Three Ways Preventative Dental Care Will Save You Money

Going to the Dentist Regularly Is More Important Than You Realize

Many people avoid going to the dentist until a problem appears. While this may seem like a way to avoid costs associated with the recommended annual or biannual appointments, the reality is that your dental care may be more expensive when you avoid the dentist. Preventative dental care is always preferable to emergency care, for your oral health and personal finances. There are many conditions— from cavities to gum disease— which you are unlikely to notice on your own. Your dentist can recognize the symptoms at their early stages, and work to resolve any oral health concerns. The sooner a problem is caught, the easier and less expensive it typically is to manage. In addition to catching problems early on, your dentist can actually help you prevent certain conditions from developing. Keep reading to find out three ways that regular dentist visits can benefit you in the long haul.

Discover Three Preventative Dental Care Benefits and How They Can Save You Money

1. Cavity Detection: While this might seem like the most obvious, it is an important step in preserving your oral health. Cavities that are caught early can usually be treated with a simple filling. If left to progress, a cavity might require a root canal, a crown or even an extraction to remove the tooth. All of these procedures are considerably more time consuming, intensive and expensive than a normal filling.
   
2. Deep Cleaning: Even with regular at-home dental hygiene, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth, put you at risk of cavities, and negatively affect the appearance of your teeth. During a preventative dental cleaning, your dentist will be able to use special instruments to remove build-up and assess if further treatment is necessary for your oral health.
   
3. Gum Disease Detection: According to the CDC, in the US, 47.2% of adults ages 30 and over have some form of periodontal disease. Of adults 65 and older, 70.1% have periodontal disease. Tartar build-up is a major contributor to gum disease. Regular dental cleanings can remove this build-up before it causes gum disease. If gum disease does develop, early detection can mean a treatment as easy as altered dental habits or a deep cleaning by your dentist. At later stages, gum disease can cause infection, gum deterioration and even tooth or bone loss. All of these scenarios require much more intensive treatment than if caught early.

Schedule a Preventative Dental Care Appointment with PDFP

Don’t wait until a problem arises to call the dentist. By that time, the issue may have progressed and will require more comprehensive treatment. Regular dental visits and periodic preventative dental procedures will not only keep your mouth healthy and your smile fresh, but they will also help to prevent dental emergencies.

Do the right thing for your oral health and schedule a preventative dental care appointment with Penn Dental Family Practice. Call us today at 215-898-PDFP (7337).