Seeing the dentist twice a year not only helps keep you healthy but saves your wallet, too.
Sometimes the dental office isn’t the most fun place to spend your afternoon. From worrying about cavities to figuring out how much procedures will cost, some patients put off scheduling even the most routine examination and professional cleaning. However, the truth is that seeing your dentist regularly you can save money and help you maintain your overall health.
There are some common misconceptions that exist among dental patients. Here we debunk a few dental myths and show you the benefits of a regular dental exam:
Oral Health Isn’t Important
Some people think that a dentist is not an expert on disease prevention or general health. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Dentists are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage your oral health, which plays a pivotal role in your overall body health. For example, if you have gum disease, you may be more at risk for a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, or other illness, and oral pathology can exacerbate conditions in other areas of your body. Dentists are experts on how your oral health can impact your overall medical health.
Some patients also think that if nothing hurts, nothing is wrong. Unfortunately, this simply isn’t the case. Most dental problems do not hurt until the condition has progressed dramatically or a severe infection is present. Periodontal disease, which can lead to bad breath, tooth loss, and overall medical problems, generally does not hurt. Tooth decay usually does not hurt until the decay has reached the nerve, and at that point, the tooth may require a root canal or even an extraction. It is important to maintain regular examinations so that any problem areas can be diagnosed and treated before something hurts, while the cost is low and the procedure is as minimally invasive and routine as possible.
Out-of-Date Practices
Other dental patients feel like their local practitioner is unaware of the latest dental practices or innovations. This is false. Dentists are required to update their skills and practices through continuing education (CE) classes in order to maintain their state dental license. For example, dentists in Pennsylvania are required to recertify their licenses and complete 30 hours of CE classes every two years. Our dentists have often double or triple the minimum required number of CE hours so that they can offer the most state-of-the-art treatment possible.
Breaking the Bank
Without health insurance, sometimes a trip to the dentist can cost a significant amount of money, especially if you haven’t gone in a while. Regular dental checkups can help your wallet because it can maintain your oral health and overall physical wellness. It may cost more upfront, but in the long-run, seeing the dentist at least twice per year can help you save money by avoiding more significant medical problems. Dental treatment is always less costly when it is completed early before the condition has progressed.
Other office visits for cosmetic dental services may also seem too expensive to pursue. However, some dentists offer financing options for patients of all ages and incomes. Procedures like dental implants, Invisalign, porcelain veneers, and professional teeth whitening can often be financed.
Affordable Dentists in Pittsburgh
Not all dental visits have to feel like an expensive burden. Dr. Joey Troupe and his team at Polished Dental are here to help. Our dental office is committed to providing affordable care for your family dental visits or cosmetic procedure needs. We offer comprehensive dental services to clients throughout the Pittsburgh area from our offices in Morningside, Churchill, and downtown. Call (412) 281-3546 to schedule an appointment today.
Sources:
“Oral Health and Overall Health: Why a Healthy Mouth is Good for Your Body.” Colgate Professional. Retrieved from: https://www.colgateprofessional.com/patient-education/articles/why-a-healthy-mouth-is-good-for-your-body.
“Complying with Continuing Education and Training Requirements.” Pennsylvania Dental Association. Retrieved from: https://www.padental.org/docs/website/EventsCE/Certification_Regs.pdf.
