The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has delayed a wide range of routine and elective health procedures, including dental and oral health care services. Although the country has re-opened in many areas, officials in some states have rolled back their decisions with the recent uptick in overall COVID-19 and hospital ICU surge cases. Dental services are risky because the virus spreads easily from the respiratory system. As a result, you might not be able to receive dental care during the pandemic. The following steps can help you make that determination:

 

Check the ADA’s Websites

 

The American Dental Association maintains several websites related to the coronavirus that outline best dental practices and current restrictions. For example, the ADA’s Center for Professional Success for dental service providers lists on its website information that can tell you if officials consider it safe for people to receive dental care at this time in your specific state.

 

Talk to Your Dentist

 

Even if your state’s health department allows dental services, your dentist might only offer in-person services for critical care and emergencies. Your dentist might restrict how many patients can enter their building at one time. They might only offer dental advice telehealth appointments via video conferencing software. Healthcare delays over the last several months have also resulted in a backlog, which means you might not even be able to get an appointment for several more months.

 

Consider Your Current Situation

 

It’s also important that you base your decision on your circumstances. If you had a routine appointment prior to the shutdowns and no health problems, your dentist might recommend that you wait to visit their office until next year. If you’re elderly or you have one or more underlying conditions that can put your health at risk or live with someone who is a high risk, you might be told that it’s better for you to wait until the country or your region has improved case-wise.

 

Keep in mind that events are changing rapidly not only day-to-day but also hour-to-hour. This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision about your dental care. The fact is that poor oral health can cause permanent tooth, gum, and jaw bone losses and even health problems in other areas of the body. Call a member of our caring team today to help you better understand your options.

 

Perhaps one of the most common types of treatment people get when they visit the dentist is a filling. Dental fillings are done to fill in areas where decay has caused a hole or area of damage in a tooth. Take a look at a few common questions patients have about dental fillings and the answers you should know.

Q. How big can a filling be?

A filling can be rather large. Many patients assume that if they have a large cavity, the tooth cannot be repaired. However, fillings can be paired with other treatments like root canals if necessary to preserve a tooth. If a substantial amount of the tooth has decayed, the dentist may recommend getting a crown instead of a filling.

Q. Will a filling last forever?

Fillings have the potential to last a lot of years before they have to be replaced. However, some fillings do come out with time. Take good care of your teeth by practicing good oral hygiene habits and seeing your dentist regularly to prevent problems.

Q. Can you see the filling?

Dental fillings can be visible, but they can also blend in with a tooth so well that you can’t even tell that it is there. The difference lies in what material is used to perform the filling. Amalgam fillings, which have metal components, have a gray look. However, many dentists prefer to use composite fillings because they can be shaded to be the same hue as the tooth itself.

Q. Does getting a filling hurt?

When you get a filling in a tooth, the dentist will use a local anesthetic injection to numb the area before getting started. Therefore, you shouldn’t feel anything as the tooth is filled. You may feel some vibrations and other sensations, but you should not feel any pain.

Contact Us If You Need a Tooth Filled in San Antonio, TX

A dental filling can preserve a tooth that you may otherwise lose, and the quicker you get a filling, the more likely it will be that you can keep your tooth. If you have cavities in your teeth that need attention, reach out to us at Tran Dental P.C. in San Antonio, TX to schedule an appointment.