The Importance of Replacing Dental Fillings: Understanding Wear and Tear, the Role of Regular Checkups, and the Benefits of Dental Insurance
Even though fillings can last many years, they do not last forever. There may come a time when you will need to replace your old fillings. Did you know you can wear down a filling by constant pressure from chewing when eating? Other people may also grind or clench their teeth knowingly or not, which will also cause wear on older fillings.
You can not see the wear down on your fillings, but your dentist can. Usually, a dentist can spot weaknesses in fillings during your regular checkups. People who do not have regular checkups can wear down their fillings and have more significant dental issues. If the seal between the tooth and the filling breaks down, you leave your tooth open to new decay. If left untreated, the decay can progress to the dental pulp and cause infection or abscess. In which case can lead to more extensive dental services such as a root canal.
You can see the importance of regular dental visits. Many times, people do not know this is happening until they start to have tooth pain. Preventive dental care not only saves you from unwanted dental pain but, in the long run, will save you from higher-cost dental services.
Many low-cost dental insurance plans, such as HMO dental insurance plans, offer free office visits, checkups, X-rays, and cleanings. Buying and using dental insurance can save money and help keep a beautiful smile.