Discover Composite Resin Fillings

Tooth-Colored Fillings

A SHORT OUTLINE OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
It's likely that, any time you need to go to your dentist in Rowlett, TX, you're hoping that he or she won't say you have a cavity. However, almost everyone has had a cavity or two at some point. For those who've been diagnosed with a cavity lately, it was probably handled with a tooth-colored filling. The current alternative to the old, alloy fillings, tooth-colored fillings are formed from a composite resin substance that fills and seals a cavity after the rotten area has been removed. Unlike alloy fillings, tooth-colored fillings match exceptionally well with your own teeth to keep your smile looking healthy and attractive. Since tooth-colored fillings are one of the top procedures conducted at MINT dentistry in Rowlett, we would like to review a few of the more consistent questions our patients ask about them.

HOW MUCH WILL I END UP PAYING FOR COMPOSITE RESIN CAVITY FILLINGS?
The expense for a tooth-colored filling is determined by many things. Two important factors are the extent of the cavity and whether sedation is necessary. Treating a cavity is a simple procedure, so it can generally be carried out with just local anesthesia in a lunch-hour appointment. Though, if you experience dental anxieties or an intense gag reflex, sedation, like nitrous oxide ("laughing" gas) or oral-conscious medication, might be a good idea. If you have dental insurance, the practice can vet your coverage before billing you for the left-over amount. If you don't carry insurance, a lot of dental practitioners in Rowlett, TX offer affordable payment plans or allow low-interest medical financing. For most patients, it's less expensive to remedy a cavity with a composite resin filling than to overlook it until it gets worse.

CONSEQUENCES IF YOU DON'T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Choosing to disregard your dentist's detection of a cavity and recommendation to get a tooth-colored filling can end up causing more problems and costlier fixes in the long run. If a cavity grows too large for a tooth-colored filling, the tooth can be repaired with either an inlay or onlay. These treatments are bigger than fillings but smaller than crowns. Inlays and onlays are specially crafted to cover the decayed area after it has been prepared. If the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth, it's possible that a root canal will need to be performed. A root canal removes the affected pulp deep within the tooth, and, typically, the tooth is then covered with a custom crown to seal it off. Not getting professional treatment can encourage the infection to branch out to your other teeth, gums, and jawbone and, ultimately, to get into your circulatory system and affect your general health. Basically, the longer you put off fixing a cavity, the more protracted, more difficult, more costly, and more unpleasant the treatment will be. For this reason, it is necessary to have annual oral health checkups with your dentist in Rowlett, TX so they can diagnose and fix cavities before they get worse.

ROUTINES YOU CAN IMPLEMENT TO PREVENT CAVITIES
By now, you've likely realized that it is easier (and less expensive) to prevent cavities from the get go. Despite the fact that nobody is totally immune from developing cavities, there are several things everyone can do to maintain the health of our teeth:

  • CLEAN YOUR TEETH TWO TIMES EVERY DAY
    Brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste a minimum of two times a day or after you eat is one of the most valuable things you can do to keep from getting cavities. The most effective times to brush are in the morning after having breakfast, as well as after having supper. This routine will help with cleaning away food detritus and bacteria before they can produce a cavity. While it's generally not easy to brush after having lunch, you could still rinse with mouthwash.
  • PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
    If you are prone to having cavities or just want to be more proactive in avoiding them, you might ask your dental practitioner about recommendations for preventive care. While they are more often suggested for younger patients, professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants could also be good choices for some adults. Dental sealants are a clear, malleable material that is placed on the molars to help stop different types of cavities from developing in the rough top surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments help in supporting the enamel and preventing cavities. Usually, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments are just paid for by dental insurance for younger patients, but it can be an intelligent investment for older patients who want to prevent developing cavities.
  • FLOSS EVERY DAY
    Cavities may occur between your teeth and against your gumline. That's why it's important that you floss at least once every day. Flossing gets rid of any debris stuck between your teeth and helps to stimulate blood circulation in your gums. During your next professional cleaning, ask your dentist or oral health care professional to show you the appropriate flossing technique to make sure that you obtain the maximum benefits from your oral health care routine.
  • SCHEDULE DENTAL CLEANINGS TWO TIMES A YEAR
    An effective home oral care routine is really important in preventing cavities; however, going in for dental cleanings twice a year at a dentist's office in Rowlett, TX is also essential. At your professional cleaning, the dental professional will meticulously scale your teeth to remove any sections of accumulated plaque and tartar below your gumline. Among individuals who brush and floss the recommended amount, there is usually very little buildup, though the majority of people will have some, typically along the gumline or in spots that are hard to reach, such as the molars. Having biannual dental cleanings from the dentist will help in the elimination of accumulated debris before it turns into a problem. You could also request your hygienist to tell you where he or she found the most plaque and tartar so you can concentrate on these areas more closely while you clean your teeth at home.

AN ADVANCED DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
In the event that you happen to develop a cavity, it's crucial to have it treated promptly with a composite resin filling at a dental practice in Rowlett, TX. If you need an experienced dentist who performs state-of-the-art treatments like tooth-colored fillings, schedule an appointment at MINT dentistry in Rowlett. Our remarkable group of dental professionals can treat everyone for any current concerns, help them head off future problems, and keep their smiles beautiful.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.