Like Saving Money? Here’s Why You Should See a Dentist

Are you a penny-pincher? If you like to keep close track of your dollars and cents, you may be tempted to skip routine trips to the dentist, especially if you feel like your teeth are in good shape. However, neglecting to get preventive oral care from a professional can actually end up costing you a lot more in the long run. Regular preventive treatment from a dentist not only benefits your dental and overall health – it can benefit your wallet too! Keeping reading below to find out how.

How Preventive Dentistry Can Save You Money

Here are just a few examples of how regular trips to the dentist can end up saving you a significant amount of money:

• Tooth Decay – Without regular dental exams to detect cavities, tooth decay can develop and progress to the underlying layers of a tooth. While a preventive checkup and cleaning for your entire mouth typically cost $150 on average, a dental crown to protect a single tooth costs $400 on average.

• Gum Disease – Early-stage gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is easily treatable with the help and advice of a dentist. However, if gum disease is allowed to progress to an advanced stage, it can cause serious and lasting damage and require more expensive treatment.

• Tooth Loss – Gum disease can even lead to tooth loss! Paying for dentures, bridges or dental implants to replace missing teeth is certainly much costlier than regularly seeing a dentist for preventive oral care.

In addition, there are many oral health issues that do not cause pain or obvious symptoms early on but can end up causing serious and lasting damage. Regular trips to the dentist for an exam and cleaning are the only way to catch issues in the earliest stages and keep your mouth in excellent shape.

Take Advantage of Your Insurance Benefits

Do you have dental insurance? If you are already paying a monthly insurance premium, then you should take advantage of your benefits! Most dental insurance plans cover 100% of the cost of two dental checkups per year, which means you can access important preventive care without paying any out-of-pocket costs.

Even if you do not have dental insurance, do not let that keep you from seeking preventive oral care. The out-of-pocket cost of a preventive checkup and cleaning is still much lower than waiting for a problem to develop and then getting it fixed.

Moreover, many dental offices partner with healthcare financing organizations like CareCredit to help uninsured patients manage the costs of treatment through affordable and flexible payment plans.

How Often Should You See a Dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends adults and children see a dentist twice a year for a dental exam and professional cleaning. The next time you see a dentist for a routine checkup, you can expect the following:

• A thorough cleaning that removes harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums.
• If it has been a while since your last visit, dental X-rays will be taken to reveal any underlying issues.
• A manual and visual examination of your teeth and the surrounding tissues in your mouth for cavities, gum disease, early signs of oral cancer and other serious oral health issues.

As you can see, being proactive about your dental health and seeking preventive care will likely save you a lot of money and stress in the long term. Make the smart move for your mouth and your wallet by giving your dentist in Vienna a call today!

About the Author

Families and individuals in Vienna trust Dr. Ahmed Saad to help them prevent tooth decay and maintain a healthy smile. A second-generation dentist with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Saad understands the importance of preventive oral care, which is why he offers dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and other preventive measures to protect teeth. Patients old and new can learn more by visiting the Pace Dental website or calling 703-938-6800.