How Routine Dental Checkups Protect Oral Health and Save Money

Millions of Americans put off going to the dentist for a number of reasons. They might do so because they have other plans that get in the way or they simply think they are saving money. After all, if there’s nothing glaringly wrong with your oral health, why should you bother? The fact of the matter is, according to a dentist, skipping routine visits can spell major trouble for your long-term oral health and even your systemic health. Here’s why you should always stay committed to routine dental checkups and cleanings, even if nothing is wrong with your teeth or gums.

You Save Money in the Long Run

While it might not seem like spending money on your regular checkups and cleanings is actively saving you money, the statistics say otherwise. According to a study conducted by Cigna, every dollar spent on preventive care (i.e. exams, cleanings, X-rays etc.) could help you save between $8 and $50 on restorative and emergency treatments. This is because preventive care is considered to be the most affordable form of dentistry out there today.

It’s also why so many dental insurance companies pay for the majority of preventive care costs, while they tend to offer less coverage on more expensive treatments like dental crowns, root canal therapy and emergency visits. If you want to save money, the best thing you can do is stay proactive and commit to regular dental checkups every six months.

Preventive Care is Easier to Complete

When we talk about preventive care, we’re specifically referring to treatments like exams to catch any signs of decay, gum disease, and other systemic disease. We’re also talking about cleanings, which work to remove harmful plaque and tartar from areas of the mouth that might have been missed during at-home oral care. Furthermore, X-rays are essential to preventive care and allow dentists to see issues that would otherwise be invisible.

Additionally, all of these treatments:

• Can be performed in a single visit
• Require no local anesthetic to complete
• Are by far the most comfortable to receive
• Reduce your risk of future dental problems

Giving Yourself Peace of Mind

It’s crucial to understand that dental issues, especially tooth decay and gum disease, are very difficult to catch in the early stages without a professional opinion. Once tooth decay actually causes tooth pain, a dental filling is more than likely already going to be needed. Furthermore, gum disease is largely referred to as the “silent killer” for a reason. Without a trained eye, there’s no way to know for sure if your oral health is in the clear, and dental checkups work to resolve that.

Have you scheduled a checkup in recent months? Oral hygiene matters, but professional checkups are just as important!

About West Hartford Dental Group

Dr. Ukti Phadnis and Dr. Ajay Dhingra are happy to listen to all of your concerns when it’s time for your routine checkup. Their expertise in all aspects of dentistry is sure to give you the confidence to complete an exam, cleaning and X-ray at their office. If you need to schedule your next dental checkup, feel free to contact them through their website.