Learn About Composite Resin Fillings
A BRIEF LOOK AT COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
Chances are, any time you need to go to your dentist in DeSoto, TX, you're crossing your fingers that they won't say you have a cavity. Actually, almost everyone will develop a cavity or two at some point. For patients who've been treated for a cavity recently, it was likely taken care of with a tooth-colored filling. An innovative alternative to the traditional silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are molded out of a composite resin material that fills and closes off a cavity after the unhealthy area has been taken out. Unlike older fillings, tooth-colored fillings blend exceptionally well with your own teeth to keep your smile looking great. Because tooth-colored fillings are among the most common procedures required at MINT dentistry in DeSoto, we would like to cover a number of the more routine questions people have about them.
HOW MUCH WILL I NEED TO PAY FOR TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS?
Your expense for a tooth-colored filling is determined by many factors. Two main factors are the measurement of the cavity and whether any sedation is required. Filling a cavity is a minor procedure; therefore, it can generally be done with only local anesthesia in a brief appointment. Though, if you suffer from dental fears or a severe gag reflex, dental sedation, like nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, could be recommended. For patients who have dental insurance, the practice should vet your coverage before billing you for the residual amount. If you don't carry insurance, many dental offices in DeSoto, TX offer flexible payment options or take low-interest medical financing. For most patients, it's cheaper to remedy a cavity with a composite resin filling than to neglect the problem until it gets bigger.
OUTCOMES IF YOU DON'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Deciding to ignore your dentist's detection of a cavity and encouragement to receive a composite resin filling can result in more concerns and more expensive remedies in the future. In the event that a cavity becomes too severe for a filling, the tooth will likely be treated with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are bigger than composite resin fillings but smaller than crowns. Inlays and onlays are custom made to fit over the decayed part of the tooth once it has been cleaned. In cases where the decay has gotten to the inside of the tooth, it's likely that a root canal will be needed. A root canal extracts the compromised pulp inside the tooth, and, generally, the tooth is then fitted with a tailor-made crown for protection. Delaying medical treatment can cause the infection to extend to your other teeth, gums, and jawbone and, ultimately, to enter your bloodstream and impact your body in general. Basically, the more you avoid fixing a cavity, the more protracted, more extensive, more expensive, and more uncomfortable the eventual solution will be. Therefore, it is necessary to get yearly oral health visits with a dentist in DeSoto, TX so he or she can diagnose and treat cavities right away.
THINGS YOU CAN IMPLEMENT TO HOLD OFF CAVITIES
By now, you've probably determined that it would be smarter (and less expensive) to avoid cavities from the get go. Despite the fact that nobody is totally immune from ending up with cavities, there are many things everyone can do to maintain our teeth:
- PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
For those who are genetically susceptible to having cavities or just would like to be more proactive in avoiding them, you could ask your dental practitioner about options for preventive treatments. Though they are typically suggested for adolescent patients, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments are often smart choices for some adults. Dental sealants are made from a clear, flexible material that is situated on the back teeth to help stop pit and fissure cavities from forming in the rough crown surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments aid in strengthening the enamel and warding off cavities. Generally, sealants and fluoride treatments are only covered by dental insurance for adolescent and teen patients, but it's a smart investment for older patients who would like to prevent developing cavities. - BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste made with fluoride no less than two times every day or after you eat is one of the most helpful things you can do to avoid cavities. The most effective times to brush your teeth are right after having breakfast, as well as after having dinner. This system will help with cleaning away food particles and germs before they can lead to a cavity. Though it's often not easy to brush your teeth after having lunch, you can still rinse your mouth with mouthwash. - HAVE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWICE PER YEAR
An effective home oral care system is particularly important in avoiding cavities; however, going in for dental cleanings twice a year at a dental practice in DeSoto, TX is also critical. During your dental cleaning, the dental professional will meticulously scale your teeth to clean away any areas of accumulated plaque and tartar beneath the gumline. If you brush and floss the recommended amount, there is generally very little accumulation, though the majority of individuals will have some, usually along the gumline or in places that are hard to get to, for example, the molars. Getting twice yearly dental cleanings by your dentist will help in the elimination of plaque and tartar before it can develop into a cavity. You might also ask your hygienist to tell you where they cleared away the most plaque and tartar so you can focus on these spots more closely while you brush at home. - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Cavities often occur between your teeth and along your gumline. That's why it's crucial that you floss a minimum of once per day. Flossing gets rid of any food particles stuck between your teeth and helps to stimulate circulation in your gum tissue. When you have your next professional cleaning, ask your dentist or someone on his or her team to demonstrate the best flossing technique to make sure that you get the maximum effectiveness from your daily routine.
AN INNOVATIVE DENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR CAVITIES
If you ever get a cavity, it's critical that you get it treated as soon as possible with a tooth-colored filling at a dentist's office in DeSoto, TX. If you would like to find an experienced dental practitioner who offers up-to-date treatments such as composite resin fillings, set up an appointment at MINT dentistry in DeSoto. Our staff of dental professionals can work with younger and older patients for any existing issues, help them avoid later problems, and keep their smiles clean and dazzling.