Discover Composite Resin Fillings
A QUICK REVIEW OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
Chances are, every time you have to see your dental practitioner in North Richland Hills, TX, you're praying that he or she won't say you have a cavity. Actually, nearly everyone has had a cavity or two sometime. For those who've developed a cavity recently, it was likely handled with a tooth-colored filling. The modern alternative to the old, silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are produced with a composite resin compound that fills and closes off a cavity after the unhealthy part of the tooth has been taken out. Unlike metal amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings match almost invisibly with your natural teeth to keep them looking clean and sexy. Because tooth-colored fillings are one of the most common procedures required at MINT dentistry in North Richland Hills, we would like to cover a few of the more consistent questions people ask about them.
WHAT WILL I END UP PAYING FOR COMPOSITE RESIN CAVITY FILLINGS?
The expense for a composite resin filling is determined by many factors. Two main factors are the depth of the cavity and whether sedation will be needed. Treating a cavity is a minor procedure; therefore, it can usually be carried out with just local anesthesia in a short appointment. However, if you have dental fears or an intense gag reflex, sedation, like nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, might be a good idea. For patients who have dental insurance, the dentist should check your coverage prior to billing you for the remaining amount. For people who don't have dental insurance, many dental practitioners in North Richland Hills, TX offer affordable payment plans or take low-interest medical financing. For most patients, it's less expensive to treat a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to overlook it until it gets worse.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS IF YOU DON'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Deciding to ignore your dentist's diagnosis of a cavity and encouragement to have a tooth-colored filling can cause more problems and costlier treatments in the future. When a cavity becomes too large for a composite resin filling, it can be repaired with either an inlay or onlay. These treatments are bigger than composite resin fillings but not as big as crowns. Inlays and onlays are individually made to cover the decayed part of the tooth after it has been cleaned. In cases where the decay has reached the inside of the tooth, it's possible that a root canal will be required. This procedure removes the infected pulp inside the tooth, and, typically, the tooth is then covered with a tailor-made crown to seal it off. Not getting medical treatment can allow the infection to move on to the rest of your mouth and, eventually, to get into your circulatory system and negatively influence your body in general. In short, the more you avoid fixing a cavity, the more prolonged, more difficult, more costly, and more uncomfortable the treatment will be. Therefore, it is crucial to schedule yearly oral health exams with a dentist in North Richland Hills, TX so he or she can diagnose and fix cavities right away.
PRACTICES PATIENTS CAN IMPLEMENT TO PREVENT CAVITIES
At this point, you've probably realized that it is better (and cheaper) to avoid cavities to begin with. Despite the fact that no one is completely immune from developing cavities, there are several things we can do to maintain our teeth:
- FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities often develop between your teeth and against your gumline. That's why it's important that you floss at least once every day. Flossing gets rid of any debris stuck in your teeth and helps to stimulate blood circulation in your gums. At your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or oral health care professional to show you the appropriate flossing technique to make sure that you get the optimal benefits from your daily routine. - GET DENTAL CLEANINGS BI-ANNUALLY
A good home oral health system is really important in preventing cavities; however, scheduling dental cleanings twice a year at a dentist's office in North Richland Hills, TX is also imperative. During your dental cleaning, a dental hygienist will thoroughly scale your enamel to clean away any sections of built-up plaque and tartar beneath the gumline. Among individuals who brush and floss the recommended amount, there is generally very little plaque and tartar, but most people will have at least a little, usually at the gumline or in spots that aren't easy to reach, such as the molars. Receiving bi-annual dental cleanings from the dentist will facilitate the elimination of buildup before it turns into an area of decay. You might also ask your hygienist to tell you where they removed the most plaque and tartar so you can focus on these spots more closely when you clean your teeth at home. - CLEAN YOUR TEETH TWO TIMES EVERY DAY
Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste made with fluoride no less than twice every day or after every meal is one of the most effective things anyone can do to prevent cavities. The best times to brush are after breakfast, as well as after dinner. This routine will aid in getting rid of the food debris and bacteria before they begin to form a cavity. Though it's often not feasible to brush after lunch, you could still rinse your mouth with mouthwash. - PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
For those who are prone to getting cavities or simply would like to be more on top of avoiding them, you could ask your dental practitioner about options for preventive care. Though they are more often recommended for younger patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants can also be good choices for many adults. Dental sealants are made from a clear, malleable coating that is deposited onto the molars to help control pit and fissure cavities from forming in the rough crown surfaces of the back teeth. Professional fluoride treatments assist in strengthening the enamel and preventing cavities. Often, molar sealants and fluoride treatments are just included with dental insurance for adolescent and teen patients; however, it's a wise investment for adults who are looking to avoid developing cavities.
AN ALTERNATIVE DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
In the event that you unfortunately get a cavity, it's important to get it treated right away with a tooth-colored filling at a dentist's office in North Richland Hills, TX. If you are looking for a reputable dentist who provides innovative treatments such as tooth-colored fillings, schedule an appointment at MINT dentistry in North Richland Hills. Our incredible crew of dental professionals can work with younger and older patients for any existing concerns, help them avoid later problems, and keep their teeth beautiful.