Discover Composite Resin Fillings
A QUICK OUTLINE OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
Chances are, any time you are planning to go to your dentist in Waxahachie, TX, you're crossing your fingers that they won't say you have a cavity. However, almost everyone will get a cavity or two sometime. For those who've developed a cavity lately, it was likely handled with a tooth-colored filling. An innovative alternative to the old, metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings are formed from a composite resin substance that fills and closes off a cavity after the unhealthy area has been taken out. Unlike classic fillings, composite resin fillings match exceptionally well with your natural teeth to keep your smile looking beautiful. Because tooth-colored fillings are among the most frequent procedures done at MINT dentistry in Waxahachie, we want to cover a few of the most frequent questions people want to know about them.
HOW MUCH WILL I END UP PAYING FOR TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS?
An individual's price for a tooth-colored filling is influenced by many things. Two main factors are the extent of the cavity and whether any sedation is required. Treating a cavity is a quick procedure, which means it can usually be carried out with only local anesthesia in a brief appointment. Though, if you have dental fears or a severe gag reflex, dental sedation, for example, nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral sedation medication, is often a good idea. For individuals who carry dental insurance, the practice can check your coverage prior to charging you for the remaining amount. For those who don't have insurance, several dental practices in Waxahachie, TX offer affordable payment plans or accept low-interest medical financing. In most cases, it's less expensive to remedy a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to avoid the issue until it gets worse.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS IF YOU DON'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Deciding to ignore your dentist's detection of a cavity and recommendation to receive a tooth-colored filling can add up to more concerns and more expensive treatments in the future. In the event that a cavity becomes too extensive for a filling, the tooth can be remedied with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are larger than composite resin fillings but not as big as crowns. They are custom made to fit over the decayed area once it has been removed. In the event that the decay has made its way to the interior of the tooth, it's likely that a root canal will need to be performed. This procedure removes the compromised pulp deep within the tooth, and, usually, the tooth is then covered with personalized crown for protection. Putting off dental treatment can encourage the infection to move on to your other teeth, gums, and jawbone and, sooner or later, to get into your circulatory system and affect other areas of your body. Basically, the more you put off fixing a cavity, the more drawn out, more difficult, more expensive, and more uncomfortable the treatment will be. For this reason, it is critical to get yearly oral health visits with a dentist in Waxahachie, TX so they can diagnose and fix cavities early.
THINGS PATIENTS CAN IMPLEMENT TO PREVENT CAVITIES
By now, you've most certainly determined that it would be wiser (and less expensive) to head off cavities from the get go. While no one is totally immune from developing cavities, there are lots of things everyone can do to protect our teeth:
- FLOSS EACH DAY
Cavities sometimes develop between the teeth and against your gumline. That's why it's important that you floss at least once per day. Flossing extracts the debris stuck in your teeth and aids in stimulating blood 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 ensure that you obtain the maximum benefits from your oral hygiene routine. - SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES A YEAR
A consistent home oral health routine is really important in preventing cavities, but having professional cleanings twice a year at a dentist's office in Waxahachie, TX is also necessary. In your professional cleaning, the dental professional will meticulously scale your teeth to scrape off any spots of accumulated plaque and tartar beneath the gumline. If you brush and floss the recommended amount, there is typically very little accumulation, though most individuals will have a small amount, usually at the gumline or in spots that aren't easy to reach, for example, the back teeth. Having biannual cleanings at the dentist will assist in the elimination of plaque and tartar before it can develop into a problem. You could also request your hygienist to show you where he or she found the most buildup so you can focus on these areas more closely each time you brush at home. - CLEAN YOUR TEETH TWO TIMES EVERY DAY
Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride at least two times a day or after you eat is one of the most effective things you can do to prevent cavities. The most effective times to brush are right after you eat breakfast and again after dinner. This system will aid in getting rid of the food detritus and germs before they can produce a cavity. Though it's generally not feasible to brush your teeth after lunch, you can still rinse your mouth with mouthwash. - PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
For those who are predisposed to getting cavities or merely would like to be more on top of avoiding them, you can ask your dentist about suggestions for preventive care. While they are typically recommended for child and teen patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants may be effective choices for certain adults. Dental sealants are a clear, pliable coating that is put on the molars to help prevent pit and fissure cavities from occurring in the rough top surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments aid in reinforcing the enamel and preventing cavities. Often, dental sealants and fluoride treatments are just covered by dental insurance for younger patients, but it can be a wise investment for older patients who would like to prevent getting cavities.
AN INNOVATIVE DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
If you eventually develop a cavity, it's critical that you get it treated promptly with a tooth-colored filling at a dentist's office in Waxahachie, TX. If you are looking for a reputable dentist who provides advanced treatments like composite resin fillings, make an appointment at MINT dentistry in Waxahachie. Our remarkable group of dental professionals is able to treat patients of all ages for any current problems, help them prevent later issues, and keep their teeth healthy.