Cavity on Front Tooth: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A cavity in a front tooth is more than just a cosmetic issue. It has an effect on the health of your mouth and the look of your smile.

A cavity on a visible tooth makes the tooth weaker. It also changes the way your smile looks. This is very important for both your dental health and how you feel about yourself.

It’s important to know what causes cavities and how to fix them. It helps keep your smile and teeth healthy.

Key Takeaways

• Cavities in the front teeth hurt both your smile and your oral health.
• To stop something from happening, you need to know what causes it.
• Depending on how big they are, there are many ways to treat cavities.
• Getting help right away can keep things from getting worse.
• To avoid cavities, it’s important to take care of your teeth.

What is a Cavity?

A cavity, or tooth decay, is an infection that makes the enamel on teeth lose minerals. This causes damage to the tooth’s surface, which could make a small hole. Cavities can happen in any tooth, even the front ones. There are many things that can cause them to form.

Definition of Dental Cavities

Dental cavities are spots on teeth that have been permanently damaged and rotted. This happens because bacteria in the mouth make acids. These acids break down the minerals in the tooth enamel, which makes a hole. A cavity on a front tooth can be very noticeable and change the look of a person’s smile.

You can see white or brown spots on the surface of the tooth to tell if you have a cavity in the front tooth. A dentist can sometimes find a cavity on the front tooth near the gum during a routine checkup.

Common Types of Cavities

There are different kinds of cavities, such as:

• Coronal Cavities: These happen on the surfaces of the crowns of teeth.
• Root Cavities: These form on the roots of teeth, usually because the gums are pulling away from them.
• Recurrent Cavities: These are cavities that form around fillings or restorations that are already there.

Type of Cavity	Description	Common Locations
Coronal	Damage to the crown of the tooth	Chewing surfaces, between teeth
Root	Cavities on the roots of teeth	Near the gum line, on exposed roots
Recurrent	Cavities around existing fillings	Around the edges of fillings

How Cavities Happen

When bacteria in the mouth make acids, they wear down the enamel on the teeth, which causes cavities. The first step in this process is the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth. When you eat foods that are high in sugar or starch, the bacteria in the plaque release acids that can hurt the enamel on your teeth and cause cavities.

The first step is not learning how to cover a cavity on a front tooth; prevention and early detection are. Regular dental checkups can help find a cavity that is just starting to form on a front tooth, so that treatment can be started right away.

Causes of Cavities on Front Teeth

To stop cavities from forming, it’s important to know why they happen on front teeth. Cavities happen when bacteria in the mouth make acids that hurt the enamel on teeth. There are a number of things that can cause cavities in front teeth.

Bad habits when it comes to oral hygiene

Plaque, a harmful film, builds up when you don’t brush and floss well. This can cause things to rot. Fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day can help keep cavities from forming.

• At least twice a day, in the morning and before bed, brush your teeth.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride in it and think about using mouthwash for extra protection.
• Floss every day to get rid of plaque and food bits that get stuck between your teeth.

Eating Habits and Sugar Intake

What you eat can raise your risk of cavities. When you eat a lot of sugary foods and drinks, your teeth are often exposed to acids. You can help by eating less sugar and picking better snacks.

1. Drink water or tea without sugar instead of sugary drinks.
2. Choose healthy snacks like cheese, fruits, and vegetables.
3. Don’t eat hard or sticky candies that can hurt your teeth.

Genetic predisposition

Genetics can also affect cavity risk. Some people naturally have weaker enamel or other things that make them more likely to get cavities. Knowing this can help you avoid getting cavities.

Regular trips to the dentist and good oral hygiene are very important for people who are at higher risk. Dentists can give you tips and treatments, like fluoride varnishes, to make your teeth stronger.

Symptoms of Cavities in Front Teeth

It’s important to find cavities on the front teeth early. It can stop serious damage and expensive treatments from happening later.

Signs of Cavities You Can See

A change in the way the tooth looks is one of the first signs. You might notice brown or black stains or white spots. These spots mean that things are starting to break down. A hole or pit that can be seen shows that something is very wrong.

Being sensitive to hot and cold

Another sign is pain when you eat hot or cold foods. This happens when the decay gets to the dentin layer. It hurts for a short time, but the pain goes away when the food is gone.

