You know you should probably make an appointment with your dentist, but your wallet is begging you to spend less money. Even with dental insurance, some dental treatments can be quite costly. While no one would blame you for being budget-conscious, you should know that visiting your dentist can actually be cheaper than not! Here’s why.
It Pays to Get Preventative Care
What do you think would cost more? Getting treatment for gum disease, or avoiding gum disease altogether? If you guessed that gum disease treatment would dig a bigger hole in your wallet, you’d be correct! This is part of the reason why dentists – and insurance companies – are so keen on preventative dental care. Biannual checkup and cleanings can significantly reduce your risk of costly oral conditions and prevent you from needing treatment in the first place.
Early Diagnosis Can Save You Money
Dental problems aren’t always easy for the average person to spot. By the time you notice something’s wrong with your oral health, you could be looking at a pretty involved – and pricey – treatment. Your dentist, though, is trained to identify and diagnose issues like oral cancer, gum disease, and cavities. When they’re able to check on your teeth and gums every six months, they can provide prompt treatment before the problem spreads and becomes more costly.
Poor Oral Health Can Lead to Poor General Health
If you wait too long to take care of your teeth, harmful bacteria could very well travel from your mouth to other areas of your body. Studies strongly suggest, for example, that wayward gum disease bacteria can infect your blood vessels and brain, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and more. Managing these conditions isn’t exactly cheap. Basically, it’s more affordable to simply brush and floss and visit your dentist.
Visiting your dentist for oral care or a simple checkup and cleaning can seem like an unnecessary expense at first. But in the long run, your dentist can help you save money by preventing dental illnesses and monitoring your oral cavity. If you haven’t already, do your budget a favor and remember to get an appointment scheduled!
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Reed specializes in creating quality dental prosthetics, and has even received advanced surgical and prosthetic training from Dr. Carl Misch. She offers a comprehensive list of services for her patients, including preventative checkup and cleaning appointments and periodontal therapy. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Reed, call 402-488-5007.
