There are many Americans out there who do not see the dentist as often as they should. After completing a survey, the American Dental Association estimates that approximately 42% of people in the United States don’t have scheduled dental visit as often as they would like. Even though there are many reasons that this could be the case, such as dental anxiety or busy schedules, one of the most common reasons is fear of costs. However, skipping out on visits to your dentist in Sacramento may actually cost you more money in the future. Read on to learn how.
Warding off Tooth Decay
Even if you are the best brusher and flosser in the whole world and never skip a day, there will still be areas in your mouth that you miss. This is why professional cleanings are so important. Your hygienist clears away buildups of plaque and bacteria left behind so it doesn’t cause issues like tooth decay in the future. During your checkups, your dentist will catch any existing cavities so they can be treated before becoming worse. Getting a simple filling now will be a lot more affordable than waiting until you need a root canal or extraction!
Checking for Gum Disease
Did you know that half of all adults over the age of 30 are affected by gum disease? As scary of a statistic as that is, gum disease is very easily preventable. Every time you go in for a checkup, your dentist checks for early signs of this common condition. This way, it can be treated early on and is usually reversible. However, if you wait, gum disease will progress to later stages and you may experience gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. This means that you will need to spend more money in the future on restorations and periodontal treatment that may not be as easily covered by insurance.
Preventing Discoloration
Part of your professional cleaning includes getting your teeth polished. Your hygienist uses a special substance called prophylaxis paste. This gritty material helps to break apart surface stains that are caused overtime by smoking, coffee, red wine, and simply just getting older. If you’re skipping this step every six months, you may be more likely to pay for cosmetic treatment in the future to remove staining. In the end, it is better to keep up with the appearance of your smile now instead of waiting.
Detecting Oral Cancer
At the beginning of every checkup, your dentist checks for abnormalities that could point to oral cancer. This deadly disease progresses quickly which is why it is so important to catch it early on. Missing one appointment could be the different between an easy treatment and intensive chemotherapy. In addition to saving you money, visiting the dentist can save your life!
If you’re worried about the cost when you see the dentist, ask them ahead of time about the different dental insurance plans they accept. If you don’t have insurance, ask them about other financing options. They may be able to help! In the end, you can end up saving much more in the future by taking care of your smile with regular visits now!
About the Author
Dr. Scott Grivas earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and opened up the doors to his practice more than a decade ago. He participates in regular continuing education courses including the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies continuum. Dr. Grivas’ practice is in network with Delta Dental and Cigna, and they also offer other financial options. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (916) 571-0815.