What You Should Know About Tooth-Colored Fillings
A BRIEF REVIEW OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
Odds are, any time you need to visit your dental practitioner in Houston, TX, you're praying that he or she won't discover a cavity. In fact, nearly everyone will get a cavity or two at some point. If you've had a cavity recently, it was likely treated with a tooth-colored filling. The current alternative to the traditional alloy fillings, tooth-colored fillings are formed from a composite resin material that fills and closes off a cavity after the unhealthy part of the tooth has been removed. Unlike traditional fillings, composite resin fillings match gorgeously with your own teeth to keep them looking healthy and attractive. Since tooth-colored fillings are one of the most common procedures performed at MINT dentistry in East Houston, we would like to cover a number of the more consistent questions people have about them.
WHAT WILL I END UP PAYING FOR TOOTH-COLORED CAVITY FILLINGS?
The expense for a tooth-colored filling is determined by many things. Two important factors are the extent of the cavity and if sedation is necessary. Filling a cavity is a quick procedure, so it can generally be conducted with just local anesthesia in a short appointment. Though, if you suffer from dental anxieties or an intense gag reflex, sedation, such as nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, is often suggested. If you carry dental insurance, the dentist can make sure of your coverage prior to billing you for the left-over amount. For people who don't carry dental insurance, a lot of practices in Houston, TX offer affordable payment plans or take low-interest medical financing. Typically, it's less expensive to remedy a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to overlook it until it gets worse.
FUTURE ISSUES IF YOU DON'T GET A PRESCRIBED FILLING
Deciding to ignore your dentist's diagnosis of a cavity and recommendation to receive a composite resin filling can result in more concerns and more expensive treatments in the long run. When a cavity grows too extensive for a composite resin filling, the tooth will likely be addressed with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are larger than composite resin fillings but smaller than crowns. Inlays and onlays are specially crafted to be cemented over the decayed part of the tooth after it has been removed. In cases where the decay has gotten to the pulp of the tooth, it's likely that a root canal will need to be performed. Root canal therapy removes the compromised pulp inside the tooth, and, typically, the tooth is then fitted with personalized crown to prevent future damage. Delaying professional treatment can allow the infection to move on to the rest of your mouth and, in the end, to get into your bloodstream and impact your whole body. Basically, the longer you put off treating a cavity, the more prolonged, more difficult, more expensive, and more uncomfortable the treatment will be. This is why it is crucial to get yearly oral health checkups with your dentist in Houston, TX so he or she can diagnose and treat cavities before they get worse.
THINGS PATIENTS CAN IMPLEMENT TO PREVENT CAVITIES
At this point, you've probably learned that it is easier (and cheaper) to prevent cavities from the get go. Though no one is completely immune from getting cavities, there are many things everyone can do to safeguard our teeth:
- HAVE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES A YEAR
A consistent home oral care regimen is quite important in preventing cavities, but receiving professional cleanings twice yearly at a dentist's office in Houston, TX is also necessary. In your dental cleaning, a dental professional will skillfully scale your enamel to remove any areas of built-up plaque and tartar below your gumline. Among individuals who brush and floss every day, there will probably be very little accumulation, though the majority of individuals will have a bit, generally at the gumline or in areas that are hard to reach, like the molars. Getting biannual dental cleanings at the dentist will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar before it turns into a problem. You can also ask your dental professional to tell you where he or she cleared away the most plaque and tartar so you can focus on these spots more closely when you clean your teeth at home. - PROACTIVE TREATMENTS
If you are genetically susceptible to getting cavities or just want to be more diligent about preventing them, you should ask your dentist about options for preventive treatments. Though they are more often suggested for child and teen patients, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments could also be good choices for many adults. Dental sealants are a clear, flexible coating that is situated on the back teeth to help prevent pit and fissure cavities from occurring in the irregular crown surfaces of the back teeth. Professional fluoride treatments aid in reinforcing the enamel and preventing cavities. For the most part, dental sealants and fluoride treatments are just covered by dental insurance for adolescent and teen patients; however, it can be an intelligent investment for adults who are looking to avoid cavities. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER EVERY MEAL
Cleaning your teeth with a toothpaste made with fluoride no less than two times per day or after every meal is one of the most valuable things people can do to keep from getting cavities. The most effective times to brush your teeth are after you eat breakfast and again after dinner. This habit will help with removing food detritus and germs before they start to develop into a cavity. While it's generally not practical to brush your teeth after having lunch, you can still rinse your mouth with mouthwash. - FLOSS EACH DAY
Cavities also occur between the teeth and against your gumline. Therefore, it's important that you floss a minimum of once per day. Flossing gets rid of any food detritus stuck between your teeth and promotes blood circulation in your gums. During your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the proper flossing technique to ensure that you get the most benefits from your oral health care routine.
AN ALTERNATIVE DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
In the event that you ever end up with a cavity, you should get it treated right away with a composite resin filling at a dentist's office in Houston, TX. If you are searching for a great dental practitioner who offers modern treatments such as composite resin fillings, set up an appointment at MINT dentistry in East Houston. Our incredible crew of dental professionals is able to work with younger and older patients for any current concerns, help them prevent future issues, and keep their teeth looking great.