You’re a budget-conscious person, and you recognize that it’s always a good idea to save money where possible. After all, you need to pay bills, set aside money for retirement, and still have a bit leftover so you can take that annual vacation. But in all of your eagerness to be the master of your finances, you might make a common mistake — cutting out dental care. While going to your “dentist near me” regularly can seem like a costly hassle, it can actually save you money in the long run.
The Cost of Neglect
Depending on your dentist’s pricing methods, visiting your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup might seem like a big drain on your budget. However, the cost of regular appointments is a pittance when you consider how expensive major dental work is.
Let’s consider an example. If, during a routine checkup, your dentist discovers that you have a tiny cavity, getting the problem fixed is simple and relatively inexpensive. However, if you go years without getting the cavity taken care of, it will grow. You may even end up needing a root canal and crown, a procedure that can easily cost thousands of dollars.
Insurance Loves Preventive Care
Don’t you want to get the most out of your dental insurance? Insurance companies would much rather help you pay for routine dental visits than for major work, which is why many policy providers cover 80 to 100 percent of the cost of preventive care. For just he cost of your insurance premium, you could receive regular, high-quality cleanings and checkups!
However, insurance companies are not so eager to help you pay for major procedures. They may only cover 50 to 70 percent of the price of significant restorative work. Furthermore, quite a few insurance plans have a rather low yearly maximum. For example, if your policy only allows a payout of $1000 each year, you could still end up with a huge dental bill if you need tooth replacement, oral surgery, or another significant treatment.
Can You Afford Not to Go to the Dentist?
It’s important to think about the non-quantifiable costs of neglecting regular dental care. If you suffer from a major dental problem, you’re likely to end up in significant pain. You might even develop systemic health problems; uncontrolled gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular problems and dementia, among other things.
Oral cancer is also a threat that you need to be aware of; experts recommend that all adults get screened for it at least once a year. Such screenings are quick and painless and are often included as part of a routine dental checkup.
Both your budget and your health will thank you for regularly visiting your dentist. If it has been a while since your last checkup, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible!
About the Dentist
Dr. Karl Arakelian is proud to serve as your local dentist. He is an ardent advocate of preventive dental care and is always eager to educate his patients and the community on how they can maintain excellent oral health. If you would like to schedule a routine visit with Dr. Arakelian, please contact our office at 978-0901.
