Learn About Tooth-Colored Fillings
A QUICK REVIEW OF COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
It's likely that, any time you have an appointment to see your dental practitioner in Grapevine, TX, you're crossing your fingers that they won't say you have a cavity. However, nearly everyone will get a cavity or two at some point. If you've been diagnosed with a cavity recently, it was likely filled with a tooth-colored filling. The modern new version of the old, silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite resin substance that fills and closes off a cavity after the corroded area has been removed. Unlike metal amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings mix in exceptionally well with your natural teeth to keep them looking beautiful. Considering that tooth-colored fillings are among the most common procedures conducted at MINT dentistry in Grapevine, we thought we should go over a number of the most regular questions people want to know about them.
HOW MUCH WILL I END UP PAYING FOR TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS?
A person's expense for a tooth-colored filling is based on many things. Two major issues are the depth of the cavity and if sedation will be required. Treating a cavity is a routine procedure, which means it can usually be conducted with just local anesthesia in a short appointment. However, if you experience dental anxieties or an intense gag reflex, dental sedation, for example, nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral sedation medication, is sometimes suggested. For people who carry dental insurance, the dental office can confirm your coverage before billing you for the residual amount. For those who don't have dental insurance, several dental offices in Grapevine, TX offer manageable payment plans or accept low-interest medical financing. In general, it's less expensive to treat a cavity with a composite resin filling than to avoid it until it gets bigger.
OUTCOMES IF YOU DON'T GET A NEEDED FILLING
Choosing to disregard your dentist's discovery of a cavity and recommendation to receive a tooth-colored filling can end up causing more problems and more expensive fixes in the long run. When a cavity becomes too severe for a filling, it will likely be repaired with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are more expansive than tooth-colored fillings but not as big as crowns. They are individually made to be cemented over the decayed part of the tooth once it has been prepared. In the event that 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 removes the compromised pulp deep within the tooth, and, often, the tooth is then covered with an individually designed crown to prevent future damage. Delaying professional treatment can cause the infection to spread to the rest of your mouth and, sooner or later, to get into your bloodstream and affect other areas of your body. Basically, the longer you put off treating a cavity, the longer, more difficult, more expensive, and more unpleasant the treatment will be. For this reason, it is extremely important to have annual oral health visits with a dentist in Grapevine, TX so they can diagnose and fix cavities before they get worse.
ROUTINES YOU CAN IMPLEMENT TO HOLD OFF CAVITIES
At this point, you've likely determined that it would be wiser (and less expensive) to head off cavities altogether. Despite the fact that no one is fully immune from ending up with cavities, there are several things everyone can do to protect our teeth:
- CLEAN YOUR TEETH AFTER EVERY MEAL
Brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste a minimum of twice every day or after you eat is one of the most helpful things you can do to keep from getting cavities. The most effective times to brush your teeth are in the morning after you eat breakfast and again after your evening meal. This practice will help with getting rid of the food debris and bacteria before they begin to lead to a cavity. While it's generally not an option to brush after having lunch, you should still rinse your mouth with mouthwash. - GET PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS BIANNUALLY
An effective home oral care regimen is particularly important in preventing cavities, but getting dental cleanings at least two times per year at a dental practice in Grapevine, TX is also imperative. In your dental cleaning, your dental professional will carefully scale your enamel to scrape off any areas of built-up plaque and tartar below your gumline. If you brush and floss the recommended amount, there is typically very little accumulation, but the majority of people will have some, usually along the gumline or in places that are tough to get to, for example, the molars. Receiving biannual dental cleanings from the dentist will help in the elimination of buildup before it can develop into a problem. You may also ask your dental professional to show you where he or she removed the most plaque and tartar so you can concentrate on these spots more closely each time you brush at home. - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Cavities also develop between your teeth and along your gumline. That's why it's critical that you floss a minimum of once a day. Flossing gets rid of any food detritus stuck in your teeth and aids in stimulating circulation in your gum tissue. During your next professional cleaning, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the most effective flossing technique to make sure that you obtain the optimal benefits from your daily routine. - PROACTIVE OPTIONS
If you are predisposed to having cavities or simply want to be more diligent about avoiding them, you should ask your dental practitioner about recommendations for preventive care. Though they are more often suggested for child and teen patients, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments may be good options for certain adults. Dental sealants are created with a transparent, pliable coating that is situated on the back teeth to help stop different types of cavities from developing in the irregular crown surfaces of the back teeth. Professional fluoride treatments help in strengthening the enamel and warding off cavities. Often, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments are only paid for by dental insurance for adolescent and teen patients; however, it's a wise investment for older patients who would like to avoid getting cavities.
AN ADVANCED DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
In the event that you happen to develop a cavity, it's important to have it treated right away with a tooth-colored filling at a dental practice in Grapevine, TX. If you are looking for a great dentist who provides state-of-the-art treatments like tooth-colored fillings, schedule an appointment at MINT dentistry in Grapevine. Our experienced team of dental professionals is happy to work with patients of all ages for any current issues, help them avoid later concerns, and keep their smiles looking great.