Why You Should Get Fillings You Need Before the Year Ends

At your last routine checkup, did your dentist say you needed fillings? If you’re worried about the cost, you may be tempted to avoid scheduling that appointment – especially if you’re not feeling any pain. However, letting a cavity go untreated can have some serious long-term oral health consequences. Plus, getting it done now can save you plenty of money thanks to your dental insurance plan. Are you still not convinced? Read on as your dentist in Collegeville explains why you get fillings before the year ends.  

Why Do Dentists Recommend Fillings?

If your tooth is damaged or decayed, your dentist may recommend a dental filling. They are an excellent solution for protecting the healthy area of a tooth, helping extend its life years to come. Fillings are most often used to treat cavities. The thing about cavities is that they do not heal on their own – they only get worse. When caught early enough, your dentist can remove the decayed portion of a tooth and “fill” it to restore its shape, size, and function. But if you allow the decay to worsen, your treatment options become much more extensive and costly.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Fillings?

Every dental insurance plan is different, with each one covering different treatments and procedures at different percentages. However, since fillings are often considered medically necessary, they’re usually covered by most insurance plans. Keep in mind that the amount of coverage you’ll receive depends on your deductible and unique insurance plan. In most cases, it’s always best to get any outstanding dental treatments before the year ends. If you’ve already met your deductible and haven’t hit your annual maximum, your out-of-pocket expenses will decrease dramatically. So you can save plenty of money by getting your fillings done now!

What Happens If You Choose Not to Get a Filling?

It’s never a good idea to put off getting a filling, especially if your dentist said you needed one. Otherwise, the cavity will worsen, and you’ll need to undergo more complex and expensive procedures, such as:

• A Root Canal – If the decay reaches the tooth chamber where the nerve and blood vessels are located, the bacteria will irritate and infect the pulp. When this happens, it may lead to an abscess, which is usually very painful and can’t be repaired with a simple filling. At this point, your dentist will need to perform a root canal to save your tooth.
• Extraction – When a cavity goes untreated for far too long, the decay can destroy the tooth entirely. If a root canal is no longer a viable option to save the tooth, extraction may be the only remaining solution.

Do you need fillings? Get them done as soon as you can – preferably before the year ends. That way, you can preserve a healthy smile and make the most out of your dental insurance benefits while you still have them!

About the Author

Dr. Bradford Plasha offers comprehensive and high-quality services that are guaranteed to meet all your oral health needs. He completed his dental education at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. If you need dental fillings, Dr. Plasha and his team are more than happy to provide you with the care you deserve. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (484) 559-6094.