What You Should Know About Composite Resin Fillings
A BRIEF LOOK AT COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS
Chances are, any time you are planning to go to your dental practitioner in Conroe, TX, you're hoping that they won't find a cavity. The truth is, nearly everyone has had a cavity or two at some point. If you've had a cavity lately, it was probably filled with a tooth-colored filling. The current alternative to the traditional metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings are formed from a composite resin material that fills and seals a cavity after the rotten area has been removed. Unlike classic fillings, composite resin fillings mix in almost invisibly with your own teeth to keep your smile looking healthy and attractive. Because tooth-colored fillings are among the top procedures conducted at MINT dentistry in Conroe, we want to discuss a few of the more frequent questions people have about them.
WHAT WILL I END UP PAYING FOR COMPOSITE RESIN CAVITY FILLINGS?
The price for a tooth-colored filling is influenced by many things. Two major factors are the depth of the cavity and if sedation will be required. Treating a cavity is a quick procedure, so it can generally be done with just local anesthesia in a brief appointment. However, if you experience dental fears or a strong gag reflex, dental sedation, such as nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, is sometimes suggested. If you carry dental insurance, the dental office should make sure of your coverage before billing you for the left-over amount. For individuals who don't have dental insurance, a lot of dental practices in Conroe, TX offer manageable payment options or accept low-interest medical financing. Typically, it's cheaper to remedy a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to avoid the problem until it gets worse.
OUTCOMES IF A PATIENT DOESN'T GET A NEEDED FILLING
Deciding to ignore your dentist's diagnosis of a cavity and recommendation to receive a composite resin filling can end up causing more problems and costlier treatments in the long run. If a cavity becomes too large for a tooth-colored filling, it can be restored with either an inlay or onlay. These treatments are bigger than tooth-colored fillings but not as big as crowns. They are specially crafted to fit over the decayed part of the tooth after it has been removed. If the decay has gotten to the pulp of the tooth, it's likely that a root canal will have to be done. Root canal therapy extracts the compromised pulp deep within the tooth, and, in most cases, the tooth is then covered with specialized crown to seal it off. Avoiding dental treatment can allow the infection to branch out to the rest of your mouth and, gradually, to enter your circulatory system and impact your whole body. In short, the more you avoid treating a cavity, the more prolonged, more invasive, more costly, and more painful the eventual solution will be. This is why it is imperative to get yearly oral health exams with your dentist in Conroe, TX so he or she can find and fix cavities early.
THINGS YOU CAN USE TO HOLD OFF CAVITIES
At this point, you've likely come to see that it would be simpler (and cheaper) to prevent cavities altogether. Despite the fact that no one is completely immune from ending up with cavities, there are many things we can do to safeguard the health of our teeth:
- HAVE PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS BI-ANNUALLY
A good home oral health routine is very important in preventing cavities, but going in for dental cleanings twice a year at a dentist's office in Conroe, TX is also imperative. During your professional cleaning, your dental hygienist will thoroughly scale your teeth to clean away any spots of built-up plaque and tartar beneath the gum line. For those who brush and floss every day, there is generally very little accumulation, though most patients will have some, typically at the gum line or in spots that are difficult to reach, for example, the back teeth. Getting twice yearly cleanings by your dentist will assist in the removal of plaque and tartar before it turns into a problem. You may also request your dental professional to tell you where they cleared away the most plaque and tartar so you can concentrate on these areas more closely each time you clean your teeth at home. - PROACTIVE TREATMENTS
For those who are predisposed to having cavities or simply want to be more on top of avoiding them, you ought to ask your dental practitioner about options for preventive care. While they are more often suggested for younger patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants can also be good choices for many adults. Dental sealants are made from a clear, flexible coating that is put on the back teeth to help stop different types of cavities from forming in the uneven crown surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments help in hardening the enamel and preventing cavities. Generally, molar sealants and professional fluoride treatments are just included with dental insurance for child patients, but it's an intelligent investment for adults who want to prevent getting cavities. - CLEAN YOUR TEETH AFTER EVERY MEAL
Cleaning your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste no less than two times a day or after you eat is one of the most important things you can do to avoid cavities. The most effective times to brush are in the morning after breakfast and again after eating dinner. This habit will aid in cleaning away food detritus and bacteria before they begin to lead to a cavity. While it's generally not practical to brush your teeth after eating lunch, you should still rinse with mouthwash. - FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
Cavities also develop between your teeth and against your gum line. That's why it's important that you floss at least once a day. Flossing removes the food particles stuck between your teeth and aids in stimulating circulation in your gum tissue. At your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or someone on his or her team to show you the best flossing technique so that you get the most effectiveness from your oral health care routine.
AN INNOVATIVE DENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR CAVITIES
If you happen to develop a cavity, it's important to have it treated as soon as possible with a composite resin filling at a dental practice in Conroe, TX. If you need a reputable dental practitioner who provides modern treatments such as composite resin fillings, make an appointment at MINT dentistry in Conroe. Our remarkable group of dental professionals is happy to work with younger and older patients for any current issues, help them head off later problems, and keep their smiles beautiful.