Discomfort and Pain

Cavities can hurt all the time as they get worse. It can feel like a dull ache or a sharp stab. People often feel it when they bite or chew.

If you know these signs, you can get dental care right away. This can help avoid worse problems, like losing teeth or getting root canals. To avoid cavities, you need to see the dentist regularly and take good care of your teeth.

Risk Factors for Front Tooth Cavities

There are many things that can cause cavities in the front teeth. You need to know about these risks and how to deal with them. Some habits and conditions can make it more likely that you will get cavities on your front teeth.

Age and Developmental Factors

Getting cavities on your front teeth is mostly due to your age. Teenagers and kids are more likely to get sick because of what they eat and how they take care of their teeth. Parents worry about their toddler’s cavity on a front tooth, which shows how important it is to get dental care early.

Our risk changes as we get older. People over 65 may have gums that pull back, showing the roots of their teeth. This makes them more likely to break down.

Work Done on Your Teeth Before

If you’ve had dental work done before, you might be more likely to get new cavities. This includes fillings, crowns, or cavities on the front teeth that have braces on them. For example, braces can catch food and plaque, which makes it hard to keep your teeth clean.

Dental Work	Risk Factors	Preventive Measures
Fillings	Wear and tear, secondary decay	Regular check-ups, good oral hygiene
Crowns	Marginal leakage, fracture	Proper fit, regular inspections
Braces	Food trapping, plaque buildup	Specialized cleaning tools, frequent brushing

Using Alcohol and Tobacco

Cavities are more likely to happen if you smoke or drink alcohol. Tobacco can cause gum disease, which makes the gums pull back and show the roots. Alcohol can make your mouth dry, which makes saliva less protective.

If you’re worried about getting cavities in your front teeth, the best way to avoid them is to stop smoking and drinking less alcohol.

Diagnosing a Cavity on Front Tooth

There are a few steps to take to find a cavity on a front tooth. It uses both technology and expert knowledge. The best way to treat it and avoid bigger problems is to catch it early.

Check-Up for Teeth

It’s important to see the dentist on a regular basis so they can find cavities early. The dentist checks your teeth for signs of decay. They do this with both their eyes and special tools.

• Looking at the structure of teeth
• Looking for early signs of decay
• Evaluation of oral hygiene practices

X-ray pictures

X-rays are very helpful for finding cavities. They show signs of decay that the eye can’t see. This is true for decay that happens between teeth or under the surface.

Methods for Looking at Things

When you get a visual check, someone looks at your teeth closely with special tools. Dentists look for signs like changes in color or soft spots on the tooth.

Some important parts of a visual exam are:

1. Looking at the teeth’s surface for any signs of decay
2. Using probes to find soft spots or holes
3. Checking how healthy the teeth and gums are overall

These are the ways that dentists look for cavities on front teeth and suggest ways to fix them. Regular checkups and quick diagnoses are important for keeping your mouth healthy and preventing bigger problems.

Treatment Options for Cavities

There are many ways to treat cavities on the front teeth. The best option depends on how big the cavity is, how far it has spread, and how healthy your teeth are overall.

Fillings: What They Are and What They’re Made Of

Fillings are a common fix for cavities on front teeth. You can choose from a number of different materials:

• Composite resin fillings are the same color as teeth and blend in well. They’re made of glass and plastic.
• Amalgam fillings are made of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. They are strong, but people don’t usually use them on front teeth because of how they look.
• Gold Fillings: Gold fillings last a long time, but they cost a lot. People don’t often use them on their front teeth.

The size of the cavity, where the tooth is, and what you want all affect the type of filling you get.

Fluoride Therapy

Fluoride treatments can help keep cavities from getting worse and make teeth stronger. They include putting a fluoride gel or varnish on your teeth.

• Fluoride Varnish: This doesn’t hurt and is quick. It’s done at a normal dental visit.
• Fluoride Gel: This is used in a tray for people who are very likely to get cavities.

Onlays and crowns

You might need crowns or onlays for bigger cavities. These protect and support the whole tooth.

• Crowns are caps that go over the whole tooth. They put it back to its original shape and function.
• Onlays are like crowns, but they only cover the tips of the teeth. They keep more of the tooth that is already there.

