Discover Composite Resin Fillings
A QUICK OUTLINE OF COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
Odds are, any time you have to go to your dentist in Dallas, TX, you're praying that he or she won't say you have a cavity. Not surprisingly, nearly everyone will acquire a cavity or two at some point. If you've had a cavity lately, it was probably taken care of with a tooth-colored filling. The current alternative to the traditional silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are formed from a composite resin substance that fills and seals a cavity after the corroded area has been removed. Unlike older fillings, tooth-colored fillings blend perfectly with your natural teeth to keep them looking clean and sexy. Since tooth-colored fillings are among the top procedures required at MINT dentistry in Lake Highlands, we thought we should review a number of the more regular questions our patients want to know about them.
WHAT WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS?
An individual's cost for a composite resin filling is determined by many things. Two important issues are the depth of the cavity and if any sedation will be required. Treating a cavity is a simple procedure, so it can usually be done with just local anesthesia in a short appointment. However, if you have dental anxieties or a strong gag reflex, dental sedation, like nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral sedation medication, might be a good idea. For individuals who have dental insurance, the dental office should verify your coverage before charging you for the residual amount. If you don't have insurance, several dentists in Dallas, TX offer manageable payment plans or allow low-interest medical financing. For most patients, it's less expensive to treat a cavity with a composite resin filling than to ignore it until it gets worse.
CONSEQUENCES IF YOU DON'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Choosing to disregard your dentist's detection of a cavity and recommendation to receive a tooth-colored filling can cause more problems and costlier remedies in the future. When a cavity grows too deep for a filling, the tooth may be restored with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are larger than fillings but smaller than crowns. They are designed to be cemented over the decayed part of the tooth after it has been cleaned. In the event that the decay has gotten to the inside of the tooth, it's likely that a root canal will have to be done. This procedure removes the infected pulp deep within the tooth, and, generally, the tooth is then covered with a custom crown for protection. Putting off dental treatment can cause the infection to extend to the rest of your mouth and, sooner or later, to enter your circulatory system and affect your overall health. Basically, the longer you delay fixing a cavity, the more protracted, more extensive, more costly, and more uncomfortable the treatment will be. For this reason, it is crucial to schedule yearly oral health checkups with a dentist in Dallas, TX so he or she can detect and fix cavities before they get worse.
ROUTINES YOU CAN USE TO AVOID CAVITIES
By now, you've likely determined that it is smarter (and less expensive) to prevent cavities to begin with. Though nobody is fully immune from getting cavities, there are multiple things we can do to safeguard the health of our teeth:
- SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES A YEAR
An effective home oral health routine is really important in preventing cavities, but going in for professional cleanings at least twice yearly at a dental practice in Dallas, TX is also imperative. In your professional cleaning, the dental professional will thoroughly scale your enamel to scrape off any spots of accumulated plaque and tartar below your gumline. For those who brush and floss every day, there will likely be very little accumulation, but the majority of people will have a small amount, generally along the gumline or in spots that are tough to reach, for example, the back teeth. Receiving twice yearly professional cleanings at your dentist will assist in the elimination of accumulated debris before it turns into an area of decay. You might 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 spots more closely when you clean your teeth at home. - PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
If you are prone to getting cavities or merely want to be more on top of preventing them, you might ask your dentist about options for preventive treatments. While they are more often recommended for younger patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants could also be smart choices for many adults. Dental sealants are created with a transparent, pliable coating that is placed on the molars to help stop different types of cavities from occurring in the uneven crown surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments aid in hardening the enamel and warding off cavities. Typically, molar sealants and professional fluoride treatments are just covered by dental insurance for adolescent and teen patients, but it's an intelligent investment for older patients who want to avoid cavities. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWO TIMES EVERY DAY
Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste made with fluoride no less than two times per day or after every meal is one of the most helpful things you can do to prevent cavities. The best times to brush are in the morning after you eat breakfast, as well as after dinner. This practice will aid in getting rid of the food particles and germs before they start to form a cavity. While it's typically not feasible to brush your teeth after eating lunch, you could still rinse with mouthwash. - FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities can occur between the teeth and along your gumline. That's why it's crucial that you floss a minimum of once every day. Flossing removes the food particles stuck between your teeth and aids in stimulating circulation in your gum tissue. When you have your next professional cleaning, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the most effective flossing technique to ensure that you get the maximum benefits from your oral health care routine.
A MODERN DENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR CAVITIES
If you do end up with a cavity, it's important to get it treated promptly with a tooth-colored filling at a dentist's office in Dallas, TX. If you are looking for an experienced dentist who offers modern treatments like tooth-colored fillings, set up an appointment at MINT dentistry in Lake Highlands. Our experienced team of dental professionals is able to work with patients of all ages for any current concerns, help them avoid future issues, and keep their smiles healthy.