Learn About Tooth-Colored Fillings
A QUICK REVIEW OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
Chances are, every time you need to visit your dental practitioner in Pearland, TX, you're crossing your fingers that he or she won't say you have a cavity. The truth is, almost everyone will develop a cavity or two sometime. For patients who've been diagnosed with a cavity recently, it was presumably filled with a tooth-colored filling. The modern new version of the traditional alloy fillings, tooth-colored fillings are created with a composite resin compound that fills and seals a cavity after the compromised area has been removed. Unlike classic fillings, tooth-colored fillings match gorgeously with your natural teeth to keep them looking beautiful. Since tooth-colored fillings are among the top procedures conducted at MINT dentistry in Pearland - Coming Soon!, we want to go over some of the most frequent questions people have about them.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO PAY FOR TOOTH-COLORED CAVITY FILLINGS?
Your expense for a tooth-colored filling is determined by many factors. Two important factors are the depth of the cavity and if sedation will be required. Treating a cavity is a routine procedure; therefore, it can generally be performed with only local anesthesia in a brief appointment. However, if you have dental anxieties or an intense gag reflex, sedation, like nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral sedation medication, might be recommended. For people who carry dental insurance, the dentist should confirm your coverage prior to charging you for the left-over amount. For patients who don't have insurance, several dentists in Pearland, TX offer manageable payment plans or allow low-interest medical financing. In general, it's less expensive to treat a cavity with a composite resin filling than to overlook it until it gets bigger.
FUTURE ISSUES IF A PATIENT DOESN'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Choosing to ignore your dentist's discovery of a cavity and recommendation to receive a tooth-colored filling can result in more pain and costlier remedies in the future. When a cavity grows too large for a composite resin filling, it will likely be restored with either an inlay or onlay. These treatments are larger than fillings but not as big as crowns. They are individually made to fit over the decayed part of the tooth after it has been prepared. In the event that the decay has made its way to the interior of the tooth, it's likely that a root canal will have to be done. A root canal removes the compromised pulp deep within the tooth, and, generally, the tooth is then covered with a custom crown to prevent future damage. Putting off professional treatment can cause the infection to spread to your other teeth, gums, and jawbone and, in the end, to get into your circulatory system and impact your overall health. In summary, the more you avoid fixing a cavity, the more protracted, more invasive, more costly, and more unpleasant the treatment will be. For this reason, it is necessary to get yearly oral health checkups with your dentist in Pearland, TX so he or she can detect and fix cavities right away.
STEPS PATIENTS CAN IMPLEMENT TO PREVENT CAVITIES
By now, you've probably learned that it is wiser (and less expensive) to avoid cavities altogether. Despite the fact that nobody is totally immune from getting cavities, there are a few important things everyone can do to protect our teeth:
- HAVE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES A YEAR
An appropriate home oral health system is quite important in avoiding cavities; however, getting dental cleanings twice yearly at a dental practice in Pearland, TX is also key. At your professional cleaning, the dental hygienist will meticulously scale your teeth to remove any areas of accumulated plaque and tartar below the gumline. If you brush and floss every day, there will probably be very little buildup, though most patients will have some, usually along the gumline or in places that are difficult to get to, for example, the molars. Getting biannual professional cleanings at your dentist will ease the removal of accumulated debris before it can develop into an area of decay. You might also request your dental practitioner to tell you where he or she cleared away the most buildup so you can focus on these areas more closely when you clean your teeth at home. - CLEAN YOUR TEETH AFTER EVERY MEAL
Brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste at least twice every day or after every meal is one of the most valuable things anyone can do to keep from getting cavities. The most effective times to brush are after you eat breakfast, as well as after having your evening meal. This routine will help with getting rid of the food particles and germs before they begin to develop into a cavity. Though it's typically not convenient to brush your teeth after lunch, you can still rinse with mouthwash. - FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities also form between the teeth and against your gumline. Therefore, it's crucial that you floss at least once every day. Flossing extracts any debris stuck between your teeth and promotes circulation in your gums. At your next professional cleaning, ask your dentist or oral health care professional to show you the proper flossing technique to make sure that you get the optimal effectiveness from your daily routine. - PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
If you are genetically susceptible to having cavities or merely would like to be more diligent about avoiding them, you could ask your dentist about options for preventive treatments. Though they are typically recommended for child and teen patients, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments may be smart choices for some adults. Dental sealants are created with a clear, malleable material that is deposited onto the molars to help stop different types of cavities from developing in the uneven crown surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments help in fortifying the enamel and preventing cavities. Typically, sealants and fluoride treatments are just paid for by dental insurance for child patients, but it's a wise investment for adults who want to avoid ending up with cavities.
AN INNOVATIVE DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
If you eventually develop a cavity, it's critical that you have it treated as soon as possible with a tooth-colored filling at a dental practice in Pearland, TX. If you are searching for an experienced dentist who offers innovative treatments such as composite resin fillings, schedule an appointment at MINT dentistry in Pearland - Coming Soon!. Our experienced team of dental professionals can treat everyone for any current issues, help them head off later issues, and keep their teeth in great shape.