Ogum-dong Dental Clinic: Can Cavity Resin Treatment Receive Insurance Benefits? How to Prevent Tooth Decay for Our Child’s Oral Health

Hello.

This is Yonsei Dagam Dental Clinic in Ogum-dong.

If cavities are treated at an early stage,

they can be resolved simply.

However, because there are often no symptoms at the beginning,

many people miss the right time for treatment.

As the affected area gets larger,

the treatment period becomes longer,

and the cost can also become a burden.

In particular, when children develop tooth decay,

the progression is faster,

so it is better to have an early examination.

Children’s teeth have thinner enamel than adults’

and lower mineral content,

so they are more vulnerable to cavities.

Also, because they like sweet foods

and are not very good at brushing,

cavities can develop easily.

Most importantly, until before age 13,

insurance-covered resin treatment is possible,

so at Ogum-dong Dental Clinic,

we recommend responding early.

The government has also provided insurance benefits for resin treatment

to protect the oral health of children during growth,

covering resin treatment for decayed permanent teeth

only for children aged 12 and under.

Today, we will explain this in detail. Permanent teeth,

Is treatment unnecessary for early decay?

At Ogum-dong Dental Clinic, we proceed with an accurate diagnosis

through X-ray images and an oral examination.

In general, early decay on the occlusal surface (the chewing surface of molars)

does not need treatment,

even if it looks black.

Early decay is a type in which decay appears

in the form of dots or lines

along the deep, well-formed grooves of the occlusal surface.

Teeth have a three-layer structure,

and this refers to decay that has affected only the outermost layer,

the enamel.

You may wonder whether it will just grow larger if left alone,

but if there is a black line visible and

a thin instrument does not catch when scraping the tooth,

and if the surface remains smooth without any scraping debris,

it is highly likely to be arrested decay.

If you brush carefully and consistently,

enamel can remineralize through fluoride,

and it can remain in a state of arrested decay

without progressing further.

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Of course, it does not disappear on its own!

For early decay, if you want preventive treatment in advance,

it is generally filled with resin.

As mentioned in the introduction at Ogum-dong Dental Clinic,

children under 13 can receive insurance-covered resin benefits.

For the purpose of protecting the oral health of children during growth at an early stage,

when permanent tooth cavities are treated with resin,

insurance coverage can be applied.

Insurance-covered resin

Insurance-covered resin applies to treatment of decayed permanent teeth

in children aged 12 and under.

It can be performed with a 30% copayment,

which helps reduce the financial burden.

However, if the following cases apply,

the insurance does not cover it.

✔️ Tooth fractures caused by trauma rather than cavities

are not covered by insurance.

✔️ Teeth broken from falling or being bumped

are classified as trauma treatment

and are not eligible for insurance coverage.

✔️ Deep cavities that require root canal treatment

are also excluded.

If the cavity has reached the nerve,

it cannot be resolved with resin alone

and root canal treatment is necessary!

✔️ Primary teeth are not included.

✔️ Treatments for purely aesthetic purposes are also excluded.

As explained at Ogum-dong Dental Clinic,

to check whether it can be applied,

it is best to first receive an accurate examination

and then consult about whether insurance coverage is possible. Resin treatment method

1. First, the cavity area is thoroughly cleaned.

2. Using a handpiece, only the decayed area is carefully removed,

3. The tooth is etched with acid

to roughen the surface

and create an environment where the resin can bond well.

4. After applying primer or bonding agent and light-curing it,

5. resin is layered into the area

to restore the shape.

6. Finally, when the patient bites on articulating paper,

the biting area is marked,

allowing us to identify and adjust any high points in the bite.

Articulating paper is a thin, paper-like material

that leaves red marks on areas that bite too high.

In this way, we check the contact points

and adjust the surface.

Through simple but careful work,

the cavity problem is resolved.

Resin is similar in color to natural teeth,

so it is aesthetically pleasing,

and because only the decayed area is removed,

it is a conservative treatment.

As explained at Ogum-dong Dental Clinic,

even in pediatric treatment,

there are cases like this where insurance coverage is available,

so if you suspect a cavity in your child,

please have them examined accurately!

Thank you!

25.11.05