It may be tempting to save money by skipping the dentist if you don’t have any symptoms. This can actually end up costing you more money down the line. Regular dental appointments allow your dentist to detect oral health problems early on. This can ultimately save you time and money as well as help you avoid undergoing several procedures. If you still need more convincing, here are four reasons why early detection of oral health problems is so important.
#1: Keep Developing Problems in Check
Oral health issues are not always easy to detect on your own, so visiting the dentist on a regular basis will allow them to identify and treat problems before they get too bad. Regular checkups and cleanings can also prevent other oral health issues from developing.
#2: Lower Oral Health Expenses
Cleanings and checkups aren’t free, but they’re certainly inexpensive compared to major dental procedures such as root canal or periodontal therapy. The earlier you catch an issue, the less expensive it is to treat. Insurance will also likely pay for more of your treatment the earlier the problem is caught. Skipping regular dental visits may seem like a good way to save some money, but it will ultimately do more harm than good to both your oral health and your wallet.
#3: Stay Pain-Free
A small cavity may not hurt initially, but leaving it untreated can lead to more serious decay and even an infection of the tooth pulp. If the infection gets bad enough, you may need a root canal or to have the tooth extracted. Most dental health issues are unlikely to go away on their own and will only become worse as time goes on, so catching them and having them treated as soon as possible will help you avoid severe pain.
#4: Identify and Treat Life-Threatening Diseases
During oral exams, dentists are looking for more than just cavities. They are also looking for potentially life-threatening conditions like oral cancer. Though this form of cancer is pretty common, it’s often treatable when detected in its early stages. By visiting the dentist twice per year, they can make sure your mouth stays as healthy as possible.
Avoiding checkups and cleanings may save money in the moment, but it will only make things more costly and time intensive down the line. If it’s been over six months since you’ve been to the dentist, contact them as soon as you can to make an appointment and keep your oral health in the best possible shape.
About the Practice
Bell Road Dental Care makes the comfort and safety of their Phoenix patients their top priority. Dr. Doug Sewright, Dr. Reza Jafari, Dr Sierra Ferreira, and their compassionate team aim to help you learn how to care for your teeth and gums the proper way so you can keep your smile bright and beautiful for years to come. For more information or to schedule an appointment with their friendly team, call Bell Road Dental Care’s office at (602) 404-3483 or visit their website.