How Visiting the Dentist Saves You Money

Even if you are consistently maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine, visiting your dentist is still a necessary step in order to achieve optimal oral and overall health. However, many people put aside regular dental visits for a variety of reasons. For many, especially those without dental insurance, it is an effort to save money. The truth is that by seeing your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and checkups, you may be able to avoid large bills in the future. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about how regular visits can save you money.

Prevent Tooth Decay

For those of you out there who are excellent brushers and flossers, it is still important that you are seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. The truth is that there are always areas of your mouth that you are going to miss. During your cleanings, your hygienist will clear away buildups of plaque and tartar that could lead to decay in the future. Your dentist checks for existing decay so it can be treated earlier rather than later. Getting a small filling now can save you from needing a root canal or extraction in the future, both of which are pricier and will increase your out-of-pocket costs, even if you have dental insurance.

Catching Early Gum Disease

Every time you have a checkup with your dentist, they will examine your mouth for early signs of gum disease. It is extremely common, with half of American adults over the age of 30 suffering from it. Fortunately, it is also very easy to prevent and can be reversible if it hasn’t already progressed to later stages. However, when left untreated, gum disease can cause gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. By addressing this with your dentist now, you will be able to save money on restorations and invasive gum disease treatments later on that may not be covered by your dental insurance.

Reduce Staining

Part of your professional cleaning involves your hygienist polishing your teeth using a gritty material known as prophylaxis paste. This breaks apart surface stains that are caused by tobacco, drinking coffee, and just getting older. By getting this done routinely, you are less likely to feel the need to spend money on cosmetic treatments in the future to reverse discoloration.

Detect Oral Cancer

Your dentist checks for this deadly disease at the beginning of all of your checkups. When caught early on by your dentist, it can often be treated easily. However, since it progresses so quickly, missing a single dental appointment could lead to the need for intensive chemotherapy. Not only does visiting your dentist save you money, but it can also save your life.

If you’re looking to save money in the future, scheduling regular dental appointments is a great way to start. Your dentist’s team would be happy to file your insurance claims and help you best understand your benefits. Other options, like CareCredit Financing is also available. Your wallet will thank you later.

About the Practice

At Gerome & Patrice Family Dentistry, you have not just one, but two well experienced dentists providing high-quality care to patients in Loveland. Dr. Mark Gerome has been working in the field for more than two decades. Dr. Gina Patrice earned her DDS from the University of North Carolina Dental School in Chapel Hill, NC and is committed to keeping up with continuing education. They are members of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Ohio Dental Association. For more information on financial options or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (513) 677-1349.