Learn About Composite Resin Fillings
A BRIEF RUNDOWN OF COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
Chances are, every time you are planning to go to your dental practitioner in Dallas, TX, you're praying that they won't discover a cavity. Actually, nearly everyone will get a cavity or two at some point. For those who've had a cavity recently, it was likely addressed with a tooth-colored filling. The current new version of the old, metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings are produced with a composite resin substance that fills and seals a cavity after the corroded part of the tooth has been eliminated. Unlike classic fillings, tooth-colored fillings blend almost invisibly with your natural teeth to keep them looking clean and sexy. Because tooth-colored fillings are among the top procedures required at MINT dentistry in Uptown, we want to go over some of the more consistent questions people have about them.
HOW MUCH WILL I NEED TO PAY FOR COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS?
A person's expense for a composite resin filling is based on many things. Two major issues are the diameter of the cavity and if sedation is required. Treating a cavity is a noninvasive procedure; therefore, it can usually be performed with just local anesthesia in a lunch-hour appointment. However, 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. If you carry dental insurance, the dental office should make sure of your coverage before billing you for the residual amount. For those who don't carry insurance, many dental offices in Dallas, TX offer flexible payment plans or allow low-interest medical financing. Almost invariably, it's cheaper to treat a cavity with a composite resin filling than to disregard the issue until it gets bigger.
REPERCUSSIONS IF A PATIENT DOESN'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Choosing to ignore your dentist's detection of a cavity and recommendation to have a tooth-colored filling can lead to more problems and more expensive solutions in the long run. In the event that a cavity becomes too large for a filling, it may be addressed with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are more expansive than tooth-colored fillings but less substantial than crowns. Inlays and onlays are designed to fit over the decayed area as soon as it has been prepared. In the event that the decay has gotten to the inside of the tooth, it's possible that a root canal will be necessary. A root canal extracts the infected pulp inside the tooth, and, usually, the tooth is then fitted with an individually designed crown to seal it off. Not getting professional treatment can allow the infection to spread to your other teeth, gums, and jawbone and, eventually, to get into your circulatory system and affect your overall health. In short, the longer you put off fixing a cavity, the longer, more extensive, more expensive, and more painful the eventual solution will be. Therefore, it is critical to schedule yearly oral health exams with your dentist in Dallas, TX so they can diagnose and treat cavities early.
THINGS PATIENTS CAN IMPLEMENT TO HOLD OFF CAVITIES
At this point, you've likely figured out that it is wiser (and cheaper) to head off cavities to begin with. Despite the fact that nobody is totally immune from developing cavities, there are a few important things we can do to maintain our teeth:
- SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS BIANNUALLY
An appropriate home oral health routine is quite important in avoiding cavities; however, having professional cleanings at least twice a year at a dental practice in Dallas, TX is also necessary. At your professional cleaning, the dental hygienist will meticulously scale your enamel to clean away any sections of built-up plaque and tartar below your gumline. Among individuals who brush and floss every day, there is generally very little plaque and tartar, but the majority of individuals will have varying amounts, usually at the gumline or in places that are hard to reach, for example, the back teeth. Having biannual cleanings by your dentist will aid in the removal of accumulated debris before it can develop into a problem. You may also ask your dental professional to show you where they found the most plaque and tartar so you can concentrate on these areas more closely when you clean your teeth at home. - PROACTIVE OPTIONS
If you are genetically susceptible to getting cavities or simply would like to be more on top of preventing them, you should ask your dental practitioner about recommendations for preventive care. Though they are more often suggested for younger patients, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments could also be smart options for some adults. Dental sealants are a clear, pliable material that is placed on the molars to help control different types of cavities from occurring in the rough crown surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments help in fortifying the enamel and warding off cavities. For the most part, sealants and professional fluoride treatments are just included with dental insurance for younger patients, but it can be an intelligent investment for older patients who are looking to prevent ending up with cavities. - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Cavities sometimes occur between the teeth and against your gumline. Therefore, it's critical that you floss at least once per day. Flossing extracts any food detritus stuck in your teeth and aids in stimulating blood circulation in your gums. During your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the proper flossing technique to ensure that you obtain the optimal effectiveness from your oral health care routine. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER EVERY MEAL
Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride no less than twice a day or after every meal is one of the best things people can do to prevent cavities. The key times to brush are right after having breakfast, as well as after dinner. This system will aid in removing food particles and bacteria before they begin to create a cavity. While it's often not feasible to brush your teeth after lunch, you should still rinse with mouthwash.
A NEWER DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
If you ever develop a cavity, it's important to have it treated right away with a tooth-colored filling at a dental practice in Dallas, TX. If you are in the market for an experienced dental practitioner who offers modern treatments such as composite resin fillings, make an appointment at MINT dentistry in Uptown. Our team of dental professionals is able to work with patients of all ages for any existing issues, help them prevent later issues, and keep their smiles beautiful.