How to Save Costs on Dental Care
Did you know that one of the best things you can do today to reduce the risk of needing expensive dental work in the future is to adhere to a regular preventive dentistry routine? Some people reading this may think that the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends exams and cleanings every six months because it’s the best way to ensure against cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and more. Still, the truth is that six-month exams and cleanings also guard against the costs of those procedures.
Here’s an Example
Let’s say that you visit your dentist every six months as recommended. And in one of those visits, your dentist notices a small cavity that can easily be treated with minimal disruption to the tooth or your day. However, if you’ve missed a few of your six-month exams and the cavity was not detected early, it will most likely have grown to a size that’s too large for a dental filling. Instead, your dentist may recommend a crown or even a tooth extraction and replacement – which all require more time in the treatment chair and more costs than a small filling.
Likewise, if you are starting to experience bleeding gums but think that it’s due to brushing too hard, you might be doing yourself more harm than good by not seeing a dentist near you. Bleeding from your gums is a common sign of plaque build-up and early gum disease – two conditions that can be treated more comfortably now than later. Look at it this way: Doesn’t a professional cleaning sound more relaxing and less invasive than gum surgery?
Also, when you visit your dentist and their team for your preventive dentistry, it’s an excellent chance to learn if there’s anything you can be doing to stay on top of your preventive dentistry game at home. Some examples include learning about the best toothbrush for your enamel type and best practices for dental flossing.
It’s Never Too Late
Even if it’s been more than six months since your last dental exam or professional cleaning, it’s not too late to get started. Why not call us today to schedule an appointment and get back on track with your preventive dentistry near you?