If you’re diligent about brushing and flossing every day, you might feel like you can afford to skip your dental appointments. After all, what’s the point of spending extra money on dental visits when you can keep your smile clean and healthy by yourself? But in reality, you’re more likely to save money if you continue seeing your dentist in Lawrence every six months. Below are a few reasons why sticking to your biannual checkups and cleanings is the smarter financial option.
1. A More Thorough Cleaning
There are many crevices in your mouth that you may have a hard time cleaning on your own. Plaque and tartar can easily build up in these areas, eventually leading to cavities. And since cavities can develop silently, chances are you won’t even notice them until they turn into a major oral health issue that requires costly treatment.
Your dentist can get rid of any plaque or tartar in the areas of your mouth that you haven’t been able to reach. They can also check for signs of cavities and treat them while they’re still small. By dealing with these problems early, you can avoid larger dental costs later on.
2. A Chance to Detect Gum Disease
Nearly half of all adults in the United States are estimated to have some form of gum disease, but many of them don’t even realize it. If gum disease is left alone for too long, it can eventually result in tooth loss. Your dentist can look for any symptoms of gum disease that you might have missed, and they can treat the problem before any permanent damage is done. As such, you’ll be less likely to need to pay for advanced periodontal therapy or replacement teeth in the future.
3. An Opportunity to Maximize Your Insurance Benefits
Visiting your dentist regularly is one of the best ways to utilize the coverage provided by your dental insurance plan. Most insurance companies follow a 100-80-50 structure where they pay 100% of the cost of preventive care, 80% of the cost of basic restorative care, and 50% of the cost of major dental procedures. In other words, you’ll get better coverage from your dental plan if you’re proactive about avoiding oral health issues instead of waiting to seek treatment after a problem has already occurred.
In short, visiting your dentist every six months can ultimately help you save money over the long term. If it has been a while since your last appointment, don’t waste any time; reach out to your dental practice today to schedule a visit and ask about any financing options they might offer to help you manage the cost of your care.
About the Author
Dr. Bruce E. Carter has been helping patients improve their smiles for well over three decades. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and in 2014 he was named Physician of the Year by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. His Lawrenceville practice, Transforming Smiles, is in-network with Delta Dental and Cigna, and flexible financing options are available. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Carter, visit his website or call (770) 995-7616.