According to the American Dental Association, Americans’ spending on dental care has surpassed $120 billion in each of the past two years. Much of those costs can be attributed to costly restorative treatments that could have been prevented with dilligent oral hygiene habits and regular dental cleanings and exams. In other words, neglecting your teeth can be more costly than maintaining regular dentist visits for routine checkups and cleanings.
Such preventive dentistry reduces risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems, as your dentist can identify and take care of smaller problems before they become big. Early detection often results in far less invasive (and less expensive) treatments.
Schedule Regular Appointments
Regular visits to our dental office for exams and cleanings allow prevent problems from growing, while x-rays, screening, and overall exams can detect disease and conditions before they become harder to treat or cause irreversible damage to your teeth and gums. It is recommended that you schedule dental visits every six months for cleanings and/or exams.
At Corson Dentistry, we offer a variety of preventive treatments, including the following:
Dental Cleanings and Exams
By undergoing routine cleanings, dentists/hygienists can remove tartar buildup before it contributes to gum disease, which ultimately can result in gum tissue recession and loss of jawbone density. Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. If a tooth is in such bad shape that it requires extraction, most people opt for a prosthetic to restore oral function via dental implants, bridges, and crowns. But these services are far more expensive than the cost of regular dental cleanings.
Most dental insurance policies cover most if not all of the cost of dental exams and cleanings, but typically only part of restorative procedures. Health insurance providers work under the premise that prevention and early treatment are far more cost-effective than neglect.
Dental Fillings
If you have a cavity, dentists can use fillings, which is a minimally invasive and pain-free procedure. It’s also affordable. However, if a cavity is untreated for an extended period of time, it will grow and cause more dire problems.
Root Canal Therapy
If a tooth infection reaches the vulnerable inner pulp of a tooth, only root canal therapy or tooth extraction can stop the infection from advancing. Root canal treatments can result in mild discomfort, and are typically followed by placement of a dental crown, which can be expensive.
Take Proactive Steps at Home
In addition to regular visits to the dentist, there are basic preventive steps you can take at home to maintain good oral health, including:
- Flossing regularly
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush twice a day
- Use a fluoride toothpaste
- Reduce sugar intake
If you don’t have preventive visits scheduled, don’t wait. Call Corson Dentistry today!
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