The bi-annual dental checkup can be viewed as an inconvenience and hassle to some, but if we’re being real, these routine checkups are saving you a whole world of pain and unnecessary financial stress in the long run. Through these dental visits, your dentist can spot potential budding problems and recommend a treatment to prevent the problem from escalating. In today’s article, we’ll discuss how these regular visits could save you thousands in future dental work.
Prevention is better than cure: spotting minor issues before they turn into major crises.
You’re probably sick of hearing “prevention is better than cure,” but it’s true; it’s so much better to take extra care than wind up regretting being careless in the future. Like every other health aspect, the core financial benefit of regular dental checkups is rooted in early detection. A lot of us have our hands full with different commitments, so it’s pretty common among adults to look for the best oral care routines for busy lifestyles that will provide efficient care and save us some time. But let’s face it: no amount of “routines for busy lifestyles” can cut through the assessing eyes of a dentist, like the folks at Adawn Carlton North dentist. After all, they’re trained to spot the slightest hiccup and assess what may be potential problems in the future.
With that said, this is your firm reminder to just schedule an appointment and get checked by the dentist. The routine visit mostly consists of two main procedures anyway: check-up and cleaning, at least if you belong to those who are fortunate enough to be born with healthy gums and teeth.
During these routine checkups, your dentist will be on the lookout for these common issues:
Cavities. The thing about cavities is that they can sneak up on us undetected, which explains why dentists use X-rays and a thorough dental exam to see if you have any. If you’re lucky, you may get away with a simple cleaning or even an affordable filling, of which the latter will save you from drastic financial expenses in the case that it goes unnoticed and worsens.
Gum disease. Another issue that dentists will check is if you have any mild inflammation or bleeding in the gums. These two symptoms are the telltale signs of gingivitis. As long as it’s spotted in its early stages, dentists can prevent this from worsening and turning into a more serious case called periodontitis. The latter would require gum surgery and could even lead to bone loss.
Having a strong oral foundation is the core of prevention practice.
Although it’s true that detection is crucial in dental health, practicing preventative measures also plays a vital role since it serves as the core of dental care. But are brushing teeth, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash enough? Short answer, no. This is where professional cleaning comes in. It doesn’t matter if you brush and floss your teeth diligently, because there are areas and crevices inside our mouths that you simply can’t reach with a toothbrush or floss. These food particles that get stuck in our teeth harden and turn into tartar, and it takes a special tool during special cleanings to remove these hardened deposits.
Ideally, it’s best to get your teeth cleaned every six months, but it all depends on the dentist’s assessment of your teeth.
During checkups, dentists can also inform you if you need any dental fillings, which are much cheaper compared to getting implants, dentures, or bridges. As we all know, these services have a steep price, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars just for a single tooth.
On top of this, your dentist will also conduct an oral cancer screening. This is a potentially life-saving procedure since early detection can help them create a treatment plan and avoid complex medical treatments that are often used in those suffering from later stages of oral cancer.
Maintaining dental work is a must to avoid further damage.
Your biannual checkups with the dentist are also a great way to protect the investment you’ve made in earlier dental procedures. For example, if you have had a filling, it’s normal for plaque to build up and bacteria to start festering around the area. Dentists can check the integrity of your dental prostheses and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that they’re up to date structurally and aesthetically.
To wrap it up, you may not feel the effect of skipping your dental check-up today, but in due time, these lapses will catch up to you in the form of toothaches, cavities, or even a more serious concern. So if you’re looking for a sign to set a dental appointment, take this article as a sign to do so.
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