Whether to get a crown or an onlay depends on how big the cavity is and how much of the tooth you want to keep.

Preventive Measures for Front Tooth Cavities

A few simple habits can help you keep your front teeth healthy. It’s not just about having a nice smile. It’s also about taking care of your teeth in general.

Going to the dentist regularly

To avoid getting cavities, you need to go to the dentist on a regular basis. A small cavity on the front tooth is an early sign of tooth decay that dentists can see. Then they can take care of it right away. They also clean your teeth to get rid of plaque and tartar, which can lead to cavities.

You should see your dentist for a check-up twice a year. They can see if you are likely to get cavities. They’ll also tell you how to lower that risk.

How to Brush and Floss Your Teeth Well

To keep from getting cavities, you need to brush and floss the right way. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day gets rid of plaque and germs. Be sure to brush every part of your teeth, including the front, back, and top.

It’s also important to floss every day. It cleans out food and plaque that gets stuck between your teeth and under your gums. This is a place that a toothbrush can’t get to. Flossing well can stop cavities from forming, even on the front tooth that is starting to form one.

Changes to your diet to protect your teeth

Your teeth can also get better if you change what you eat. Eating less foods and drinks that are sugary and acidic can help keep cavities from forming. Plaque can form from sugary foods, which can lead to cavities.

Dairy, leafy greens, and crunchy fruits and vegetables are all good for your teeth. Eating these foods can help make your teeth stronger. Drinking water helps get rid of food and bacteria, which lowers the risk of cavities.

It helps to know if a discoloration on your front tooth is a stain or a cavity so you can choose what to eat. You can get rid of some stains, but others might mean that a cavity is starting.

You can greatly lower your risk of getting cavities on your front teeth by going to the dentist regularly, brushing and flossing well, and eating well. It’s better to stop cavities from happening than to fix them.

Special Considerations for Children

To keep their front teeth from getting cavities, it’s important to teach kids good oral hygiene habits early on. Kids’ teeth are more likely to rot because of what they eat and how they act.

Preventing Cavities in Young Patients

Mixing good dental care, a healthy diet, and regular visits to the dentist can help kids avoid cavities. Parents and other caregivers are very important for teaching these habits to kids when they are young.

• Urge kids to use fluoride toothpaste and brush their teeth twice a day.
• Keep an eye on kids while they brush their teeth until they can do it well on their own.
• Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks to lower your risk of getting cavities.

The American Dental Association says that kids should go to the dentist by their first birthday or six months after they get their first tooth. Going to the dentist early can help find and stop cavities.

“The earlier children start dental care, the better their smile will be for life.” – American Dental Association

Taking Care of Early Cavities

If a child has a cavity, get it treated right away to keep it from getting worse. Fluoride treatments, fillings, crowns, or extractions may be needed in serious cases.

Treatment Option	Description
Fluoride Treatments	Fluoride varnish to strengthen tooth enamel
FillingsFenugreek green plants with seeds	Using composite resin to fix the tooth
Crowns	Protecting the tooth with a full cover

Advice from Parents on Oral Hygiene

Parents should help their kids take care of their teeth. Make brushing and flossing fun for them.

Advice for Parents:

1. Use toothpaste that kids will like to make brushing fun.
2. Help kids brush and floss their teeth until they are 7 or 8.
3. To set a good example, you should take care of your own teeth and mouth.

Parents can help their kids avoid cavities and keep their teeth healthy by following these tips and making sure they go to the dentist regularly.

The Impact of Cavities on Aesthetics

Cavities in the front teeth are more than just a health problem. They also change how we look. A hole in a front tooth can make us worry about how our smile looks.

Impact on Smile and Self-Esteem

Cavities on the front teeth can make our teeth look different. They could make our teeth look dirty or have holes in them. This can really hurt our self-esteem and make us less sure of ourselves.

For instance, someone with a visible cavity might not want to smile or talk to people in public. They might be afraid that other people will see the flaw. This can make them not want to go to social events and make them less happy.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options

But there are ways to fix cavities in the front teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can help with things like tooth-colored fillings, veneers, and crowns. These can make the tooth look brand new again.

