Learn About Composite Resin Fillings
A BRIEF LOOK AT COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
Chances are, any time you have an appointment to go to your dental practitioner in Addison, TX, you're crossing your fingers that he or she won't discover a cavity. However, almost everyone will develop a cavity or two at some point. If you've been treated for a cavity recently, it was presumably taken care of with a tooth-colored filling. The current alternative to the old, silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are formed from a composite resin material that fills and seals a cavity after the corroded part of the tooth has been eliminated. Unlike traditional fillings, tooth-colored fillings mix in exceptionally well with your natural teeth to keep your smile looking healthy and attractive. Because tooth-colored fillings are one of the most frequent procedures required at MINT dentistry in Addison, we thought we should discuss some of the more consistent questions our patients ask about them.
HOW MUCH WILL I END UP PAYING FOR TOOTH-COLORED CAVITY FILLINGS?
The cost for a composite resin filling is influenced by many things. Two main factors are the size of the cavity and if any sedation will be required. Treating a cavity is a simple procedure, which means it can generally be completed with only local anesthesia in a short appointment. Though, if you have dental fears or a severe gag reflex, sedation, such as nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral sedation medication, is sometimes suggested. For individuals who have dental insurance, the practice should vet your coverage before billing you for the remaining amount. For individuals who don't carry insurance, many dental practitioners in Addison, TX offer flexible payment plans or allow low-interest medical financing. Almost invariably, it's less expensive to remedy a cavity with a composite resin filling than to neglect the issue until it gets worse.
REPERCUSSIONS IF YOU DON'T GET A PRESCRIBED FILLING
Choosing to disregard your dentist's discovery of a cavity and encouragement to have a composite resin filling can end up causing more pain and costlier fixes in the future. If a cavity grows too big for a composite resin filling, the tooth will likely be repaired with either an inlay or onlay. These treatments are bigger than fillings but not as big as crowns. Inlays and onlays are specially crafted to fit over the decayed area as soon as it has been cleaned. In cases where the decay has spread to the pulp of the tooth, it's possible that a root canal will have to be done. A root canal extracts the compromised pulp inside the tooth, and, usually, the tooth is then fitted with a custom crown to prevent future damage. Not seeking medical treatment can encourage the infection to extend to the rest of your mouth and, ultimately, to enter your bloodstream and affect your whole body. In summary, the more you delay fixing a cavity, the more protracted, more invasive, more expensive, and more unpleasant the treatment will be. This is why it is imperative to have annual oral health exams with your dentist in Addison, TX so he or she can diagnose and fix cavities early.
STEPS YOU CAN USE TO PREVENT CAVITIES
At this point, you've most certainly figured out that it is smarter (and less expensive) to head off cavities to begin with. Though no one is totally immune from ending up with cavities, there are lots of things everyone can do to protect the health of our teeth:
- CLEAN YOUR TEETH TWO TIMES EVERY DAY
Brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste no less than twice per day or after you eat is one of the most effective things you can do to avoid cavities. The best times to brush are right after having breakfast and again after supper. This regimen will aid in getting rid of the food debris and bacteria before they start to form a cavity. While it's often not an option to brush after having lunch, you could still rinse your mouth with mouthwash. - SCHEDULE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWICE PER YEAR
A consistent home oral care regimen is really important in avoiding cavities; however, getting professional cleanings two times per year at a dental practice in Addison, TX is also key. During your dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will thoroughly scale your enamel to remove any spots of accumulated plaque and tartar below your gumline. For those who brush and floss the recommended amount, there will likely be very little accumulation, but many patients will have at least a little, usually at the gumline or in spots that are tough to reach, such as the molars. Having twice yearly professional cleanings at your dentist will assist in the removal of accumulated debris before it turns into a cavity. You may also request your dental professional to show you where they removed the most buildup so you can pay attention to these spots more closely while you clean your teeth at home. - FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities often form between your teeth and at your gumline. That's why it's critical that you floss at least once a day. Flossing gets rid of the food detritus stuck between your teeth and promotes blood circulation in your gums. During your next professional cleaning, ask your dentist or oral health care professional to show you the best flossing technique to make sure that you obtain the most benefits from your oral health care routine. - PROACTIVE OPTIONS
If you are predisposed to getting cavities or merely would like to be more diligent about preventing them, you could ask your dental practitioner about recommendations for preventive treatments. Though they are typically recommended for adolescent patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants can also be smart choices for some adults. Dental sealants are a transparent, malleable material that is applied to the molars to help prevent pit and fissure cavities from developing in the irregular top surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments help in fortifying the enamel and preventing cavities. Usually, molar sealants and professional fluoride treatments are only covered by dental insurance for adolescent and teen patients, but it's a wise investment for adults who are looking to avoid having cavities.
AN ADVANCED DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
If you ever end up with a cavity, you should have it treated promptly with a tooth-colored filling at a dentist's office in Addison, TX. If you would like to find a great dental practitioner who performs state-of-the-art treatments like composite resin fillings, schedule an appointment at MINT dentistry in Addison. Our experienced team of dental professionals is happy to treat younger and older patients for any current problems, help them avoid future issues, and keep their smiles in great shape.