Why You Should Receive Your Dental Filling Before the Year Ends

The end of the year will be here before you know it—so have you thought about what all needs to be done before you throw out your old calendar and hang up your new one? If you have a cavity that requires a dental filling, visiting your dentist should be on your to-do list. Even if the cavity doesn’t seem very serious or painful, it can easily lead to long-term consequences that spell bad news for your smile and general wellness. It’s also optimal for your insurance benefits! Continue reading below to learn more from your trusted dentist about dental fillings and why it’s going to be in your best interest to receive one before the end of the year!

What Are Dental Fillings?

If you’ve visited the dentist for tooth pain and they discovered a cavity, they might’ve recommended that you receive a dental filling to address it. A cavity is a decayed portion of a tooth, which often occurs due to poor oral hygiene—and in order to treat it, the decayed part needs to be removed and replaced.

Using a special instrument, the dentist can remove the cavity and then ensure the area is clean and free of debris or bacteria. The space is then filled with a protective material, often made from a composite resin that matches your tooth’s color, known as a filling. This restorative service is the go-to treatment for cavities, and they can prevent the cavity from penetrating further into the tooth causing more complicated and painful issues (that are also more costly to treat).

Are Dental Fillings Covered by Insurance?

Since fillings are restorative in nature, they’re often covered at least partially by dental insurance plans. This coverage varies but is usually anywhere from 70% to 80%; of course, you’ll still want to check the specifics of your plan before committing to treatment. That said, if you’re planning to finally have your cavity filled, you should be sure you’re scheduling the visit no later than the end of the calendar year.

This allows you to maximize your benefits; you’re already paying for coverage, so why not use those benefits and receive a crucial treatment that’ll boost your oral health and prevent future, costly issues? Think of it this way; a filling now is going to be much easier, cheaper, and stress-free compared to something like a tooth extraction and replacement down the road.

Getting a dental filling before the end of the year also provides you with peace of mind, since you’ll know you’re less likely to experience an issue with that tooth—and you can’t put a price on that feeling!

About the Author

Dr. Zack Walker received his DDS from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry and has proudly served patients and families in the Kernersville, NC area for several years. His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of services including dental fillings, as well as many other preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one before the year ends, feel free to visit his practice’s website or give them a call: (336) 993-3727.