Many people mistakenly think that they don’t need to visit their dentist unless they’re experiencing pain or other issues. However, dentists recommend a routine checkup every six months. Even if your teeth feel and look healthy, there could be an underlying medical condition you didn’t even know you had.
Think of preventive dentistry the same way you think about caring for your vehicle – you bring it in for routine maintenance even if it’s running smoothly. You need an oil change, tire rotation, and additional forms of upkeep to ensure all the parts are in good working order and nothing malfunctions while you’re driving your car. That’s what it’s like with dental care.
When you visit your dentist, they should examine your whole mouth, including your teeth, gums, and tongue. They check for cavities, suspicious spots that could indicate oral cancer, tooth decay, and other problems. They might take x-rays for a more comprehensive look at what’s happening beneath the gum line. If anything looks concerning, they will need to keep an eye on it and discuss possible treatment plans if the problem progresses.
Save Yourself Time and Money with Preventative Dental Care
Many people will skip routine checkups because they don’t have dental insurance and think they can’t afford to pay for these appointments. Doing this could cost you more money in the future. Routine checkups can prevent severe conditions from developing that require expensive and painful surgery. You could also avoid time away from your job and caring for your family while recovering from an invasive procedure.
To give you an example, you might pay $100 to $200 out-of-pocket every six months for preventative care. If you have dental insurance, you might have access to free checkups. Some insurance companies provide full coverage for exams, cleanings, and x-rays twice a year. Others will charge a small co-pay.
If you regularly skip these appointments and end up with deep tooth decay or a severe gum infection, you might need to undergo a root canal. On average, this procedure can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per tooth without insurance coverage. If the procedure costs $2,000, it would take five years of saving $200 every six months to cover the expense.
Even with a dental plan, you could still end up with hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses for a root canal, depending on how much the insurance company will cover. Prevention is better.
Contact Us
At Babylon Dental Care, we provide the preventive dental services necessary for healthy teeth and gums. You should never wait until you notice painful or unusual symptoms before scheduling an appointment with us. Be proactive with your dental health to avoid costly procedures in the future.
We know many patients are afraid of the dentist. Being in the dentist’s chair can be a stressful experience. You can depend on our team to treat you with compassion and warmth from the second you walk into our office. We’ll put you at ease so you feel comfortable receiving the dental services you need to maintain a beautiful smile. To schedule your next cleaning, contact Babylon Dental Care at (631) 983-6665.
