Discover Tooth-Colored Fillings
A BRIEF REVIEW OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
It's likely that, any time you need to go to your dental practitioner in Mesquite, TX, you're praying that they won't find a cavity. Not surprisingly, almost everyone will have a cavity or two at some point. For patients who've developed a cavity recently, it was likely taken care of with a tooth-colored filling. The modern alternative to the old, alloy fillings, tooth-colored fillings are molded out of a composite resin material that fills and seals a cavity after the compromised part of the tooth has been taken out. Unlike metal amalgam fillings, composite resin fillings mix in perfectly with your actual teeth to keep your smile looking flawless. Because tooth-colored fillings are among the most frequent procedures requested at MINT dentistry in Mesquite, we thought we should review a number of the most regular questions our patients ask about them.
HOW MUCH WILL I END UP PAYING FOR COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS?
A person's expense for a composite resin filling is based on many factors. Two important factors are the measurement of the cavity and whether any sedation will be needed. Treating a cavity is a minor procedure, which means it can usually be completed with just local anesthesia in a lunch-hour appointment. However, if you suffer from dental fears or a severe gag reflex, dental sedation, like nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral sedation medication, is often recommended. If you have dental insurance, the dental office can confirm your coverage before billing you for the residual amount. For those who don't carry dental insurance, several dental practitioners in Mesquite, TX offer manageable payment options or take low-interest medical financing. In most cases, it's less expensive to remedy a cavity with a composite resin filling than to avoid it until it gets bigger.
OUTCOMES IF A PATIENT DOESN'T GET A NEEDED FILLING
Opting to disregard your dentist's diagnosis of a cavity and recommendation to receive a composite resin filling can end up causing more problems and costlier treatments in the future. In the event that a cavity grows too large for a tooth-colored filling, the tooth will likely be restored with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are bigger 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 removed. In the event that the decay has spread to the inside of the tooth, it's likely that a root canal will have to be done. This procedure extracts the compromised pulp inside the tooth, and, generally, the tooth is then fitted with an individually designed crown to prevent future damage. Avoiding medical treatment can encourage the infection to branch out to your other teeth, gums, and jawbone and, eventually, to enter your circulatory system and impact other areas of your body. In summary, the longer you avoid fixing a cavity, the more protracted, more extensive, more expensive, and more painful the treatment will be. This is why it is imperative to have yearly oral health visits with a dentist in Mesquite, TX so they can find and fix cavities early.
ROUTINES YOU CAN IMPLEMENT TO AVOID CAVITIES
By now, you've probably figured out that it would be wiser (and cheaper) to prevent cavities to begin with. Though nobody is completely immune from ending up with cavities, there are a few important things everyone can do to maintain the health of our teeth:
- CLEAN YOUR TEETH AFTER EVERY MEAL
Cleaning your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste at least twice every day or after you eat is one of the most valuable things people can do to prevent cavities. The most effective times to brush your teeth are after breakfast and again after your evening meal. This regimen will aid in scrubbing off food detritus and germs before they start to lead to a cavity. Though it's often not practical to brush after lunch, you can still rinse with mouthwash. - HAVE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWICE PER YEAR
A consistent home oral care routine is really important in preventing cavities; however, getting dental cleanings at least twice a year at a dental practice in Mesquite, TX is also key. During your dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will skillfully scale your enamel to remove any spots of accumulated plaque and tartar below your gumline. For those who brush and floss the recommended amount, there is typically very little buildup, but many patients will have at least a little, typically at the gumline or in places that are challenging to reach, such as the back teeth. Getting twice yearly professional cleanings by your dentist will help in the elimination of buildup before it can develop into an area of decay. You can also ask your dental practitioner to show you where he or she cleared away the most buildup so you can focus on these areas more closely when you clean your teeth at home. - PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
For those who are genetically susceptible to having cavities or just would like to be more diligent about avoiding them, you can ask your dental practitioner about options for preventive treatments. Though they are typically suggested for younger patients, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments could also be effective options for some adults. Dental sealants are made from a transparent, pliable material that is deposited onto the back teeth to help prevent different types of cavities from developing in the irregular crown surfaces of the back teeth. Professional fluoride treatments aid in reinforcing the enamel and warding off cavities. For the most part, dental sealants and fluoride treatments are only paid for by dental insurance for adolescent and teen patients; however, it can be a wise investment for older patients who are looking to avoid getting cavities. - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Cavities may develop between your teeth and against your gumline. That's why it's crucial that you floss a minimum of once every day. Flossing extracts any food detritus stuck in your teeth and aids in stimulating blood circulation in your gums. At your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or someone on his or her team to demonstrate the proper flossing technique to ensure that you get the most benefits from your oral health care routine.
A NEWER DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
If you do end up with a cavity, it's critical that you have it treated as soon as possible with a tooth-colored filling at a dental practice in Mesquite, TX. If you are searching for a great dental practitioner who offers modern treatments like tooth-colored fillings, set up an appointment at MINT dentistry in Mesquite. Our team of dental professionals is happy to work with patients of all ages for any current issues, help them avoid future issues, and keep their teeth in great shape.