Cavities are incredibly common, to the point that roughly 90% of the population age 20 or older have at least had one cavity. When you're trying to take care of your dental health, you need to be certain that you're avoiding cavities at all costs or fixing cavities if you do happen to get one. Dental fillings are one of the most common types of procedures that patients get on a regular basis. Keep reading to learn more about these fillings, how impactful they can be to your oral health, and how you can seek service from the best dental professional in your area.

What should you know about dental fillings?

All is not lost once you've developed a cavity. A dental filling involves having your dentist removing the decay from a cavity and filling your tooth with material that will solidify and prevent further damage. These procedures are important because they will stop the damage and will save your tooth before you inevitably have to get tooth extractions. A decaying tooth can become excruciatingly painful, and may involve root canals or other substantial procedures if it is not fixed quickly. It's because of this that you should do everything in your power to get a filling as quickly as you can once you find out your tooth needs work.

What kind of dental fillings are available?

If you're going to get a dental filling, make sure that you look into the many variations of dental fillings available. Some of the different materials you can opt for when filling a cavity include amalgam, cast gold, and ceramic composite materials. Each material has varying degrees of cost and effectiveness. You can also choose between inlays and onlays when getting dental fillings. When you schedule an appointment, make sure that you ask the dentist what types of fillings they offer and which will be ideal for your needs.

How can you get the service that you need?

Take the time to book a dental appointment to see if you need dental fillings. The best way to go about it is by booking an annual appointment to have your teeth inspected and cleaned. Once your dentist runs a check and sees that you have cavities, they will offer you dental fillings and will give you the chance to use your insurance. A dental filling will cost roughly $200-$600 when you don't have a dental insurance plan.

Start with these tips and reach out to a dentist that can help you out. For more information, contact a local dental practice, like Dental Care Associates.