Does the possibility of an unaffordable bill make you nervous about booking appointments with your dentist? You’re not alone; many patients are afraid not of their dentist, but of the payments that could come after treatment!
However, research shows that visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings can actually save you money in the long run. Keep reading, and you’ll see how a timely appointment could spare you from needing expensive emergency treatment.
What the Data Shows
From 2014 to 2018, researchers in Arkansas examined a group of patients that made regular checkup and cleaning appointments with their dentist. Paying special attention to patients who also had diabetes, coronary artery disease, or both conditions, they discovered that compared to those who didn’t make regular appointments:
- Patients with diabetes saved $549
- Patients with coronary artery disease saved $548
- Patients with both conditions saved $866
How does timely dentistry make such a significant difference on a patient’s expenses? To fully understand this, you have to consider two principles.
1. “A Stitch in Time Saves Nine”
You’re likely familiar with this old saying, but sometimes cliché’s are true. The idea is that if you let a hole in your clothes go unattended for days and days, it’ll only grow larger, and you’ll have to make nine stitches instead of one.
The same can be said about your oral health. Like fabric, your teeth don’t have the ability to repair themselves or fight off infections. A minor cavity will only spread to affect your other teeth if left untreated, at which point you’ll be looking at higher treatment costs due to the severity of the problem.
2. Healthy Teeth Promote General Wellness
Your oral health is more connected to your general wellness than you might think! Dental infections, for example, can spread from one tooth, to your whole smile, and even into your bloodstream if not taken care of in a timely manner. Poor oral health can make managing certain conditions, like diabetes, even more difficult. Researchers have even found a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s.
It’s easy to think of your teeth as being separate from the rest of your body, but just because you see a different medical specialist for oral care doesn’t mean your pearly whites don’t impact your overall health!
Conclusion
Just making biannual checkup and cleaning appointments, you can significantly reduce your odds of developing costly conditions like cavities, gum disease, and oral infection. And if, like many patients in the US, you do catch a case of oral disease, it’s better for your wallet to treat it sooner than later! Visiting your dentist might seem like a high short-term expense but rest assured – it’s an investment that’s well worth it.
About the Author
Dr. Dan Passidomo has completed advanced training courses for many dental subjects, including periodontics, restorations, endodontics, and infection control. In other words, he’s experienced with a variety of oral health conditions, and can spot early warning signs during checkups so you can receive a prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you’re looking for a qualified dentist near Centerville, contact Dr. Passidomo’s office at 937-886-9935.