Learn About Tooth-Colored Fillings
A QUICK RUNDOWN OF COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
Chances are, any time you have to visit your dental practitioner in Houston, TX, you're hoping that he or she won't say you have a cavity. In fact, almost everyone will develop a cavity or two at some point. If you've been diagnosed with a cavity lately, it was likely addressed with a tooth-colored filling. The current alternative to the traditional silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are created with a composite resin material that fills and closes off a cavity after the compromised area has been eliminated. Unlike classic fillings, tooth-colored fillings blend exceptionally well with your own teeth to keep them looking flawless. Considering that tooth-colored fillings are one of the most common procedures required at MINT dentistry in Houston Greenway, we thought we should discuss some of the most routine questions people want to know about them.
HOW MUCH WILL I END UP PAYING FOR TOOTH-COLORED CAVITY FILLINGS?
Your expense for a tooth-colored filling is based on many factors. Two major issues are the size of the cavity and if sedation is necessary. Treating a cavity is a noninvasive procedure; therefore, it can usually be carried out with only local anesthesia in a short appointment. Though, if you experience dental fears or an intense gag reflex, dental sedation, such as nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral sedation medication, may be suggested. For patients who carry dental insurance, the practice can check your coverage before billing you for the left-over amount. For people who don't have insurance, a lot of practices in Houston, TX offer affordable payment options or take low-interest medical financing. Almost invariably, it's cheaper to treat a cavity with a composite resin filling than to overlook it until it gets bigger.
OUTCOMES IF YOU DON'T GET A PRESCRIBED FILLING
Deciding to ignore your dentist's diagnosis of a cavity and encouragement to get a tooth-colored filling can cause more pain and costlier remedies in the long run. In the event that a cavity grows too deep for a composite resin filling, it will likely be restored with either an inlay or onlay. These treatments are larger than composite resin fillings but not as big as crowns. Inlays and onlays are custom made to be cemented over the decayed part of the tooth once it has been prepared. In cases where the decay has gotten to the inside of the tooth, it's likely that a root canal will need to be performed. A root canal removes the compromised pulp inside the tooth, and, in most cases, the tooth is then covered with specialized crown to seal it off. Avoiding medical treatment can encourage the infection to travel to the rest of your mouth and, eventually, to enter your circulatory system and affect other areas of your body. In summary, the more you delay fixing a cavity, the more protracted, more invasive, more costly, and more painful the eventual solution will be. For this reason, it is extremely important to schedule yearly oral health exams with your dentist in Houston, TX so they can diagnose and fix cavities early.
THINGS PATIENTS CAN IMPLEMENT TO PREVENT CAVITIES
At this point, you've most certainly learned that it is wiser (and cheaper) to head off cavities to begin with. Despite the fact that nobody is totally immune from ending up with cavities, there are several things everyone can do to safeguard our teeth:
- GET PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS BIANNUALLY
A sufficient home oral health regimen is very important in preventing cavities; however, getting professional cleanings twice yearly at a dentist's office in Houston, TX is also necessary. At your professional cleaning, your dental professional will thoroughly scale your teeth to remove any spots of built-up plaque and tartar under the gumline. Among individuals who brush and floss the recommended amount, there will likely be very little accumulation, but many individuals will have varying amounts, usually along the gumline or in areas that are tough to reach, such as the back teeth. Getting twice yearly cleanings by the dentist will assist in the elimination of accumulated debris before it turns into a cavity. You could also request your hygienist to show you where they found the most buildup so you can pay attention to these areas more closely when you clean your teeth at home. - PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
If you are prone to having cavities or merely want to be more diligent about avoiding them, you might ask your dentist about recommendations for preventive treatments. While they are usually suggested for adolescent patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants are often good options for some adults. Dental sealants are made from a transparent, flexible material that is placed on the molars to help prevent different types of cavities from forming in the uneven crown surfaces of the back teeth. Professional fluoride treatments help in hardening the enamel and preventing cavities. Typically, molar sealants and fluoride treatments are only covered by dental insurance for adolescent and teen patients, but it's an intelligent investment for adults who are looking to avoid cavities. - CLEAN YOUR TEETH AFTER EVERY MEAL
Cleaning your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste no less than two times per day or after you eat is one of the most important things people can do to defend against cavities. The key times to brush your teeth are right after breakfast and again after having supper. This routine will help with scrubbing off food detritus and bacteria before they start to produce a cavity. Though it's generally not convenient to brush your teeth after having lunch, you can still rinse your mouth with mouthwash. - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Cavities can occur between the teeth and at your gumline. Therefore, it's critical that you floss at least once every day. Flossing gets rid of any debris stuck in your teeth and aids in stimulating blood circulation in your gums. During your next professional cleaning, ask your dentist or someone on his or her team to demonstrate the appropriate flossing technique so that you obtain the most effectiveness from your oral hygiene routine.
AN INNOVATIVE DENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR CAVITIES
In the event that you ever develop a cavity, you should get it treated right away with a tooth-colored filling at a dental practice in Houston, TX. If you are searching for a great dentist who offers state-of-the-art treatments like composite resin fillings, schedule an appointment at MINT dentistry in Houston Greenway. Our staff of dental professionals is happy to treat younger and older patients for any current concerns, help them avoid later concerns, and keep their teeth healthy and attractive.