Blog

You have this nagging toothache that has been bothering you for days, and nothing you take or do seems to help. You know you should go to the dentist, but the idea of spending money on a problem you think will just “go away” doesn’t seem worth it. Unfortunately, this is a common situation for many people who think they’re saving money by avoiding the dentist. In reality, the problems forming in the mouth will most likely result in dental work that has you opening your wallet much more than you anticipated. If you’re truly looking to save money on your dental needs, learn what kind of problems your dentist can solve by keeping your regular appointments.    

Why Are Regular Dental Appointments Important?

It is recommended that every six months you see your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. The question you’re probably asking is, “Why?” First, your dentist is the only person who can dictate how often you should come in for a preventive care visit. Depending on your individual needs, it may be necessary for you to come in more frequently; however, the general rule is that twice a year is enough times for a patient to see their dentist.

Between appointments, you are responsible for maintaining good oral hygiene by practicing adequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing to keep your teeth, gums, and oral tissues healthy. What is important to know is that even individuals who are diligent with their oral habits can have problems. It’s not easy trying to reach some of the crevices that exist in the mouth.

This is why your dental appointments are crucial to keeping gum disease and tooth decay away. Specialized tools, a well-trained eye, and advanced technology can not only save your oral cavity from disease and infection, but it can save you time and money you’d rather be spending elsewhere.

How Will I Save Money?

It might be hard to believe but just like going to the doctor can prevent problems from developing in the future, the same goes for the dentist. In six months, your mouth encounters daily bacteria and food particles that can be harmful to your teeth and gums, especially if you’re lacking in your oral hygiene routine.

If you want to keep your mouth healthy and more money in your wallet, it’s important to see your dentist to prevent conditions like gum disease and tooth decay. Both common oral health problems can be prevented, treated, and sometimes, even reversed, with early detection. However, if gum disease is left untreated, you are looking at spending additional money on periodontal therapy, possible tooth extraction, and tooth replacement services.

The same goes for tooth decay. If you don’t see your dentist for a regular cleaning and cavities form, you will be expected to pay for fillings, dental crown, or even a root canal if the decay and infection reach your inner tooth. And just like gum disease, if necessary, you might face a tooth extraction and the need for a replacement tooth when it’s all said and done.

If you really think about the cost of each type of dentistry service, it’s easy to see why a regular dental appointment every six months keeps more money in your pocket. With most insurance plans, preventive care is covered 100%. However, a root canal is more expensive than a filling, which is more expensive than a general cleaning. Tooth extraction is more expensive than periodontal therapy, which is also more costly than the time spent having your dentist examine your mouth and a dental hygienist clean your teeth.

No one is immune from dental problems, so don’t think that just because you haven’t faced a problem up to this point that you never will. Your teeth and gums are important aspects of your overall health, so why not give them the care and treatment they deserve? By spending a small amount of time in the dentist chair, you are preventing problems before they start.

About the Author

Dr. Benjamin Naylor earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Utah. He then went on to attend Roseman University College of Dental Medicine in South Jordan, Utah. Dr. Naylor and his team at Mountain Stream Dental want you to have the healthiest smile possible, which is why preventive care will always be the number one way to attain good oral health. Not only will he strive to catch problems early, but he will treat them quickly and with respect to your dental goals and budget. Contact us at (541) 345-5363 to learn how we can help.