Right now, everyone is looking for ways to save money. If you’re looking to bulk up your savings, it’s likely that you’re looking for unnecessary expenses to cut back on. While you’re evaluating what you can and can’t do without, don’t try to save money by canceling your dental checkups! These quick and easy appointments can save you a significant amount of time, money, and discomfort in the long run. Here are four reasons to visit your dentist if you want to save money.
1.) Prevent Costly Future Problems
The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially true when it comes to oral health. You may not notice issues like cavities and gum disease developing at first, but leaving them untreated can lead to much larger, more painful, and more expensive complications. Regular dental checkups are the best way to spot and stop these issues while they’re still small and affordable to treat, or prevent them in the first place! Studies estimate that $50 of dental repairs and treatments can be saved with every dollar spent on preventive dental care.
2.) Save Money on Cosmetic Treatments
While there are a variety of cosmetic services that can help you correct flawed teeth, these treatments typically aren’t covered by dental insurance. On the other hand, routine dental cleanings and checkups are usually covered at 90-100% by most insurance plans. The preventive care and professional cleanings at these quick appointments can help keep your smile strong and sparkling all year long.
3.) Avoid Expensive Dental Emergencies
Unfortunately, not every broken or knocked-out tooth can be avoided. However, regularly visiting your dentist can dramatically lower your risk of a dental emergency. Your dentist can spot factors, habits, or developing issues that may be putting you at a higher risk of dental infections, chipped teeth, or gum disease. Even if your teeth look and feel fine, routine dental checkups can help you avoid an expensive dental emergency in the future.
4.) Spend Less on Overall Healthcare Costs
Did you know that healthy teeth and gums are good for the rest of your body? Research indicates a strong connection between poor oral health and a higher risk of a variety of systemic conditions like respiratory infection, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. In fact, recent studies have found that those with healthy teeth and gums tend to pay less for cardiovascular care than those with poor oral health.
Investing in your oral health is good for both your smile and your wallet in the long run. If you’re still concerned about the cost of getting the dental care you need, talk to your dentist about which dental insurance they accept and what financing options are available.
About the Author
Dr. Rodney L. Allen is committed to providing excellent, comfortable, and affordable oral health care for the smiles of Parker and the surrounding communities. His talented team has years of experience helping patients handle their insurance paperwork, file claims, and maximize their benefits. In addition, he also offers financing through CareCredit to break up the cost of any treatment into easy payments. To learn more about how to invest in your oral health, feel free to contact him via his website or at (720) 851-6784.