Learn About Composite Resin Fillings
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
Odds are, any time you are planning to see your dentist in Grand Prairie, TX, you're crossing your fingers that they won't discover a cavity. Not surprisingly, nearly everyone will acquire a cavity or two at some point. For those who've developed a cavity lately, it was likely addressed with a tooth-colored filling. An innovative alternative to the old, metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings are produced with a composite resin material that fills and closes off a cavity after the unhealthy area has been removed. Unlike classic fillings, composite resin fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth to keep them looking clean and sexy. Considering that tooth-colored fillings are among the most common procedures done at MINT dentistry in Grand Prairie, we thought we should cover a number of the more routine questions our patients want to know about them.
WHAT WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS?
A person's cost for a composite resin filling is based on many things. Two major issues are the diameter of the cavity and if sedation will be required. Filling a cavity is a minor procedure, so it can generally be conducted with only local anesthesia in a lunch-hour appointment. However, if you deal with dental fears or a severe gag reflex, sedation, for example, nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, is often suggested. For individuals who have dental insurance, the dentist can vet your coverage before billing you for the remaining amount. For people who don't have insurance, a lot of dentists in Grand Prairie, TX offer affordable payment options or take low-interest medical financing. For most patients, it's cheaper to treat a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to neglect it until it gets worse.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS IF YOU DON'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Deciding to disregard your dentist's diagnosis of a cavity and encouragement to have a tooth-colored filling can lead to more problems and costlier measures in the long run. In the event that a cavity becomes too big for a composite resin filling, it will likely be treated with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are more expansive than tooth-colored fillings but not as big as crowns. They are custom made to be cemented over the decayed area once it has been removed. If the decay has reached the interior of the tooth, it's possible that a root canal will be needed. A root canal removes the compromised pulp deep within the tooth, and, typically, the tooth is then fitted with an individually designed crown to seal it off. Putting off professional treatment can encourage the infection to branch out to your other teeth, gums, and jawbone and, eventually, to get into your circulatory system and impact your whole body. Basically, the more you put off treating a cavity, the more prolonged, more invasive, more costly, and more painful the treatment will be. This is why it is extremely important to have yearly oral health checkups with a dentist in Grand Prairie, TX so he or she can diagnose and treat cavities early.
THINGS YOU CAN IMPLEMENT TO PREVENT CAVITIES
At this point, you've probably learned that it would be wiser (and cheaper) to avoid cavities altogether. While nobody is totally immune from getting cavities, there are several things we can do to maintain the health of our teeth:
- FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities can develop between your teeth and against your gumline. Therefore, it's critical that you floss a minimum of once every day. Flossing removes the food particles stuck in your teeth and helps to stimulate blood circulation in your gum tissue. At your next professional cleaning, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the best flossing technique so that you get the most benefits from your daily routine. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER EVERY MEAL
Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride at least two times a day or after you eat is one of the most helpful things people can do to ward off cavities. The best times to brush are in the morning after having breakfast, as well as after eating supper. This system will help with cleaning away food particles and germs before they start to lead to a cavity. Though it's generally not feasible to brush after lunch, you can still rinse with mouthwash. - PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
If you are predisposed to having cavities or just would like to be more proactive in avoiding them, you might ask your dentist about suggestions for preventive treatments. While they are usually suggested for adolescent patients, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments might sometimes be effective choices for certain adults. Dental sealants are made from a transparent, malleable coating that is placed on the back teeth to help stop pit and fissure cavities from occurring in the rough top surfaces of the back teeth. Professional fluoride treatments help in reinforcing the enamel and warding off cavities. Generally, sealants and professional fluoride treatments are only covered by dental insurance for younger patients, but it can be a smart investment for adults who are looking to avoid ending up with cavities. - HAVE DENTAL CLEANINGS BIANNUALLY
An effective home oral care routine is very important in avoiding cavities; however, getting professional cleanings at least twice a year at a dentist's office in Grand Prairie, TX is also critical. During your professional cleaning, a dental professional will carefully scale your teeth to scrape off any areas of built-up plaque and tartar under the gumline. For those who brush and floss the recommended amount, there will likely be very little buildup, though most people will have at least a little, typically along the gumline or in places that aren't easy to reach, such as the back teeth. Having biannual professional cleanings at the dentist will facilitate the elimination of accumulated debris before it turns into an area of decay. You can also ask your dental professional to tell you where they cleared away the most plaque and tartar so you can pay attention to these areas more closely when you brush at home.
A MODERN DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
If you eventually develop a cavity, it's critical that you have it treated as soon as possible with a composite resin filling at a dental practice in Grand Prairie, TX. If you are looking for a great dentist who performs up-to-date treatments like tooth-colored fillings, schedule an appointment at MINT dentistry in Grand Prairie. Our team of dental professionals can treat patients of all ages for any existing concerns, help them prevent future concerns, and keep their smiles in great shape.