Discover Tooth-Colored Fillings

A BRIEF OUTLINE OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
Chances are, every time you have an appointment to go to your dentist in Clearwater, IN, you’re hoping that he or she won’t find a cavity. Not surprisingly, almost everyone will develop a cavity or two at some point. If you’ve been diagnosed with a cavity recently, it was probably taken care of with a tooth-colored filling. The modern alternative to the old, silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite resin material that fills and seals a cavity after the corroded area has been removed. Unlike metal amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings blend exceptionally well with your own teeth to keep your smile looking great. Because tooth-colored fillings are one of the most common procedures required at DentalWorks – Clearwater, we would like to answer some of the most routine questions our patients have about them.

WHAT WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS?
An individual’s cost for a tooth-colored filling is determined by many factors. Two main factors are the extent of the cavity and if sedation is needed. Filling a cavity is a quick procedure, so it can generally be carried out with only local anesthesia in a short appointment. However, if you suffer from dental fears or a strong gag reflex, sedation, for example, nitrous oxide (“laughing” gas) or oral-conscious medication, is sometimes recommended. For individuals who have dental insurance, the practice should vet your coverage before billing you for the remaining amount. For patients who don’t carry insurance, many dental offices in Clearwater, IN offer flexible payment plans or accept low-interest medical financing. In general, it’s cheaper to fix a cavity with a tooth-colored filling than to overlook the problem until it gets bigger.

LONG-TERM EFFECTS IF YOU DON’T GET A RECOMMENDED FILLING
Choosing to ignore your dentist’s diagnosis of a cavity and recommendation to get a tooth-colored filling can end up causing more problems and costlier solutions in the future. If a cavity grows too big for a tooth-colored filling, it may be restored with either an inlay or onlay. These treatments are larger than fillings but smaller than crowns. Inlays and onlays are designed to fit over the decayed area once it has been cleaned. If the decay has reached the interior of the tooth, a root canal will be necessary. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp inside the tooth, and, often, the tooth is then covered with a custom crown for protection. Delaying seeking professional help can cause the infection to branch out to your other teeth, gums, and jawbone and, sooner or later, to get into your bloodstream and affect your body in general. In short, the longer you put off fixing a cavity, the more prolonged, more invasive, more expensive, and more painful the treatment will be. This is why it is necessary to get annual oral health check-ups with a dentist in Clearwater, IN so they can diagnose and treat cavities early.

PRACTICES YOU CAN USE TO PREVENT CAVITIES
At this point, you’ve probably learned that it would be better (and cheaper) to avoid cavities altogether. While no one is completely immune from getting cavities, there are multiple things we can do to protect our teeth:

• GET PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS BI-ANNUALLY
  An effective home oral care routine is really important in preventing cavities, but going in for professional cleanings at least twice a year at a dentist’s office in Clearwater, IN is also essential. During your professional cleaning, a dental hygienist will thoroughly scale your enamel to remove any areas of built-up plaque and tartar beneath your gum line. If you brush and floss every day, there is typically very little buildup, but most people will have a bit, typically along the gum line or in areas that are difficult to reach, like the back molars. Getting bi-annual cleanings at the dentist will ease the removal of buildup before it turns into a cavity. You may also ask your hygienist to tell you where they found the most plaque and tartar so you can focus on these areas more closely when you brush at home.
• FLOSS EVERY DAY
  Cavities sometimes develop between your teeth and along your gum line. That’s why it’s important that you floss at least once a day. Flossing removes the debris stuck in your teeth and helps to stimulate your gums. At your next dental cleaning, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the best flossing technique so that you get the optimal benefits from your daily routine.
• PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  If you are prone to getting cavities or just would like to be more proactive in avoiding them, you ought to ask your dentist about options for preventive treatments. While they are more often recommended for younger patients, dental sealants and professional fluoride treatments might sometimes be smart choices for some adults. Dental sealants are a clear, flexible material that is situated on the back teeth to help prevent pit and fissure cavities from developing in the irregular top surfaces of the premolars and molars. Professional fluoride treatments help in strengthening the enamel and warding off cavities. For the most part, sealants and fluoride treatments are covered by dental insurance only for younger patients, but it’s a smart investment for adults who want to avoid developing cavities.
• BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
  Brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day or after you eat is one of the most valuable things you can do to defend against cavities. The best times to brush are in the morning after breakfast and again after dinner. This habit will help with cleaning away food debris and bacteria before they begin to produce a cavity. In situations where it’s not feasible to brush after eating lunch, you can still rinse with mouthwash.

A NEWER DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CAVITIES
If you eventually get a cavity, it’s crucial to get it treated right away with a tooth-colored filling at a dental practice in Clearwater, IN. If you would like to find a great dentist who offers state-of-the-art treatments like tooth-colored fillings, schedule an appointment at DentalWorks – Clearwater. Our remarkable group of dental professionals can work with patients of all ages for any current issues and help you avoid future problems to keep your smile healthy.