Learn About Tooth-Colored Fillings
A QUICK LOOK AT TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
Chances are, any time you have to go to your dentist in Las Colinas, TX, you're praying that they won't find a cavity. In fact, almost everyone has had a cavity or two sometime. For those who've had a cavity recently, it was probably treated with a tooth-colored filling. An innovative new version of the traditional silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are created with a composite resin compound that fills and seals a cavity after the decayed area has been removed. Unlike alloy fillings, tooth-colored fillings match seamlessly with your actual teeth to keep your smile looking beautiful. Since tooth-colored fillings are among the most frequent procedures conducted at MINT dentistry in Las Colinas, we thought we should answer a number of the most frequent questions people ask about them.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO PAY FOR TOOTH-COLORED CAVITY FILLINGS?
Your price for a composite resin filling is determined by many things. Two important factors are the measurement of the cavity and if sedation is necessary. Treating a cavity is a simple procedure; therefore, it can generally be completed with only local anesthesia in a short appointment. Though, if you are affected by dental fears or an intense gag reflex, dental sedation, for example, nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral sedation medication, may be a good idea. For those who carry dental insurance, the dental office should verify your coverage before charging you for the remaining amount. For individuals who don't carry dental insurance, a lot of dental practices in Las Colinas, TX offer affordable payment options or accept low-interest medical financing. Almost invariably, it's less expensive to fix a cavity with a composite resin filling than to ignore the problem until it gets bigger.
REPERCUSSIONS IF YOU DON'T GET A PRESCRIBED FILLING
Opting to disregard your dentist's detection of a cavity and recommendation to have a composite resin filling can add up to more problems and costlier measures in the long run. When a cavity becomes too deep for a tooth-colored filling, it may be repaired with either an inlay or onlay. These treatments are bigger than fillings but smaller than crowns. Inlays and onlays are designed to be cemented over the decayed part of the tooth once it has been prepared. In cases where the decay has extended to the inside of the tooth, it's likely that a root canal will have to be done. A root canal extracts the infected pulp deep within the tooth, and, usually, the tooth is then fitted with an individually designed crown to seal it off. Delaying dental treatment can allow the infection to spread to your other teeth, gums, and jawbone and, eventually, to get into your circulatory system and negatively influence your general health. In summary, the more you put off fixing a cavity, the more protracted, more invasive, more costly, and more uncomfortable the treatment will be. For this reason, it is extremely important to schedule annual oral health visits with your dentist in Las Colinas, TX so they can diagnose and treat cavities right away.
THINGS PATIENTS CAN IMPLEMENT TO AVOID CAVITIES
By now, you've probably come to see that it is better (and cheaper) to prevent cavities to begin with. While nobody is totally immune from ending up with cavities, there are several things everyone can do to maintain the health of our teeth:
- PROACTIVE TREATMENTS
If you are predisposed to having cavities or merely would like to be more diligent about avoiding them, you ought to ask your dental practitioner about suggestions for preventive treatments. Though they are usually suggested for child and teen patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants may be good choices for some adults. Dental sealants are made from a clear, flexible coating that is applied to the back teeth to help stop pit and fissure cavities from developing in the uneven top surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments aid in fortifying the enamel and preventing cavities. Typically, dental sealants and fluoride treatments are just covered by dental insurance for adolescent and teen patients, but it can be a smart investment for older patients who want to avoid developing cavities. - CLEAN YOUR TEETH TWO TIMES EVERY DAY
Brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste a minimum of twice every day or after you eat is one of the most helpful things anyone can do to prevent cavities. The key times to brush are after having breakfast, as well as after having supper. This system will help with removing food debris and germs before they start to produce a cavity. Though it's generally not an option to brush after having lunch, you should still rinse your mouth with mouthwash. - FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities also occur between the teeth and against your gumline. Therefore, it's important that you floss a minimum of once a day. Flossing removes any debris stuck in your teeth and promotes blood circulation in your gum tissue. At your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the most effective flossing technique to ensure that you obtain the most effectiveness from your oral health care routine. - GET PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES A YEAR
A consistent home oral health routine is very important in preventing cavities; however, getting dental cleanings at least two times per year at a dental practice in Las Colinas, TX is also essential. At your dental cleaning, the dental professional will gently scale your enamel to clean away any sections of accumulated plaque and tartar under the gumline. Among individuals who brush and floss every day, there is usually very little buildup, though the majority of individuals will have varying amounts, typically along the gumline or in spots that are difficult to get to, for example, the molars. Getting twice yearly cleanings by your dentist will aid in the elimination of plaque and tartar before it can develop into a cavity. You could also ask your dental professional to show you where he or she cleared away the most buildup so you can focus on these areas more closely while you brush at home.
AN ADVANCED DENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR CAVITIES
In the event that you ever get a cavity, you should get it treated as soon as possible with a tooth-colored filling at a dental practice in Las Colinas, TX. If you are searching for a great dentist who provides modern treatments like tooth-colored fillings, make an appointment at MINT dentistry in Las Colinas. Our staff of dental professionals is happy to work with patients of all ages for any existing issues, help them head off future concerns, and keep their teeth beautiful.