Discover Composite Resin Fillings
A QUICK OVERVIEW OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
Odds are, every time you have an appointment to go to your dentist in McKinney, TX, you're crossing your fingers that they won't find a cavity. However, almost everyone will get a cavity or two sometime. For those who've gotten a cavity recently, it was probably treated with a tooth-colored filling. An innovative alternative to the traditional silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are produced with a composite resin material that fills and closes off a cavity after the decayed area has been taken out. Unlike alloy fillings, composite resin fillings mix in gorgeously with your actual teeth to keep your smile looking great. Considering that tooth-colored fillings are one of the most frequent procedures conducted at MINT dentistry in McKinney, we would like to cover a few of the most frequent questions our patients have about them.
WHAT WILL I END UP PAYING FOR COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS?
A patient's price for a tooth-colored filling is based on many things. Two important issues are the diameter of the cavity and whether sedation will be needed. Treating a cavity is a minor procedure; therefore, it can usually be completed with only local anesthesia in a lunch-hour appointment. Though, if you experience dental fears or a strong gag reflex, sedation, for example, nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, could be suggested. For people who carry dental insurance, the practice should verify your coverage before billing you for the remaining amount. For people who don't carry dental insurance, a lot of dental practitioners in McKinney, TX offer manageable payment plans or allow low-interest medical financing. Almost invariably, it's less expensive to remedy a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to ignore the issue until it gets worse.
FUTURE ISSUES IF A PATIENT DOESN'T GET A PRESCRIBED FILLING
Deciding to disregard your dentist's diagnosis of a cavity and recommendation to receive a composite resin filling can cause more concerns and more expensive treatments in the long run. When a cavity grows too big for a tooth-colored filling, the tooth will likely be restored with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are bigger than tooth-colored fillings but smaller than crowns. Inlays and onlays are individually made to fit over the decayed part of the tooth as soon as it has been cleaned. In cases where the decay has extended to the pulp of the tooth, it's possible that a root canal will have to be done. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp inside the tooth, and, typically, the tooth is then covered with specialized crown for protection. Putting off dental treatment can cause the infection to branch out to your other teeth, gums, and jawbone and, sooner or later, to enter your bloodstream and impact your body in general. In summary, the more you avoid treating a cavity, the slower, more invasive, more costly, and more painful the eventual solution will be. This is why it is crucial to have yearly oral health checkups with your dentist in McKinney, TX so they can find and treat cavities right away.
METHODS YOU CAN USE TO AVOID CAVITIES
By now, you've most certainly learned that it would be smarter (and cheaper) to prevent cavities from the get go. Though nobody is fully immune from getting cavities, there are a few important things we can do to safeguard the health of our teeth:
- BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWO TIMES EVERY DAY
Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste made with fluoride a minimum of two times per day or after you eat is one of the most important things people can do to defend against cavities. The best times to brush your teeth are after breakfast and again after eating dinner. This habit will help with eliminating food particles and germs before they begin to create a cavity. While it's generally not an option to brush after lunch, you should still rinse your mouth with mouthwash. - PROACTIVE OPTIONS
If you are prone to having cavities or simply would like to be more diligent about preventing them, you ought to ask your dentist about suggestions for preventive care. Though they are more often suggested for child and teen patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants are often good options for certain adults. Dental sealants are created with a clear, flexible coating that is placed on the molars to help control pit and fissure cavities from occurring in the rough top surfaces of the back teeth. Professional fluoride treatments aid in supporting the enamel and preventing cavities. Generally, dental sealants and fluoride treatments are just covered by dental insurance for child patients, but it's a wise investment for older patients who would like to prevent getting cavities. - SCHEDULE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWICE PER YEAR
An appropriate home oral care system is really important in avoiding cavities, but getting dental cleanings two times per year at a dentist's office in McKinney, TX is also imperative. During your dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will meticulously scale your enamel to clean away any spots of built-up plaque and tartar under the gumline. If you brush and floss every day, there is usually very little buildup, though most individuals will have varying amounts, typically at the gumline or in spots that are hard to reach, like the molars. Getting twice yearly professional cleanings by the dentist will aid in the removal of accumulated debris before it can develop into an area of decay. You could also request your dental practitioner to tell you where they removed the most plaque and tartar so you can focus on these areas more closely each time you brush at home. - FLOSS EVERY DAY
Cavities also occur between your teeth and against your gumline. That's why it's important that you floss a minimum of once every day. Flossing gets rid of any debris stuck between your teeth and promotes circulation in your gum tissue. At your next professional cleaning, ask your dentist or oral health care professional to show you the proper flossing technique to ensure that you get the most benefits from your daily routine.
AN ALTERNATIVE DENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR CAVITIES
In the event that you happen to end up with a cavity, it's crucial to get it treated as soon as possible with a tooth-colored filling at a dentist's office in McKinney, TX. If you would like to find a great dentist who provides modern treatments such as tooth-colored fillings, set up an appointment at MINT dentistry in McKinney. Our remarkable group of dental professionals is able to work with patients of all ages for any existing issues, help them head off later concerns, and keep their smiles beautiful.