No one looks forward to getting dental fillings, but this treatment isn’t meant to be a punishment. Fillings are sometimes necessary in order to prevent additional oral health issues from developing in the future, like tooth infections and tooth loss. If you have been told that you need a new filling, you should absolutely consider having this done before the year comes to an end. Continue reading to learn about additional issues and financial consequences that can come from waiting.
What Happens When You Put Off Dental Fillings?
When decay damages a tooth, it isn’t reversible. This is because tooth enamel doesn’t grow back. When left untreated, you can end up with numerous different problems as it becomes worse. This will continue to destroy healthy parts of the tooth until you will require additional restoration to save your smile. Ultimately, it will be more invasive and costly. Here are a couple of them:
- Root Canal Therapy: When decay reaches the pulp, which is the area on the inside the tooth, the bacteria will irritate and eventually infect it. You could even end up with a painful abscess or other serious issues. To save your tooth, root canal therapy will likely be necessary. This includes removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, filling it, and sealing it off. A crown is often times placed over the tooth to protect it from outside sources
- Extraction: If a cavity is left untreated for too long, it could become so severe that even a skilled dentist is unable to save your tooth with a root canal. At this point, you would need to have it extracted to prevent the spread of infection throughout your mouth.
How Do Dental Insurance Benefits Pay a Role?
If you have dental insurance, you are likely to lose out on all unused benefits before the end of the calendar year. Your annual deductible is the money that you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket each year until you can take advantage of your benefits. Every January, this amount resets, and you will be left responsible for paying it again. If you have already covered your deductible for the year, save money by having your filling now rather than later!
When it comes to dental fillings, you shouldn’t wait! This way, you can prevent future oral health issues and additional out-of-pocket costs in the future!
About the Author
Dr. Brian Song earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Minnesota School of Dentistry and is passionate about continuing education. He has received extensive training in advanced dental implants and grafting surgery, endodontics, Invisalign, and aesthetic smile design. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, and Christian Medical and Dental Association. For more information on dental fillings or to schedule an appointment at his office in Willowbrook, visit his website or call (630) 655-8781.