What You Should Know About Composite Resin Fillings
A SHORT REVIEW OF COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
It's likely that, any time you are scheduled to go to your dentist in Plano, TX, you're hoping that they won't say you have a cavity. Actually, nearly everyone has had a cavity or two at some point. For patients who've gotten a cavity lately, it was likely treated with a tooth-colored filling. The current new version of the old, alloy fillings, tooth-colored fillings are created with a composite resin substance that fills and seals a cavity after the corroded area has been removed. Unlike classic fillings, tooth-colored fillings match perfectly with your natural teeth to keep them looking healthy and attractive. Considering that tooth-colored fillings are one of the most frequent procedures performed at MINT dentistry in Plano Coit, we want to answer a few of the most consistent questions our patients have about them.
HOW MUCH WILL I END UP PAYING FOR TOOTH-COLORED CAVITY FILLINGS?
A person's expense for a tooth-colored filling is based on many things. Two main issues are the size of the cavity and if sedation will be necessary. Filling a cavity is a routine procedure, which means it can usually be carried out with only local anesthesia in a lunch-hour appointment. However, if you deal with dental anxieties or a severe gag reflex, sedation, for example, nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral sedation medication, may be recommended. If you carry dental insurance, the dentist should confirm your coverage prior to charging you for the left-over amount. For individuals who don't have dental insurance, several dental practices in Plano, TX offer manageable payment plans or accept low-interest medical financing. Almost invariably, it's cheaper to remedy a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to ignore the issue until it gets bigger.
OUTCOMES IF A PATIENT DOESN'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Deciding to disregard your dentist's discovery of a cavity and encouragement to have a tooth-colored filling can add up to more problems and costlier solutions in the future. If a cavity becomes too big for a tooth-colored filling, the tooth will likely be restored with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are larger than fillings but not as big as crowns. Inlays and onlays are individually made to fit over the decayed part of the tooth as soon as it has been cleaned. In cases where the decay has gotten to the interior of the tooth, it's possible that a root canal will be necessary. This procedure removes the affected pulp inside the tooth, and, in most cases, the tooth is then covered with an individually designed crown to prevent future damage. Avoiding professional treatment can cause the infection to branch out to the rest of your mouth and, ultimately, to get into your circulatory system and impact your general health. Basically, the more you avoid treating a cavity, the longer, more difficult, more expensive, and more painful the eventual solution will be. This is why it is critical to have annual oral health visits with a dentist in Plano, TX so they can find and treat cavities early.
STEPS PATIENTS CAN IMPLEMENT TO AVOID CAVITIES
By now, you've most certainly figured out that it is better (and less expensive) to head off cavities to begin with. Though no one is completely immune from getting cavities, there are multiple things everyone can do to safeguard the health of our teeth:
- SCHEDULE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES A YEAR
An effective home oral health system is quite important in avoiding cavities; however, getting professional cleanings twice yearly at a dentist's office in Plano, TX is also essential. In your dental cleaning, a dental hygienist will gently scale your enamel to clean away any spots of accumulated plaque and tartar below your gumline. Among individuals who brush and floss the recommended amount, there is typically very little plaque and tartar, but the majority of individuals will have some, generally along the gumline or in places that aren't easy to get to, like the back teeth. Getting twice yearly professional cleanings from the dentist will facilitate the removal of accumulated debris before it turns into a cavity. You may also ask your dental practitioner to tell you where they found the most plaque and tartar so you can pay attention to these spots more closely while you brush at home. - FLOSS EACH DAY
Cavities can develop between the teeth and at your gumline. Therefore, it's crucial that you floss a minimum of once per day. Flossing gets rid of the food detritus stuck in your teeth and helps to stimulate blood circulation in your gums. At your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or someone on his or her team to demonstrate the most effective flossing technique to make sure that you get the most benefits from your oral hygiene routine. - CLEAN YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride a minimum of twice every day or after every meal is one of the most valuable things people can do to ward off cavities. The most effective times to brush are after you eat breakfast, as well as after eating dinner. This regimen will aid in eliminating food detritus and bacteria before they start to produce a cavity. Though it's typically not convenient to brush after lunch, you could still rinse with mouthwash. - PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
For those who are prone to getting cavities or merely would like to be more proactive in avoiding them, you ought to ask your dentist about recommendations for preventive care. Though they are typically recommended for adolescent patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants can also be smart options for some adults. Dental sealants are created with a clear, flexible coating that is put on the molars to help stop different types of cavities from developing in the rough crown surfaces of the back teeth. Professional fluoride treatments assist in supporting the enamel and warding off cavities. Often, sealants and professional fluoride treatments are just covered by dental insurance for child patients; however, it can be a smart investment for older patients who want to avoid getting cavities.
AN ALTERNATIVE DENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR CAVITIES
If you happen to develop a cavity, you should have it treated as soon as possible with a tooth-colored filling at a dentist's office in Plano, TX. If you need a great dental practitioner who offers state-of-the-art treatments such as composite resin fillings, make an appointment at MINT dentistry in Plano Coit. Our staff of dental professionals is happy to treat younger and older patients for any current issues, help them head off later problems, and keep their teeth healthy.