Learn About Composite Resin Fillings
A QUICK REVIEW OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
It's likely that, any time you have an appointment to see your dental practitioner in Burleson, TX, you're praying that he or she won't say you have a cavity. In fact, almost everyone has had a cavity or two sometime. For those who've been treated for a cavity lately, it was probably treated with a tooth-colored filling. The current alternative to the old, alloy fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite resin material that fills and seals a cavity after the unhealthy area has been removed. Unlike classic fillings, composite resin fillings blend almost invisibly with your own teeth to keep them looking great. Because tooth-colored fillings are one of the most common procedures requested at MINT dentistry in Burleson, we thought we should cover some of the most frequent questions people ask about them.
WHAT WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR COMPOSITE RESIN CAVITY FILLINGS?
Your price for a tooth-colored filling is based on many things. Two important factors are the diameter of the cavity and if sedation is necessary. Treating a cavity is a minor procedure, so it can usually be conducted with only local anesthesia in a brief appointment. Though, if you are affected by dental fears or a severe gag reflex, dental sedation, like nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral sedation medication, may be suggested. If you carry dental insurance, the practice can check your coverage before billing you for the residual amount. For patients who don't have insurance, several practices in Burleson, TX offer flexible payment options or allow low-interest medical financing. In most cases, it's less expensive to remedy a cavity with a composite resin filling than to overlook the problem until it gets worse.
CONSEQUENCES IF YOU DON'T GET A NEEDED FILLING
Opting to disregard your dentist's diagnosis of a cavity and recommendation to get a tooth-colored filling can lead to more problems and more expensive fixes in the future. If a cavity grows too severe for a composite resin filling, it will likely be addressed with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are larger than fillings but smaller than crowns. They are specially crafted to be cemented over the decayed area once it has been prepared. If the decay has extended to the inside of the tooth, it's possible that a root canal will need to be performed. Root canal therapy extracts the infected pulp inside the tooth, and, generally, the tooth is then fitted with an individually designed crown to prevent future damage. Delaying medical treatment can cause the infection to branch out to the rest of your mouth and, ultimately, to enter your circulatory system and impact your overall health. In summary, the more you avoid treating a cavity, the more prolonged, more difficult, more costly, and more unpleasant the treatment will be. For this reason, it is critical to have yearly oral health visits with a dentist in Burleson, TX so they can diagnose and fix cavities right away.
STEPS PATIENTS CAN IMPLEMENT TO AVOID CAVITIES
At this point, you've likely come to see that it is simpler (and cheaper) to prevent cavities to begin with. Though no one is completely immune from developing cavities, there are several things everyone can do to maintain our teeth:
- FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Cavities can occur between the teeth and against your gumline. Therefore, it's important that you floss a minimum of once every day. Flossing removes any food detritus stuck between your teeth and aids in stimulating circulation in your gums. At your next professional cleaning, ask your dentist or oral health care professional to demonstrate the most effective flossing technique so that you obtain the maximum effectiveness from your daily routine. - GET DENTAL CLEANINGS TWICE PER YEAR
A consistent home oral care regimen is quite important in avoiding cavities; however, receiving dental cleanings at least two times per year at a dentist's office in Burleson, TX is also imperative. At your professional cleaning, your dental hygienist will carefully scale your enamel to remove any areas of accumulated plaque and tartar under the gumline. For those who brush and floss the recommended amount, there will likely be very little plaque and tartar, though most people will have a bit, generally along the gumline or in places that are difficult to reach, like the back teeth. Getting biannual cleanings by your dentist will aid in the elimination of plaque and tartar before it turns into a cavity. You may also request your hygienist to show you where he or she cleared away the most buildup so you can focus on these areas more closely while you clean your teeth at home. - PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
For those who are genetically susceptible to getting cavities or simply would like to be more on top of preventing them, you could ask your dental practitioner about options for preventive treatments. Though they are more often recommended for adolescent patients, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments could also be effective options for some adults. Dental sealants are a clear, pliable coating that is deposited onto the back teeth to help control pit and fissure cavities from occurring in the irregular crown surfaces of the back teeth. Professional fluoride treatments assist in hardening the enamel and preventing cavities. Generally, sealants and professional fluoride treatments are only paid for by dental insurance for younger patients; however, it's a smart investment for older patients who would like to avoid developing cavities. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWO TIMES EVERY DAY
Cleaning your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste no less than twice a day or after every meal is one of the most helpful things people can do to avoid cavities. The best times to brush your teeth are after you eat breakfast, as well as after having dinner. This habit will aid in getting rid of the food detritus and germs before they can lead to a cavity. While it's generally not practical to brush your teeth after having lunch, you should still rinse your mouth with mouthwash.
AN INNOVATIVE DENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR CAVITIES
If you do get a cavity, it's important to have it treated as soon as possible with a tooth-colored filling at a dental practice in Burleson, TX. If you would like to find an experienced dentist who offers modern treatments such as tooth-colored fillings, schedule an appointment at MINT dentistry in Burleson. Our team of dental professionals can treat everyone for any current issues, help them avoid future problems, and keep their teeth beautiful.