How Visiting Your Dentist Can Save You Money

We’ve officially made it to that magical time of year! The holiday season is right around the corner, which means several people are starting to feel a pinch in their wallets amidst all the preparations. If you’re looking for ways to cut back on spending, you may think that going without certain dental services can help accomplish that. However, skipping your routine appointments can actually cost you much more in the long run. Read on to learn how visiting your dentist in Arlington and using your dental insurance can bulk up your savings.

Early Detection of Gum Disease

Although gum disease is easily preventable, it’s still an incredibly common condition that affects one out of every two adults in the United States. Every time you visit your dentist in Arlington, they’ll check for signs of it to administer treatment before it has a chance to wreak havoc on your smile.

If you fail to attend your six-month checkups, your condition can worsen, causing your gums to recede and resulting in loose teeth and even tooth loss. At that point, you’d need to opt for gum disease treatment and get dental restorations – both of which cost more money and may not be covered by your dental insurance.

Prevent Staining and Discoloration

You may skip a professional teeth cleaning thinking it’s no big deal. However, they’re far more important than you think. Most dentists wrap up these appointments by polishing your teeth using a special substance called prophylaxis paste.

The gritty material breaks apart surface stains caused by highly pigmented foods like coffee, red wine, soy sauce, and curry. Without these professional cleanings, your may teeth may develop severe discoloration, which can negatively impact your confidence. By regularly visiting your dentist in Arlington, you can keep your smile bright and avoid needing teeth whitening in the future.

Screen for Oral Cancer

Believe it or not, your dentist conducts an oral cancer screening at every routine checkup. They’ll inspect your neck, mouth, throat, and oral tissues for any abnormalities or signs of this disease.

Since it progresses rather quickly, missing a single checkup could make the difference between fast treatment or needing intensive chemotherapy. All that said, these screenings can not only save you money, but your life as well.

Ward Off Decay and Infection

Even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing, there are small areas in your mouth that cannot be thoroughly cleaned with standard at-home practices. That’s where professional teeth cleanings come in to save the day!

Your dentist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your mouth, ensuring it’s completely clean. With their help, you can avoid needing more costly and invasive dental procedures down the line.

As you can see, you don’t have to forego dental care to save money. Regular checkups can help preserve your natural smile and your monthly budget!

About the Author

Dr. James T. Gray, DDS has helped patients achieve their very best smiles for nearly 30 years. After graduating from the University of Texas Dental School in San Antonio, he went on to complete a five-month mini-residency in sleep medicine at UCLA. Dr. Gray strives to provide high-quality and affordable care to patients near Arlington. If you’d like to schedule a dental checkup or learn more about your available financing options, visit his website or call (817) 460-4131.