How Dental Checkups Can Save You Money in the Long Run

Going to the dentist can seem like a hassle to many people. After all, you have to take time out of your busy schedule to have someone poke around in your mouth and tell you that you haven’t been flossing as much as you should. Not to mention that dental checkups and cleanings can seem expensive. Did you know, however, that regularly attending these appointments can actually save you money in the long run? Keep reading to learn how.

How Can Seeing Your Dentist Regularly Save You Money?

There are a few ways that regular dental checkups and cleanings can save you money. Some of these ways include:

Avoiding the Need for More Expensive Treatment

One great benefit of regularly seeing your dentist is that they can detect early warning signs of potential issues before they spiral into huge problems. For example, if your dentist spots a tiny cavity that you wouldn’t even notice on your own, they can get that filled easily and at relatively little cost to you. If, however, you wait until that cavity becomes noticeably painful, you might need more extensive treatment, like a root canal or even a tooth extraction. Not only do these procedures take longer, but they typically cost much more. Attending checkups can help your dentist catch little problems like cavities before they become larger issues.

Preventing Related Medical Conditions

More than half of American adults will have gum disease at some point in their lives. Besides also being the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States, gum disease has been linked to a whole host of other health problems, including:

• Heart disease
• Alzheimer’s
• Birth complications in pregnant women
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes

Just like cavities, your dentist can also catch gum disease early enough to prevent these medical complications from developing.

Saving Money on Teeth Whitening

The last portion of your regular appointment is the teeth cleaning. Your dental hygienist will use a special paste to remove stains from the surface of your teeth, making your smile shine brighter. Going to these visits can save you money that you might have otherwise spent on teeth whitening products.

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

More often than not, it’s recommended that you visit your dentist twice a year, or every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease or poor oral health in general, or if you have a condition that can compromise your immune system (like diabetes or HIV/AIDS), you may need to schedule a checkup more often. Your dentist can evaluate your oral health and determine how often you need to come in.

Seeing your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings may sound like a chore or a waste of money, but it can save you so much down the line. If it has been more than six months since your last appointment, give your dentist a call today!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis is a dentist in Wethersfield, CT who earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She takes extensive post-graduate training courses every year in subjects such as Invisalign, dental implants, TMJ therapy, and cosmetic dentistry. She strives to form long-lasting relationships with her patients and help them feel comfortable in the dental chair. To get started on saving money, schedule your checkup with Dr. Phadnis via her website or by calling 860-400-3007.