It’s the words no one wants to hear at the dentist, “You have a cavity. You will need a dental filling.” We are all bound to get a cavity from time to time, but your Mansfield dentists are here to answer your questions about dental fillings and make the entire experience as stress-free as possible. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris now answer some frequently asked questions about dental fillings.

Q: How do cavities form?

A: The bacteria in our mouth consume the sugar and starches left from the food that we eat. They then produce an acid byproduct that eats through the hard white coating of our teeth, the enamel. This creates a hole, a cavity.

Q: How can I prevent cavities in the future?

A: Practicing strong dental hygiene habits at home will help your teeth fight off the attacks from the acid byproduct. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris recommend twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing. Visiting your dentist every six months will clear your teeth of plaque and tartar in hard to reach places. Eating a nutritious diet full of fruits and vegetables will also help to avert tooth decay. If you consume starchy, sugary foods, try to brush your teeth after eating these items.

Q: What are inlays and onlays?

A: Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris utilize inlays and onlays for cavities that may be too large for a traditional dental filling. They are made of gold, porcelain, or composite resin, and they are molded to a cavity and then cemented in.

Q: What happens if I delay a dental filling and ignore my cavity?

A: Placing a filling prevents the cavity from enlarging and causing a tooth infection. If the tooth becomes severely decayed, a crown may be necessary. A dental filling is more cost-effective than more complex treatments.

Q: How much do dental fillings cost?

A: Insurance companies view fillings to be necessary treatment. As a result, some insurance companies pay up to 80% of composite fillings. Composite fillings refer to white, tooth-colored fillings. For a white filling, patients may pay $90 to $250 for up to two surfaces. Please call our office in Mansfield, and our friendly staff can assist you in determining how much your insurance will cover.

About Our Mansfield Dentists

Mansfield Dental Associates provide an array of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures in a welcoming office. To schedule an appointment, please call 817-473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.