Are you trying to find ways to make dental care more affordable? It may seem counterintuitive, but the best way to lower costs is by seeing a dentist more often, not less! 6-month checkups and cleanings are designed to prevent problems or catch them in their earliest stages. This saves you a lot of time, money and hassle down the road by keeping your teeth healthy rather than letting problems get worse with time. Keep reading below to find out how these visits keep your mouth (and wallet) happy and healthy.
Save Money With Routine Dental Care
Generally speaking, it’s easier and cheaper to fix problems when they’re smaller and less complicated. And just like tune-ups prevent your car from breaking down on the side of the road, regular checkups and cleanings minimize major dental problems.
For example, small cavities typically don’t cause pain or sensitivity. But when a dentist can catch them during a checkup, they can be repaired with simple, inexpensive fillings. If you wait until you’re in pain to be seen, you may need more involved treatment like a root canal and crown.
What Else Can Happen If You Don’t Get Regular Checkups?
Here are some other issues you may encounter by not getting preventive care:
- Dental emergencies – Unfortunately, even regular checkups can’t prevent every type of emergency (such as knocking out a tooth). But your chances of developing a toothache during a busy work week or on vacation will be much lower.
- Failing dental work – Understandably, no wants to replace dental fillings, crowns, and bridges until they absolutely have to. In addition to keeping a close eye on your teeth and gums, a dentist also monitors your existing dental work. This allows them to find and treat potential problems early on to help your dental work last longer.
- Advanced gum disease – Gum disease is very common. Since it progressively destroys the supportive structures that keep your teeth in place, it’s the #1 cause of tooth loss. Getting professional cleanings and annual gum exams is the best way to prevent or manage gum disease and lower your risk of tooth loss.
On a final note, keep in mind that most dental insurance companies cover two checkups and cleanings per year at 80% -100%. If you’re insured, these visits cost you little to nothing out of pocket, so be sure to schedule them.
If you’re uninsured and struggle with the cost, talk to your dentist to see if coming in every 9 to 12 months would be possible. Although it’s not ideal, it’s much better than going years between visits and will go a long way towards lowering your dental bills.
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft is a family dentist who is dedicated to providing her community with outstanding dentistry. She always encourages people to schedule routine care to minimize the amount of dental work they need in the long-run. If you’d like to know more about lowering the cost of dental care or have any questions, she can be reached via her website.