Discover Tooth-Colored Fillings
A BRIEF REVIEW OF COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
It's likely that, every time you have to see your dentist in Richardson, TX, you're crossing your fingers that they won't find a cavity. The truth is, nearly everyone has had a cavity or two at some point. For those who've gotten a cavity recently, it was likely taken care of with a tooth-colored filling. The modern new version of the traditional silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite resin compound that fills and seals a cavity after the rotten part of the tooth has been taken out. Unlike alloy fillings, composite resin fillings blend gorgeously with your own teeth to keep your smile looking beautiful. Because tooth-colored fillings are one of the top procedures performed at MINT dentistry in Richardson City Line, we would like to go over a number of the more frequent questions our patients have about them.
WHAT WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR COMPOSITE RESIN CAVITY FILLINGS?
A patient's cost for a composite resin filling is influenced by many things. Two major factors are the diameter of the cavity and if any sedation will be necessary. Filling a cavity is a quick procedure; therefore, it can usually be completed with only local anesthesia in a short appointment. However, if you suffer from dental anxieties or a severe gag reflex, sedation, for example, nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral sedation medication, might be a good idea. For people who have dental insurance, the dentist can vet your coverage prior to charging you for the remaining amount. For patients who don't carry insurance, several dentists in Richardson, TX offer flexible payment options or accept low-interest medical financing. For most patients, it's less expensive to fix a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to disregard the issue until it gets worse.
FUTURE ISSUES IF A PATIENT DOESN'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Deciding to disregard your dentist's discovery of a cavity and recommendation to get a tooth-colored filling can lead to more problems and costlier treatments in the future. In the event that a cavity grows too severe for a composite resin filling, it may be addressed with either an inlay or onlay. These treatments are larger than tooth-colored fillings but smaller than crowns. They are designed to be cemented over the decayed part of the tooth as soon as it has been removed. In cases where the decay has made its way to the pulp of the tooth, it's likely that a root canal will need to be performed. Root canal therapy removes the affected pulp deep within the tooth, and, typically, the tooth is then fitted with a custom crown for protection. Delaying dental treatment can encourage the infection to extend to the rest of your mouth and, eventually, to get into your circulatory system and affect your general health. In summary, the more you delay fixing a cavity, the slower, more difficult, more expensive, and more painful the eventual solution will be. Therefore, it is critical to have annual oral health visits with your dentist in Richardson, TX so he or she can diagnose and fix cavities right away.
THINGS YOU CAN USE TO HOLD OFF CAVITIES
By now, you've likely learned that it would be wiser (and cheaper) to avoid cavities to begin with. Though nobody is fully immune from developing cavities, there are multiple things everyone can do to maintain our teeth:
- PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
For those who are predisposed to having cavities or merely want to be more on top of preventing them, you should ask your dentist about recommendations for preventive treatments. Though they are usually suggested for younger patients, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments are often smart options for certain adults. Dental sealants are created with a clear, pliable coating that is placed on the back teeth to help control different types of cavities from developing in the rough top surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments assist in strengthening the enamel and warding off cavities. Usually, dental sealants and fluoride treatments are just covered by dental insurance for child patients, but it's an intelligent investment for adults who want to prevent cavities. - SCHEDULE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWICE PER YEAR
A sufficient home oral care routine is quite important in preventing cavities; however, having professional cleanings twice a year at a dentist's office in Richardson, TX is also essential. At your dental cleaning, a dental professional will skillfully scale your teeth to remove any spots of built-up plaque and tartar beneath the gumline. If you brush and floss the recommended amount, there will probably be very little buildup, but the majority of people will have a small amount, usually along the gumline or in spots that are tough to get to, such as the back teeth. Receiving twice yearly cleanings at the dentist will help in the elimination of buildup before it can develop into a cavity. You may also ask your hygienist to show you where they removed the most buildup so you can focus on these spots more closely when you brush at home. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER EVERY MEAL
Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride a minimum of twice a day or after every meal is one of the most important things you can do to ward off cavities. The most effective times to brush are in the morning after breakfast, as well as after your evening meal. This system will help with cleaning away food detritus and bacteria before they begin to develop into a cavity. While it's often not feasible to brush your teeth after eating lunch, you should still rinse your mouth with mouthwash. - FLOSS EACH DAY
Cavities may form between the teeth and along your gumline. Therefore, it's critical that you floss a minimum of once per day. Flossing removes the food detritus stuck in your teeth and promotes circulation in your gums. At your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or oral health care professional to show you the proper flossing technique to make sure that you obtain the most effectiveness from your oral health care routine.
AN ALTERNATIVE DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
If you eventually develop a cavity, it's important to get it treated as soon as possible with a composite resin filling at a dentist's office in Richardson, TX. If you would like to find a great dentist who offers advanced treatments like composite resin fillings, set up an appointment at MINT dentistry in Richardson City Line. Our staff of dental professionals can treat younger and older patients for any existing issues, help them prevent later issues, and keep their teeth beautiful.