Even if your dentist suggests them, you may think dental fillings aren’t vital. Perhaps you’re not in pain and don’t see the point. As such, it can be tempting to put them off. When they’re needed, though, you should get fillings by the end of the year. Delaying past that point will make things worse. For more details, let your Fort Worth dentist explain. Here’s a primer on fillings, why you shouldn’t put them off, and why to get them before year’s end.
What are Dental Fillings?
In essence, dental fillings are special combinations of metals, plastics, glass, or other materials. They’re made to repair and restore damaged teeth.
In particular, fillings “fill in” cavities left by tooth decay. They thus protect your pearly whites from harmful oral bacteria. As for their lifespan(s), how long a filling lasts will depend on its material. A metal one may work for ten years, while those made from porcelain could last 15 years or more.
Putting Off Fillings is a Bad Idea
If you delay fillings too long, you’ll suffer adverse effects. These consequences will then lower your quality of life.
For starters, an untreated cavity is very unpleasant. It often results in toothaches and chewing issues in the short term. Given more time, it’ll likely cause a tooth abscess, further chips, or even tooth loss. Such things are far worse than some filling work.
Furthermore, skipping a filling may lead to more expensive care later. That much is natural – there’ll come a point where your tooth problem needs drastic action. For example, perhaps you’ll eventually have to get a root canal or tooth extraction. Both of these procedures can be pretty pricey, especially compared to fillings.
Why Get Fillings Before Year’s End?
If you get fillings before December 31st, your dental insurance will cover them. You’ll then save more money than you could otherwise.
Remember: Many dental plans cover 80% of basic care. Fillings fall under the latter category, so your policy can meet most of their cost. However, it’ll only do so if you get treatment before January. Unused benefits don’t “roll over” from year to year, so fillings will cost more if you wait too long.
Ultimately, there are good reasons to get fillings by the end of the year. That being the case, book a treatment while you still can!
About the Practice
Bonds Ranch Family Dentistry is based in Fort Worth, TX. Led by Dr. Rhiannon B. Presley, our practice offers every patient a truly amazing smile. We thus perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental care. Naturally, then, our office also provides fillings for decayed and damaged teeth. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (817)-242-5564.