Want to Save Money? Don’t Forget to Visit the Dentist!

Nowadays, many people are skipping their biannual visits to the dentist in an effort to save money. While this idea may make sense on paper, the truth is that it may not actually be the best choice for your wallet. In the long run, visiting your dentist can end up being a wise financial move, especially if you take advantage of your dental insurance plan; below is a closer look at the reasons why.

What Can Happen If You Don’t Visit the Dentist?

You might not realize it, but many oral health issues, such as cavities and gum disease, can start developing in your mouth without you even noticing. Regular dental checkups and cleanings tend to give you a better chance of having such issues identified while they’re still in their earliest stages. But if you skip your routine dental visits, these problems could easily grow worse over time, eventually turning into dental emergencies that require complex (and expensive) forms of care.

How Can You Save Money by Visiting the Dentist?

There are several reasons why visiting the dentist can ultimately save you money. For one thing, having your teeth regularly cleaned by a professional can make oral health issues less likely to happen in the first place. This, in turn, reduces your chances of needing to pay for dental crowns and other restorative procedures.

On top of that, dental problems are usually less costly to treat if they’re identified early on during a routine dental examination. A small cavity can often be addressed with a simple filling; meanwhile, more advanced decay might call for a root canal treatment.

There’s also the matter of dental insurance to consider. Many insurance plans usually offer better coverage for preventive care than restorative care. In fact, it’s not uncommon for dental insurance to fully cover the cost of two dental checkups and cleanings per year; meanwhile, restorative treatments usually only receive around 50% to 80% coverage.

How Can You Make Trips to the Dentist More Affordable?

If you’re still worried about the cost of visiting the dentist, rest assured that there are multiple ways to make these appointments more affordable. If you have dental insurance, it’s always worth going out of your way to find a practice that’s willing to accept your specific plan. Alternatively, you can apply for third-party financing, which allows you to pay for your care in budget-friendly monthly installments instead of a single lump sum.

In short, visiting the dentist can help you avoid serious oral health complications and ultimately save you money. Be sure to make room in your budget for regular dental appointments; your smile and your bank account will thank you in the long run.

About the Author

Dr. James T. Sierra went to the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio for his dental education. He has earned the title of Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, which is something only a small percentage of dentists have accomplished. His current practice, Friendswood Dental Group, accepts a variety of dental insurance plans as well as financing through CareCredit, LendingClub, and Compassionate Finance. If you’re ready to schedule your next dental checkup with Dr. Sierra, visit his website or call (281) 482-2631.