Discover Tooth-Colored Fillings
A BRIEF RUNDOWN OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
It's likely that, any time you are planning to see your dental practitioner in Dallas, TX, you're hoping that they won't find a cavity. The truth is, almost everyone will develop a cavity or two at some point. For those who've been diagnosed with a cavity lately, it was likely treated with a tooth-colored filling. An innovative alternative to the old, silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are formed from a composite resin material that fills and seals a cavity after the rotten area has been eliminated. Unlike metal amalgam fillings, composite resin fillings match exceptionally well with your own teeth to keep them looking clean and sexy. Since tooth-colored fillings are among the most frequent procedures done at MINT dentistry in Carrollton, we thought we should go over some of the more common questions people ask about them.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO PAY FOR COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS?
The cost for a composite resin filling is based on many things. Two main factors are the extent of the cavity and if any sedation will be needed. Filling a cavity is a routine procedure, which means it can usually be done with just local anesthesia in a lunch-hour appointment. However, if you have dental fears or a strong gag reflex, sedation, for example, nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, is sometimes recommended. For people who carry dental insurance, the dentist can confirm your coverage prior to charging you for the remaining amount. For people who don't carry dental insurance, several practices in Dallas, TX offer flexible payment plans or allow low-interest medical financing. Typically, it's cheaper to remedy a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to overlook the problem until it gets worse.
CONSEQUENCES IF A PATIENT DOESN'T GET A PRESCRIBED FILLING
Deciding to ignore your dentist's discovery of a cavity and recommendation to have a tooth-colored filling can result in more problems and more expensive measures in the long run. When a cavity becomes too big for a composite resin filling, it may be repaired 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 cover the decayed part of the tooth once it has been prepared. In the event that the decay has spread to the pulp of the tooth, it's possible that a root canal will be necessary. This procedure removes the compromised pulp deep within the tooth, and, often, the tooth is then fitted with a tailor-made crown to prevent future damage. Not getting dental treatment can encourage the infection to travel to the rest of your mouth and, sooner or later, to get into your bloodstream and negatively influence your whole body. In short, the longer you delay fixing a cavity, the more protracted, more difficult, more costly, and more painful the eventual solution will be. This is why it is necessary to have yearly oral health exams with a dentist in Dallas, TX so he or she can find and treat cavities right away.
ROUTINES PATIENTS CAN IMPLEMENT TO AVOID CAVITIES
At this point, you've likely determined that it would be wiser (and less expensive) to head off cavities from the get go. While no one is totally immune from developing cavities, there are multiple things everyone can do to maintain our teeth:
- BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWO TIMES EVERY DAY
Cleaning your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste no less than two times every day or after every meal is one of the most effective things anyone can do to defend against cavities. The best times to brush your teeth are after having breakfast, as well as after eating dinner. This practice will aid in cleaning away food detritus and germs before they begin to produce a cavity. While it's often not easy to brush your teeth after lunch, you could still rinse with mouthwash. - FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities sometimes form between the teeth and against your gumline. Therefore, it's critical that you floss a minimum of once per day. Flossing extracts the food particles stuck in 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 proper flossing technique to ensure that you get the maximum benefits from your oral hygiene routine. - PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
For those who are prone to getting cavities or just would like to be more proactive in preventing them, you ought to ask your dentist about options for preventive care. While they are usually recommended for adolescent patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants could also be effective options for many adults. Dental sealants are created with a transparent, pliable coating that is placed on the back teeth to help prevent pit and fissure cavities from forming in the rough crown surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments help in supporting the enamel and warding off cavities. Usually, sealants and fluoride treatments are just included with dental insurance for younger patients, but it's an intelligent investment for older patients who would like to avoid getting cavities. - HAVE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS BIANNUALLY
A consistent home oral health regimen is very important in avoiding cavities, but having dental cleanings twice a year at a dental practice in Dallas, TX is also key. At your professional cleaning, your dental professional will meticulously scale your enamel to clean away any sections of built-up plaque and tartar beneath the gumline. For those who brush and floss every day, there is generally very little buildup, though the majority of individuals will have a small amount, usually at the gumline or in places that are tough to get to, like the back teeth. Receiving twice yearly cleanings from your dentist will help in the elimination of plaque and tartar before it turns into a problem. You might also request your dental practitioner to show you where they removed the most plaque and tartar so you can concentrate on these areas more closely each time you brush at home.
A NEWER DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
In the event that you ever develop a cavity, it's crucial to have it treated right away with a composite resin filling at a dentist's office in Dallas, TX. If you are looking for a reputable dental practitioner who performs state-of-the-art treatments like composite resin fillings, set up an appointment at MINT dentistry in Carrollton. Our incredible crew of dental professionals is happy to treat younger and older patients for any existing issues, help them head off later problems, and keep their teeth in top form.