Discover Tooth-Colored Fillings
A SHORT RUNDOWN OF COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
It's likely that, any time you are scheduled to see your dentist in Galveston, TX, you're praying that he or she won't find a cavity. Not surprisingly, almost everyone will get a cavity or two sometime. For those who've developed a cavity recently, it was presumably filled with a tooth-colored filling. The modern new version of the traditional metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings are molded out of a composite resin compound that fills and seals a cavity after the compromised area has been removed. Unlike older fillings, tooth-colored fillings mix in perfectly with your natural teeth to keep your smile looking great. Since tooth-colored fillings are one of the most frequent procedures conducted at MINT dentistry in Galveston, we want to cover some of the more frequent questions our patients want to know about them.
HOW MUCH WILL I END UP PAYING FOR TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS?
A patient's price for a tooth-colored filling is determined by many factors. Two important issues are the depth of the cavity and whether sedation will be required. Filling a cavity is a noninvasive procedure, which means it can usually be done with just local anesthesia in a lunch-hour appointment. Though, if you are affected by dental fears or an intense gag reflex, dental sedation, such as nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, could be suggested. For people who carry dental insurance, the practice can vet your coverage before charging you for the residual amount. For individuals who don't have dental insurance, several dental offices in Galveston, TX offer affordable payment plans or accept low-interest medical financing. In general, it's cheaper to remedy a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to overlook the issue until it gets worse.
OUTCOMES IF YOU DON'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Choosing to ignore your dentist's diagnosis of a cavity and recommendation to get a composite resin filling can cause more pain and more expensive remedies in the future. In the event that a cavity grows too severe for a filling, it may be treated with either an inlay or onlay. These treatments are bigger than composite resin fillings but smaller than crowns. They are specially crafted to be cemented over the decayed area after it has been removed. If the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth, it's likely that a root canal will be required. Root canal therapy removes the compromised pulp deep within the tooth, and, generally, the tooth is then fitted with a tailor-made crown to prevent future damage. Putting off medical treatment can allow the infection to branch out to the rest of your mouth and, sooner or later, to get into your bloodstream and affect your general health. In summary, the longer you delay treating a cavity, the more prolonged, more difficult, more expensive, and more unpleasant the treatment will be. For this reason, it is critical to have annual oral health exams with your dentist in Galveston, TX so they can detect and treat cavities early.
METHODS PATIENTS CAN USE TO AVOID CAVITIES
By now, you've likely learned that it is wiser (and cheaper) to prevent cavities altogether. While no one is totally immune from getting cavities, there are several things everyone can do to safeguard our teeth:
- PROACTIVE TREATMENTS
If you are prone to having cavities or just would like to be more diligent about preventing them, you could ask your dentist about suggestions for preventive care. While they are typically suggested for adolescent patients, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments can also be effective choices for some adults. Dental sealants are a clear, malleable material that is placed on the molars to help control different types of cavities from developing in the irregular top surfaces of the back teeth. Professional fluoride treatments help in hardening the enamel and preventing cavities. Typically, sealants and professional fluoride treatments are only included with dental insurance for child patients; however, it's a smart investment for adults who would like to avoid having cavities. - GET DENTAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES A YEAR
An effective home oral care routine is really important in preventing cavities; however, scheduling dental cleanings at least twice a year at a dentist's office in Galveston, TX is also imperative. At your dental cleaning, your dental professional will skillfully scale your enamel to clean away any areas of built-up plaque and tartar below the gumline. Among individuals who brush and floss every day, there is typically very little plaque and tartar, but many people will have a bit, typically along the gumline or in places that are hard to get to, such as the back teeth. Having biannual cleanings by your dentist will help in the elimination of buildup before it can develop into a problem. You could also request your dental practitioner to tell you where he or she removed the most plaque and tartar so you can concentrate on these areas more closely while you clean your teeth at home. - CLEAN YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste made with fluoride at least twice a day or after every meal is one of the most important things you can do to avoid cavities. The most effective times to brush are after you eat breakfast and again after eating your evening meal. This routine will help with eliminating food debris and germs before they begin to lead to a cavity. While it's typically not easy to brush after having lunch, you should still rinse with mouthwash. - FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities may occur between your teeth and against your gumline. That's why it's crucial that you floss at least once every day. Flossing gets rid of the food particles stuck between your teeth and promotes circulation in your gum tissue. When you have your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the appropriate flossing technique to make sure that you obtain the most benefits from your daily routine.
AN ADVANCED DENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR CAVITIES
If you eventually get a cavity, it's critical that you have it treated right away with a tooth-colored filling at a dentist's office in Galveston, TX. If you need a reputable dental practitioner who performs up-to-date treatments such as composite resin fillings, make an appointment at MINT dentistry in Galveston. Our incredible crew of dental professionals is able to work with patients of all ages for any current concerns, help them head off later concerns, and keep their smiles healthy and attractive.