How Visiting Your Dentist Can Save You Money

Christmas is right around the corner! During this magical time of the year, many people feel a pinch in their wallets thanks to all the holiday prep. If that sounds like your situation, you may be tempted to cancel your dental appointments and go without certain services to reduce expenses. However, attending every routine checkup and cleaning can actually save you money in the long run. Continue reading to learn how it can bulk up your savings!

Early Detection of Gum Disease

If left untreated, periodontal (gum) disease can turn into a life-threatening complication. Fortunately, it’s easily preventable! Aside from brushing and flossing every day, you must visit your dentist regularly to keep your gums healthy. During every routine checkup, they’ll check for signs of the condition and treat it before it destroys your smile.

Skipping these regular visits can worsen gum disease, causing gum recession and resulting in a loose tooth or even tooth loss. At that point, you’d need to spend more money on restorations and periodontal therapy – both of which may not be covered by insurance down the line.

Prevent Tooth Discoloration

You may brush off your teeth cleanings because you think they’re not a big deal, but that’s not the case at all. They have far more benefits than you can imagine! Most dentists wrap up the appointment by polishing your teeth using a special substance called prophylaxis paste. It helps lift extrinsic stains caused by dark-colored foods and drinks (i.e., coffee, tea, soda, red wine, soy sauce). It’ll leave your smile looking so bright and healthy, you won’t need to shell out extra money for professional teeth whitening treatment!

Screen for Oral Cancer

It may surprise you to learn that dentists conduct an oral cancer screening at every routine checkup. They’ll carefully check your mouth, throat, and oral tissues for abnormalities or signs of the disease. Oral cancer can rapidly become life-threatening, which is why it’s important to attend every routine appointment. Even missing just one could make the difference between easy treatment or needing chemotherapy. Not only can these screenings save you money, but they can save your life as well.

Ward Off Cavities and Decay

A solid at-home oral hygiene routine isn’t enough to keep your smile in tip-top shape. There are small areas in your mouth that can’t be reached with just brushing and flossing. That’s where professional teeth cleanings come in to save the day! Using special tools, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your mouth to lower your risk of cavities and decay. Otherwise, you may develop buildup that leads to severe (and more expensive) complications down the line.

As you can see, there are many reasons why you should visit your dentist in Raleigh every six months. These routine appointments will keep your smile healthy and your wallet thick!

About the Author

Dr. Philip A. Lisk, DDS has well over 20 years of dentistry experience under his belt. He’s passionate about helping patients achieve and maintain their very best smiles. To provide the best care possible, Dr. Lisk is dedicated to taking numerous hours of continuing education courses to refine his skill set. If you’d like to learn more about how he can help you save money, visit his website or call (919) 870-6892.