What You Should Know About Composite Resin Fillings
A QUICK REVIEW OF COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
Chances are, any time you have to go to your dental practitioner in Cedar Hill, TX, you're praying that they won't say you have a cavity. Actually, nearly everyone has had a cavity or two at some point. For those who've been diagnosed with a cavity recently, it was presumably filled with a tooth-colored filling. The modern new version of the old, alloy fillings, tooth-colored fillings are created with a composite resin material that fills and seals a cavity after the corroded part of the tooth has been eliminated. Unlike traditional fillings, composite resin fillings match gorgeously with your actual teeth to keep your smile looking great. Since tooth-colored fillings are among the most common procedures done at MINT dentistry in Cedar Hill, we want 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?
Your expense for a tooth-colored filling is determined by many factors. Two important issues are the measurement of the cavity and if sedation is required. Filling a cavity is a quick procedure; therefore, it can usually be done with just local anesthesia in a lunch-hour appointment. Though, if you have dental anxieties or an intense gag reflex, sedation, for example, nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, could be a good idea. For individuals who carry dental insurance, the dental office should confirm your coverage prior to charging you for the left-over amount. For those who don't carry insurance, many dental offices in Cedar Hill, TX offer affordable payment options or allow low-interest medical financing. In most cases, it's cheaper to remedy a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to neglect it until it gets bigger.
REPERCUSSIONS IF YOU DON'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Deciding to disregard your dentist's discovery of a cavity and recommendation to receive a composite resin filling can result in more concerns and more expensive solutions in the future. If a cavity grows too big for a composite resin filling, it will likely be repaired with either an inlay or onlay. These treatments are larger than fillings but smaller than crowns. Inlays and onlays are specially crafted to be cemented over the decayed area as soon as it has been cleaned. In the event that the decay has extended to the inside of the tooth, it's likely that a root canal will be needed. Root canal therapy removes the compromised pulp deep within the tooth, and, generally, the tooth is then covered with specialized crown for protection. Delaying medical treatment can encourage the infection to travel to the rest of your mouth and, ultimately, to get into your circulatory system and negatively influence your overall health. In summary, the more you avoid treating a cavity, the more drawn out, more extensive, more expensive, and more painful the eventual solution will be. This is why it is crucial to have annual oral health checkups with your dentist in Cedar Hill, TX so he or she can detect and fix cavities before they get worse.
THINGS PATIENTS CAN USE TO PREVENT CAVITIES
At this point, you've probably determined that it would be easier (and cheaper) to avoid cavities to begin with. While nobody is totally immune from getting cavities, there are multiple things we can do to maintain our teeth:
- BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
Cleaning your teeth with a toothpaste made with fluoride a minimum of two times every day or after every meal is one of the most helpful things you can do to ward off cavities. The key times to brush are in the morning after you eat breakfast, as well as after eating your evening meal. This routine will help with scrubbing off food particles and bacteria before they begin to lead to a cavity. While it's often not an option to brush your teeth after eating lunch, you should still rinse with mouthwash. - SCHEDULE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWICE PER YEAR
An appropriate home oral care regimen is really important in avoiding cavities, but going in for dental cleanings two times per year at a dentist's office in Cedar Hill, TX is also imperative. During your professional cleaning, your dental hygienist will thoroughly scale your enamel to clean away any areas of built-up plaque and tartar below your gumline. For those who brush and floss every day, there will probably be very little accumulation, but many individuals will have varying amounts, usually along the gumline or in areas that aren't easy to get to, such as the molars. Receiving biannual professional cleanings by the dentist will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar before it can develop into a cavity. You may also ask your hygienist to show you where he or she removed the most buildup so you can focus on these spots more closely when you brush at home. - PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
For those who are predisposed to having cavities or simply would like to be more diligent about preventing them, you might ask your dental practitioner about suggestions for preventive treatments. Though they are usually recommended for adolescent patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants may be effective choices for certain adults. Dental sealants are created with a clear, flexible material that is situated on the back teeth to help stop different types of cavities from developing in the uneven top surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments aid in hardening the enamel and preventing cavities. Usually, sealants and fluoride treatments are only included with dental insurance for adolescent and teen patients; however, it's a smart investment for adults who would like to prevent cavities. - FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities sometimes form between the teeth and at your gumline. That's why it's important that you floss a minimum of once every day. Flossing gets rid of any food particles stuck between your teeth and helps to stimulate circulation in your gum tissue. At your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or oral health care professional to show you the proper flossing technique to ensure that you get the most effectiveness from your daily routine.
AN ADVANCED DENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR CAVITIES
If you eventually get a cavity, it's crucial to get it treated right away with a tooth-colored filling at a dental practice in Cedar Hill, TX. If you are looking for an experienced dental practitioner who performs up-to-date treatments like tooth-colored fillings, schedule an appointment at MINT dentistry in Cedar Hill. Our experienced team of dental professionals is able to work with everyone for any existing concerns, help them head off future issues, and keep their smiles in top form.