Fillings that match the color of your teeth can hide a cavity on a front tooth and make it look almost like it’s not there. Veneers can also change the color and shape of the tooth. This can help our smile look better.

Significance of Anterior Teeth in Communication

When we talk or smile, our front teeth are very important. A cavity on a front tooth can make us less sure of how we talk to other people.

Getting treatment for cavities on the front teeth can help us feel better about ourselves again. It shows how important it is to go to the dentist if we see any holes in our teeth. This can help us avoid more problems and keep our smile looking great.

Treating Cavities During Pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums. Changes in hormones can make you more likely to get dental problems, like cavities.

Risks of Not Treating Cavities

If you don’t take care of cavities, they can hurt and get infected. These things can even hurt your unborn child. If a pregnant woman has gum disease, she may be at risk of going into labor early and having a baby with a low birth weight. To avoid these risks, it’s important to treat cavities right away.

Safe Ways to Get Treatment

Planning dental care while pregnant is important. During the second trimester is usually the best time to get dental work done, like fillings. Dentists frequently recommend postponing non-urgent treatments until after pregnancy. But they should take care of urgent problems, like painful cavities, to avoid making things worse.

Fillings are usually safe to get while you’re pregnant. The American Dental Association says that amalgam fillings, which contain mercury, are safe to use if you do it right. But some dentists might choose composite resin fillings instead of mercury fillings.

Advice on Oral Care for Pregnant Women

If you’re pregnant, here are some things you can do to keep your mouth healthy:

• Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Get rid of plaque and food by flossing every day.
• If your dentist tells you to, use an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Tell your dentist you’re pregnant and make sure to go to your regular checkups.
• Stay away from sugary foods and drinks that can give you cavities.

Pregnant women can lower their risk of cavities and other dental problems by following these tips. This helps make sure the pregnancy is healthier.

The Role of Fluoride in Cavity Prevention

Fluoride is known to help keep teeth strong and stop cavities. You can find it in water, soil, and some foods.

How fluoride makes teeth stronger

Fluoride helps keep teeth strong by stopping plaque and sugars from attacking them. This is done by making fluorapatite, which takes the place of hydroxide in tooth enamel. This makes teeth last longer.

Some of the most important benefits of fluoride are:

• Reversing the early stages of tooth decay
• Lowering the number of cavities in teeth
• Making tooth enamel stronger

Fluoride Uses and Products

You can find fluoride in toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental treatments, among other things. It can also be found in fluoridated community water.

Fluoride products that are common include:

• Toothpaste with fluoride
• Fluoride mouth rinses
• Fluoride gels and varnishes for professionals

Risks of Too Much Fluoride

Fluorosis is one of the problems that can happen when you get too much fluoride. It can change the color of teeth and make them look bad. Follow the instructions for using fluoride.

To avoid getting too much fluoride, you should:

• Using fluoride toothpaste in the right amounts
• Watching kids brush their teeth so they don’t swallow toothpaste
• Before taking fluoride supplements, talk to a dentist.

Myths About Cavities

There are a lot of myths about cavities, so it’s important to know the truth. These myths can make you make bad choices about your mouth health. Knowing about cavities can help keep your mouth healthy.

Things People Get Wrong

One myth is that bad brushing is the only cause of cavities. But genetics, diet, and health problems also have an effect. For instance, a cavity on a toddler’s front tooth worries their parents, who may not know that toddlers can get cavities easily.

People also think that cavities only happen to kids or that they aren’t big if they’re on the front teeth. But anyone can get cavities, and front teeth cavities are especially bad because they show and change the way you look.

Separating Truth from Lies

It’s important to know the difference between myths and facts about cavities. For example, some people think that getting a cavity on the front tooth while wearing braces is unavoidable. But it’s not a given if you clean it right.

A lot of people on Reddit talk about cavities on the front teeth. People talk about their problems and ask for help. These forums help people get rid of common worries and myths.

Teaching Patients About Cavities

To stop and treat cavities, it’s important to teach people about them. Dentists are very important for teaching people about the risks, signs, and ways to avoid cavities. They show you the best ways to brush, floss, eat, and go to the dentist on a regular basis.

