If your last dental checkup ended with your dentist informing you that you’re going to need to have a cavity filled, you might’ve felt a knot form in your stomach—but don’t fret! Having a cavity filled is a common occurrence; nonetheless, their regularity doesn’t mean they should be shrugged off and left untreated. Not to mention, if you have dental insurance, you should want to take advantage of those benefits and use them to lessen what you’ll pay out-of-pocket. Keep reading to learn more about dental fillings and why you shouldn’t hesitate to get one by the year’s end.
Why Are Dental Fillings Necessary?
The vast majority of the time, toothaches are caused by one of two things: physical trauma to the mouth, or unchecked dental decay that has formed a cavity. Both instances pose problems for one’s smile, but cavities are especially troublesome. They don’t heal on their own, instead worsening and destroying more and more of the tooth’s structure as time passes. They even have the potential to cause total tooth loss!
Dental fillings are the go-to treatment for cavities, and it’s estimated that roughly 175 million people receive a filling every year. Modern fillings are usually made from a special type of composite resin that blends in perfectly with your teeth, while also offering numerous oral health benefits and ultimately resolving the cavity.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover a Filling?
Since dental fillings are considered a basic restorative service that’s often medically necessary, they’re often covered by dental insurance! While this coverage does vary, it typically falls between 70% to 80% once the plan’s annual deductible has been met. This makes filling among the most affordable of vital dental services. However, you’ll always want to check the specifics of your insurance plan and speak with your dentist before committing to treatment.
Dental fillings can also last for five or so years, making them a cost-effective solution to cavities that leave a smile looking and feeling its best. Insurance companies and dentists alike understand that cavities become more difficult and expensive to treat if they’re allowed to worsen. This is why so much time, effort, and money are put towards treating them early on, while they’re smaller and less costly to remedy!
About the Practice
The talented team at Indy Dental Group has proudly served patients and families in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. They’re also proud to accept a wide range of dental insurance plans, meaning you can get your smile the care it needs without breaking the bank! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice online by phone for additional information or to find the closest office to you.