Learn About Tooth-Colored Fillings
A QUICK REVIEW OF COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
Chances are, every time you are scheduled to visit your dental practitioner in Pasadena, TX, you're crossing your fingers that he or she won't say you have a cavity. In fact, nearly everyone will get a cavity or two sometime. For patients who've been treated for a cavity recently, it was likely filled with a tooth-colored filling. The current alternative to the old, metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite resin material that fills and seals a cavity after the corroded area has been taken out. Unlike classic fillings, tooth-colored fillings mix in almost invisibly with your own teeth to keep your smile looking beautiful. Because tooth-colored fillings are among the most common procedures performed at MINT dentistry in Pasadena, we thought we should cover some of the more consistent questions people want to know about them.
HOW MUCH WILL I END UP PAYING FOR COMPOSITE RESIN CAVITY FILLINGS?
The cost for a composite resin filling is influenced by many things. Two important factors are the extent of the cavity and whether sedation will be necessary. Filling a cavity is a minor procedure, which means it can generally be performed with only local anesthesia in a lunch-hour appointment. However, if you have dental fears or an intense gag reflex, dental sedation, like nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, is sometimes suggested. For those who have dental insurance, the dental office should verify your coverage before charging you for the left-over amount. For those who don't have dental insurance, several practices in Pasadena, TX offer affordable payment plans or take low-interest medical financing. In general, it's less expensive to fix a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to ignore it until it gets bigger.
FUTURE ISSUES IF A PATIENT DOESN'T GET A NEEDED FILLING
Deciding to disregard your dentist's diagnosis of a cavity and recommendation to have a tooth-colored filling can result in more pain and costlier solutions in the future. When a cavity grows too extensive for a composite resin filling, it can be repaired with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are more expansive than composite resin fillings but not as big as crowns. They are designed to be cemented over the decayed area as soon as it has been cleaned. If the decay has extended to the interior of the tooth, it's possible that a root canal will have to be done. Root canal therapy removes the compromised pulp inside the tooth, and, generally, the tooth is then covered with personalized crown to seal it off. Avoiding professional treatment can allow the infection to move on to your other teeth, gums, and jawbone and, ultimately, to get into your circulatory system and impact your whole body. In short, the longer you avoid treating a cavity, the more prolonged, more difficult, more costly, and more unpleasant the treatment will be. For this reason, it is critical to schedule annual oral health checkups with your dentist in Pasadena, TX so he or she can diagnose and treat cavities early.
ROUTINES YOU CAN USE TO PREVENT CAVITIES
By now, you've most certainly learned that it is better (and less expensive) to prevent cavities altogether. Despite the fact that no one is fully immune from ending up with cavities, there are a few important things we can do to protect the health of our teeth:
- BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
Brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste no less than two times per day or after you eat is one of the most helpful things you can do to keep from getting cavities. The most effective times to brush your teeth are after having breakfast, as well as after having your evening meal. This routine will help with getting rid of the food debris and bacteria before they start to lead to a cavity. Though it's generally not easy to brush your teeth after lunch, you should still rinse with mouthwash. - PREVENTIVE OPTIONS
For those who are prone to getting cavities or simply would like to be more proactive in preventing them, you should ask your dentist about recommendations for preventive care. Though they are usually recommended for younger patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants are often smart options for some adults. Dental sealants are a clear, malleable coating that is situated on the back teeth to help stop different types of cavities from developing in the irregular crown surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments help in strengthening the enamel and preventing cavities. Usually, sealants and professional fluoride treatments are just paid for by dental insurance for adolescent and teen patients; however, it can be an intelligent investment for adults who are looking to avoid ending up with cavities. - FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities also develop between your teeth and along your gumline. That's why it's important that you floss a minimum of once per day. Flossing gets rid of any food particles stuck in your teeth and helps to stimulate blood circulation in your gums. When you have your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or oral health care professional to show you the appropriate flossing technique so that you obtain the optimal benefits from your oral hygiene routine. - GET PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES A YEAR
An appropriate home oral health regimen is quite important in preventing cavities; however, getting dental cleanings at least two times per year at a dentist's office in Pasadena, TX is also critical. In your dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will thoroughly scale your enamel to scrape off any sections of built-up plaque and tartar below your gumline. Among individuals who brush and floss the recommended amount, there will likely be very little plaque and tartar, but the majority of patients will have a small amount, generally along the gumline or in places that are difficult to reach, such as the molars. Having biannual dental cleanings by your dentist will aid in the removal of buildup before it can develop into an area of decay. You can also ask your hygienist to show you where he or she found the most buildup so you can pay attention to these areas more closely while you brush at home.
A NEWER DENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR CAVITIES
In the event that you happen to end up with a cavity, you should get it treated promptly with a tooth-colored filling at a dental practice in Pasadena, TX. If you need an experienced dentist who offers modern treatments such as tooth-colored fillings, make an appointment at MINT dentistry in Pasadena. Our team of dental professionals can treat younger and older patients for any existing issues, help them head off future issues, and keep their smiles healthy and attractive.