Did you know that twenty-six percent of people between the ages of twenty and sixty-four have tooth decay that is untreated?
That means that one in four people you know are suffering from toothaches, trouble eating, or other health problems. Maybe you're even one of them.
If so, it's time to stop putting off your tooth fillings. Why? Because restorative dental care can improve the health of you and your family. We're here to show you how.
Most of us are familiar with tooth fillings because we had them as kids.
In fact, forty-two percent of kids between two and eleven suffer from tooth decay today. Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, are what develop into cavities as they worsen.
But what exactly are tooth fillings made of? The answer is that they're often made up of a combination of materials. These may include plastic, glass, or metal.
Specifically, these materials are porcelain, gold, composite resin, and silver amalgam. Silver amalgam is a blend of silver, zinc, mercury, copper, and tin. Having mercury in your filling may sound alarming, but it is safe.
However, many dentists will not recommend this type of tooth filling for women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have a newborn. People under six years of age and people allergic to mercury should also not get this filling.
There are also different types of fillings that can treat your oral problems. They can help reinforce cracks, breaks, or warn down spots in your teeth.
You may be wondering, "How much do tooth fillings cost?" The answer to that question will depend on which types of fillings you need.
Gold, ceramic, and porcelain fillings are generally the most expensive. The advantage is that you get what you pay for. These types of fillings last ten to fifteen years, or sometimes longer.
A glass ionomer filling is one of the more affordable options. However, they're prone to wear, tear, and fracturing. They also only last up to five years. The positive is that they're a good option for kids, whose teeth are still growing.
Like glass fillings, amalgam (or silver) fillings are also less expensive. The downside is that they aren't the same color as your teeth. They might also cause discoloring of the surrounding teeth.
Composite resin fillings are in the middle, costing more than silver but less than gold. They only last five years, compared to amalgam's ten, but they match the color of your teeth better.
When comparing types of fillings, remember that cost will depend on where you need the filling and how severe it is. One of our doctors would be happy to discuss this with you as well.
You should also talk to your insurance provider to see if they'll cover part or all of the tooth filling cost.
As the name implies, temporary tooth fillings are not meant to last. They treat a problem for a short time, and then fall out or are removed after a month.
Dentists will use a temporary tooth filling after you have root canal surgery, for example. It fills in the hole in your tooth to block out bacteria or food from entering.
The dentist will then replace the temporary tooth filling with a permanent filling after you've healed from the root canal.
A temporary tooth filling is also a procedure for those with sensitive nerves. Once the nerves in the tooth settle, the dentist will instill a permanent filling.
Now that you know a little bit about tooth fillings, it's easy to see why they may be a good option for you and your family.
The tooth filling cost may deter many from investing in tooth fillings, but they can last over a decade. You won't have to worry about aches, pains, or trouble eating, either.
More than that, restorative dental care can save you from more serious issues. In the absence of tooth fillings, bacteria will grow in your mouth and start to decay other teeth.
In other words, it's better to look into dental restoration sooner rather than later. Don't wait until the pain is unbearable. The tooth filling cost will rise in proportion to the severity of the issue.
Teeth can become so decayed that fillings will be of no use. Only a root canal can fix the problem.
Not everyone neglects their overall health like they do their dental health. In truth, poor dental health can lead to other problems.
As we mentioned earlier, people with dental caries often have trouble chewing. If you don't chew your food well, you will be prone to constipation, bloating, and other digestive problems.
This is because poorly-chewed food makes it hard for your body to digest it properly. You might also start suffering from headaches or diminished energy.
Other than digestive issues, you put yourself at risk for heart disease. The bacteria in your mouth, if left without dental restoration, may cause gum disease.
This bacteria could travel through your bloodstream and into your heart. Then, it will cause infection and inflammation. The worst-case scenario is that you contract endocarditis or atherosclerosis. You could also have a stroke.
If you or a member of your family is experiencing tooth pain, you don't have to suffer any longer. With restorative dental care, we'll take a look at the problem and tell you which types of fillings will best treat the problem.
Once you get tooth fillings, you will be thankful that you can chew and digest food properly. You'll also be avoiding more serious health problems.
If you have questions or requests, come visit us at one of our seven locations today. We look forward to seeing you soon!
