There are many different reasons why people don’t visit the dentist every six months. For some it is dental phobia or a busy schedule, but for others, they are worried about how much it will cost them. The truth is that regular dental visits can help you save money in the long run. In fact, for every dollar you spend on preventive care, you will save $50 on restorative care later on. Continue reading to learn the different ways that regular visits to your dentist in North Dallas can help you save.
Preventing Decay and Infection
Even if you are a great brusher and flosser at home, you are still going to miss some areas in your mouth. This is where your professional cleaning helps. Your hygienist will remove plaque buildups that are left behind before they lead to issues. During your checkup, your dentist will look for existing tooth decay so it can become treated before leading to an infection. Having a filling now can save you from needing a more invasive and expensive procedure, like a root canal or extraction, later on.
Catching Gum Disease
Gum disease is easy to prevent, but half of Americans over the age of 30 are suffering from it. When you go in for your regular checkups, your dentist will look for early signs of the condition. This way, it can be treated early on. When left to progress, you could be dealing with gum recession, loose teeth, or tooth loss. This means you could be spending more money in the future on restorations and gum disease treatment that may not be covered by insurance.
Reducing Discoloration
Whenever you visit the dentist for a professional cleaning, they will wrap up the cleaning by polishing your teeth using a gritty substance called prophylaxis paste. This works by breaking apart surface stains caused from drinking coffee, red wine, and other stain causing foods. If you are skipping your appointments, you may feel the need to invest in cosmetic treatment later on in order to brighten your smile. This will be more expensive and won’t be covered by your dental insurance.
Detecting Oral Cancer
At the beginning of every checkup, your dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening. They will inspect your neck, mouth, throat, and oral tissues for abnormalities and signs of this deadly disease. Since it progresses so quickly, missing a single appointment can be the difference between an easy treatment and intensive chemotherapy. Having your regular oral cancer screening can save you tons of money and even your life.
The end of 2020 is nearly here, so don’t forget to see your dentist near you. For most dental insurance plans, the benefit deadline is December 31. This means that your unused benefits will go to waste. Be sure to maximize your benefits before you lose them. By going to the dentist now, you can save money in the future!
About the Author
Dr. Sung-Hee Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Baylor College of Dentistry and is a member of both the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Her practice is in-network with many major dental insurance providers and they are happy to file claims on your behalf. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee, visit her website or call (972) 481-8800.