Myth	Fact
Cavities are only caused by poor hygiene.	Cavities are caused by a combination of factors including diet, genetics, and hygiene.
Cavities on front teeth are not a significant issue.	Cavities on front teeth can be aesthetically concerning and require prompt treatment.
Having braces guarantees you’ll get a cavity.	While braces can increase the risk, proper oral hygiene can minimize it.

The Cost of Cavity Treatment

The price of fixing a cavity on a front tooth can vary a lot. This depends on what kind of treatment you need and what your insurance covers.

Things That Change the Cost of Treatment

There are a number of things that can affect the price of a cavity treatment. These are:

• The filling material used, like gold, composite, or amalgam
• The procedure’s level of difficulty (e.g., simple filling vs. crown)
• The dentist’s fees and where they are
• The patient’s insurance and costs that aren’t covered by insurance

Patients can better guess how much their treatment will cost if they know these things.

Insurance for Dental Work

Dental insurance can help a lot with the cost of getting cavities fixed. Most plans pay for some of the cost of basic things like fillings.

Procedure	Average Cost	Insurance Coverage	Out-of-Pocket Cost
Composite Filling	$200-$400	80%	$40-$80
Crown	$800-$1,500	50%	$400-$750

Planning for dental care costs

Plan for regular check-ups and treatments to help you pay for dental care.

If you have a budget for dental care, you won’t have to worry about money when you need to get unexpected work done.

Knowing what affects the cost of treatment and using insurance can help you keep your dental care costs down.

Long-Term Effects of Untreated Cavities

If you don’t get your front teeth cavities treated, they can cause big problems. They can cause a lot of problems with oral health. These issues can hurt not only your teeth but also your health in general.

Possible Problems

Cavities that aren’t treated can hurt a lot. This pain can be mild or very bad and last all the time. If the hole gets deep enough, it can reach the pulp of the tooth and cause an infection.

In serious cases, this infection can become an abscess. An abscess is a painful and swollen pocket of pus.

Another big problem is losing teeth. A cavity can make a tooth weaker if it isn’t treated. This can make it impossible to fix the tooth, and it will need to be pulled. Losing a front tooth can affect your smile and how you chew.

Effect on Overall Health

Cavities that aren’t treated can also have an effect on your health. Studies indicate a correlation between periodontal disease and ailments such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Oral health is an important part of overall health care.

Cavities that aren’t treated can hurt and make it hard to do everyday things. In some cases, the infection can move to other parts of the body. This can cause serious health issues.

Importance of Quick Treatment

It’s very important to get dental care right away. A lot of problems can be stopped by getting treatment early. Regular visits to the dentist can help find cavities early, when they are easier to fix.

Getting treatment early not only fixes the problem right away, but it also helps your teeth stay healthy in the long run. You can avoid having to have more expensive and complicated procedures later by taking care of cavities early. This helps your smile stay healthy and work well.

When to See a Dentist

It’s important to know when to go to the dentist right away and when to get regular checkups. Taking care of your teeth at home and going to the dentist are both important for good oral health.

Signs That Need to Be Looked at Right Away

You should go to the dentist right away if you notice any of these:

• Severe toothache or pain that doesn’t go away
• Being sensitive to heat or cold
• Cavities or tooth decay that can be seen
• Gum disease or bleeding gums
• A hole in the front of your tooth close to the gum line

How often you should see the dentist

It depends on how often you should go to the dentist. Every six months is usually a good amount of time, but your dentist may suggest more or less depending on your needs.

Dental Check-Up Frequency	Oral Health Status
Every 6 months	Good oral health
Every 3-4 months	High risk of cavities or gum disease
As recommended	Specific oral health needs

Getting to Know Your Dentist

It’s important for your oral health to have a good relationship with your dentist. It’s not enough to just go to the dentist regularly; you also need to talk about your dental problems and history.

You can avoid big problems by knowing when to go to the dentist and keeping up with your regular checkups. This keeps your smile healthy for a long time.

Lifestyle Changes to Avoid Cavities

You can help keep cavities from forming by changing your way of life. Key things are to stop smoking and drink more water. These habits can help you avoid getting cavities in your front teeth.

The Effects of Smoking on Oral Health

Smoking is bad for your mouth health, including your chances of getting cavities. It lowers the amount of saliva, which is important for keeping teeth strong. It’s hard to quit smoking, but it’s important for your oral health.

