Did you know that even if you practice impeccable, impressive oral hygiene at home, your pearly whites are still susceptible to cavities? Fortunately, dental fillings are fully capable of assisting teeth that have been ravaged by tooth decay; but not all patients seek out this basic, useful restorative service.
However, leaving a cavity untreated can have some serious ramifications, for both your oral wellness and your bank account! You might need a more expensive procedure later on—so why not get the filling now, especially if it’s covered by your dental insurance? Here’s a little more from your dentist about why it’s always going to be better to treat a cavity sooner rather than later, along with why it’s wise to get it taken care of by the end of the year.
Why Are Untreated Cavities Problematic?
If you have a cavity, whether it’s causing you pain or not, it needs to be addressed by a dentist as quickly as possible. Cavities don’t heal on their own and will continue to grow and weaken your enamel until eventually, the entire tooth is at risk! As the enamel layer burns away, the sensitive inner layers become exposed to damaging bacteria, heightening the possibility for serious oral health issues like intense toothaches and hypersensitivity, dental infections, and even total tooth loss—all of which can also require expensive and potentially complex care. Fortunately, dental fillings can greatly mitigate these issues, and at a much lower price!
How Do Dental Fillings Assist Teeth with Cavities?
A dental filling can restore a tooth that’s been damaged by decay, returning its functionality and eliminating any pain. It’s an extremely common, routine procedure with undeniable oral health benefits. Your dentist will apply local anesthesia at the beginning of the appointment and then remove the tooth decay with a special drill before shaping a space for the filling. The filling is hardened with a special light after it’s been carefully applied; once situated, it provides strength, stability, and lasting protection to the tooth.
Why Should I Get My Filling by the End of the Year?
It’s worth mentioning that getting a dental filling at any time is beneficial to your oral health, but if you can, you should try to get it by the end of the calendar year. The reason for this is simple: insurance benefits! Most insurance companies have a deadline of December 31st, meaning that any unused benefits will expire before the next calendar year. Receiving a dental filling while you’re covered is always going to be the cheapest route, period—they’re often at least 70 to 80% covered by most plans!
However, according to the National Association of Dental Plans, only a small percentage of people with PPO plans reach or exceed their annual maximums. This means that a lot of people out there simply aren’t taking full advantage of their plan and unlocking all of the oral health benefits that dental fillings have to offer. Don’t be in this group—take advantage of your coverage and get those cavities filled today!
About the Practice
The talented team at Allen Smile Design has proudly served patients and families in the Allen, TX community for several years under the leadership of Dr. Tonie C. Lewis. The practice is pleased to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental services that are capable of helping you achieve and maintain excellent oral health! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (972) 954-9728.