Even if you do a great job at keeping up with your oral hygiene routine, regular dental visits are still a necessary step to achieve a healthy smile. However, many people put their routine dental visits on hold for a variety of different reasons. For some, it may be an effort to save some cash. The truth is that by seeing your dentist on a regular basis, you can actually end up saving a lot in the long run. Continue reading to learn why this is the case.
Prevent Tooth Decay
Even if you are an excellent brusher and flosser, there will always be places that you can’t help but miss. This is where your routine dental cleanings come into play. During your visit, your hygienist will clear away buildups of plaque and tartar that can eventually lead to decay. Your dentist will check for existing decay so it can be treated sooner rather than later. By opting for a filling now, you may be able to avoid the need for root canal therapy or an extraction in the future. Both of these treatments are more invasive and have a higher out-of-pocket cost, even if you have dental insurance.
Ward Off Gum Disease
Every time you have a checkup, your dentist examines your smile for signs of gum disease. This condition is extremely common. In fact, approximately half of American adults over the age of 30 are suffering from gum disease at one stage or another. Fortunately, it is very easy to prevent and can even be reversed in its early stages. However, when left untreated, gum disease can cause gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. It has even been linked to other medical issues in the body, some being life-threatening – like heart disease and diabetes! By addressing gum disease with your dentist now and working on a solution, you can save money on future restorations and invasive gum disease treatments.
Reduce Discoloration
At the end of your dental cleaning, your hygienist polishes your teeth using a gritty material known as prophylaxis paste. This helps to break apart surface stains that are caused by smoking, drinking coffee, and aging. By having this done regularly, you are less like to feel the need to invest in cosmetic services to reverse discoloration in the future.
Detect Oral Cancer
Your dentist checks for this deadly disease at the start of all of your checkups. When detected early on, it can often be easily treated, and patients can make a full recovery. However, since it progresses so quickly, missing a single dental visit could mean that you need intensive chemotherapy and other invasive, costly treatments. Remember that your dental visits not only save you money, but they can save your life!
If you haven’t attended both of your checkups included in your dental insurance plan this year, now is the time to schedule your appointment. By seeing your dentist before the year ends, you can get the most out of your benefits and can even save a penny or two in the long run!
About the Author
Dr. Scott Wehrkamp is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than four decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantologist, the American Dental Association, and the South Dakota Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Brandon, visit his website or call (605) 546-9091.