Smoking also makes your teeth, even the front ones, look bad. This can make your smile look bad. Tobacco makes tooth enamel weaker, which makes teeth more likely to rot.

One of the best things you can do for your oral health and to lower your risk of getting cavities is to stop smoking.

The Importance of Staying Hydrated for Healthy Teeth

Drinking water is important for keeping your mouth healthy. It cleans your mouth by getting rid of food and germs. It also helps your teeth by making saliva.

Drinking water all day keeps your mouth clean. It’s great for little kids who might not brush well. Helping kids drink water can help keep their front teeth from getting cavities.

“Drinking water is essential for oral health as it helps to rinse away bacteria and food particles.”

Taking care of your teeth and managing stress

Stress can be bad for your teeth and gums. It could make you forget about your teeth or grind them. It’s important to find ways to relax.

Even if you have braces, it’s still important to go to the dentist regularly. They help find problems early, like cavities on the front teeth of people who wear braces.

You can keep your teeth healthy by managing stress and living a healthy life. This lowers your risk of getting cavities.

Final Thoughts

You might be worried about a cavity on a front tooth, but knowing what causes it and how to treat it can help. A healthy lifestyle, good oral hygiene, and regular visits to the dentist all lower the risk of cavities. This helps keep your smile healthy.

Good brushing and flossing are the first steps to lowering the risk of cavities on the gum line of your front teeth. Eating well is also helpful. Regular trips to the dentist catch cavities early, even on the front teeth.

Good oral care starts with you. Watch your sugar intake, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and manage stress. These steps prevent cavities and keep your front teeth looking good.

If you find a cavity on a front tooth, there are treatments like fillings and crowns. Knowing these options and getting treatment quickly stops problems. It keeps your tooth healthy for longer.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a cavity on a front tooth?

A cavity on a front tooth is a bacterial infection. It takes minerals out of the enamel, which causes a hole or pit.

Is it possible to get a cavity in your front tooth?

Yes, cavities can form on any tooth, even the ones in the front. This is because of bad oral hygiene, bad eating habits, and other things.

How do they fill a hole in a front tooth?

Dentists fill teeth with porcelain or tooth-colored composite resin. These materials bring back the look and function of the tooth.

What does a hole in the front tooth look like?

A small white or brown spot on a front tooth could be a cavity. It could also be a hole you can see or a dark spot.

How to fix a hole in a front tooth?

Fillings, fluoride treatments, and crowns or onlays are all ways to fix cavities in the front teeth. The choice depends on how bad the cavity is.

Can you fix a hole in your front tooth at home?

No, you need to see a dentist to get cavities on your front teeth fixed. This is to stop more damage and improve oral health.

What can you do to keep cavities from forming on your front teeth?

Good oral hygiene is very important. This means brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Going to the dentist regularly can also help keep cavities from forming.

What makes front teeth more likely to get cavities?

Poor oral hygiene, diet, genetic predisposition, age, and previous dental work are all things that can make you more likely to get cavities on your front teeth.

How do you tell if a front tooth has a cavity?

Dentists look at teeth and take X-rays to find cavities. They also use other tools to figure out what’s wrong.

Are cavities on the front teeth painful?

Yes, cavities on the front teeth can make them sensitive, hurt, and uncomfortable. If you don’t treat it, this is more likely to happen.

How to handle a cavity on a front tooth while pregnant?

Pregnant women should talk to their dentist about how to get safe care. Some treatments might not be safe for pregnant women.

What does fluoride do to help keep front teeth from getting cavities?

Fluoride makes tooth enamel stronger. This makes teeth, even the ones in the front, less likely to get cavities and decay.

How to take care of cavities on kids’ front teeth?

Parents should teach their kids how to take care of their teeth. This means brushing and flossing your teeth every day. They should also make sure to go to the dentist on a regular basis.

Can cavities on the front teeth have an impact on health?

Yes, cavities that aren’t treated on the front teeth can cause more serious problems with oral health. This can have an effect on health and well-being as a whole.

How to plan for getting cavities treated on your front teeth?

Patients should talk to their dentist about how much treatment will cost. They should also look into different types of insurance to help them pay for treatment.