turns into an area of decay. You could also ask your dental practitioner to show you where he or she found the most buildup so you can focus on these spots more closely when you clean your teeth at home. - PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
If you are predisposed to getting cavities or just want to be more proactive in preventing them, you can ask your dentist about options for preventive treatments. Though they are usually recommended for adolescent patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants can also be good options for certain adults. Dental sealants are made from a clear, flexible material that is applied to the molars to help prevent different types of cavities from occurring in the uneven top surfaces of the back teeth. Professional fluoride treatments aid in supporting the enamel and warding off cavities. Often, sealants and fluoride treatments are only paid for by dental insurance for younger patients; however, it's a smart investment for adults who would like to avoid getting cavities.
A MODERN DENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR CAVITIES
If you unfortunately develop a cavity, you need to have it treated as soon as possible with a composite resin filling at a dental practice in Dallas, TX. If you would like to find a reputable dental practitioner who performs innovative treatments like tooth-colored fillings, set up an appointment at MINT dentistry in White Rock. Our incredible crew of dental professionals can treat everyone for any current problems, help them avoid later problems, and keep their smiles healthy.