According to the American Dental Association, 42% of Americans don’t see a dentist as often as they would like to. For many, this is because of fear of costs. No one wants to be surprised with a huge bill. However, refraining from visiting your dentist may actually cause you to spend more money in the future. Here are a few ways that routine visits to your dentist in Melbourne can help you save money.
Preventing Gum Disease
Even though periodontal disease is easily preventable, it affects half of all adults in the United States. When you visit your dentist, they check for early signs so it can be treated before coming too serious. However, when left unchecked, you could end up with gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. This means that you will need to spend more money on restorations and additional gum disease treatment that may not be as easily covered by your dental insurance.
Preventing Decay
Even if you are the most diligent brusher and flosser in the world, there are still going to be areas in your mouth that you can’t quite reach. This is where your dentist comes into the picture. When you go to the dental office for your regular cleanings, they will remove plaque and tartar buildup. Your dentist will also check for early signs of tooth decay so you can have it treated before it becomes a cavity or painful toothache. If you aren’t going to the dentist and decay isn’t treated, your tooth could become infected, meaning you’ll likely need more expensive and invasive treatments such as a root canal or extraction.
Detecting Oral Cancer
During your checkups, you dentist always conducts an oral cancer screening. Because this deadly disease progresses so quickly, it is important to catch it as early as possible. This way, it could be easily treatable. If it is left to progress, a patient may require intensive chemotherapy. Seeing your dentist often can save you a lot of money and even your life.
Reduce Teeth Staining
At the end of all of your appointments, your dentist or hygienist will polish your teeth with a special paste. This breaks apart surface stains and reduces discoloration. If you aren’t getting this routine preventive care, you may end up paying a lot more for cosmetic treatments in the future to restore the whiteness of your smile.
By visiting your dentist regularly, you will save money in the future by avoiding costly treatments. If you’re worried about the bill, ask your dentist about your different payment options. Do your future self a favor and care for your oral health now!
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose is an experienced dentist who has been practicing in the Melbourne, FL area for more than two decades. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and is an alumnus of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute. Exceptional Dentistry offers a third-party link to financing options by CareCredit, a well-respected healthcare financing company that can help make dental care affordable, even if you don’t have insurance. For information on financial options or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (321) 259-4666.