Better Smiles, Greater Savings: Why You Should Visit the Dentist Regularly

Regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months are recommended by dentists and the American Dental Association. Cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other similar problems can pop up at any time, which means allowing your dentist to perform frequent examinations is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious dental issues. It is also one of the smartest ways to save money on oral healthcare, especially if you have dental insurance. Keep reading to learn why these visits can help you keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your wallet.

Reasons to Visit Your Dentist Regularly

You may stay on top of your oral hygiene routine at home, but are you keeping your regular six-month dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist? If not, you are missing out on vital treatment that can prevent potential pain and save you time and money.

If you need a reason to see your dentist, here are a few to consider:

• Most dental insurance companies offer 100% coverage for preventive services, like dental checkups and cleanings, so you pay nothing out of pocket.
• Early detection minimizes the chances of developing serious oral health problems that can result in restorative or complex dental care (i.e., dental crowns, root canal treatment, tooth extraction, etc.).
• Regular visits to the dentist can have a positive impact on your overall health, as many conditions (i.e., tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, etc.) have been linked to diseases like diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, cognitive decline, and more.

How You Can Save When Receiving Dental Treatment

If you have a dental insurance plan and choose to see a dentist who is in-network with your plan, you can expect your savings to be greater than if you were to see someone who does not accept your dental insurance.

Most companies emphasize the importance of preventive care, which is why you will often see coverage levels of 80—100% for these services. Additionally, should a problem occur, depending on your plan, your insurance may cover 50-80% of the total cost of your restorative care (i.e., dental fillings, dental crowns, tooth extractions, root canals, etc.).

If you do not have a private dental insurance plan, you do not need to assume all hope is lost. Many dentists partner with third-party companies that provide flexible financing. One of the most popular is CareCredit. Not only do they provide low- and no-interest plans to choose from, but the varying payback lengths can be helpful when determining which is more conducive to your budget.

Make your oral health a priority. With affordable ways to cover treatment, you can worry less about the cost and instead focus on what is most important – your smile.

About the Author
Dr. Christopher Cowell is an experienced dentist who has spent more than 23 years delivering one-of-a-kind treatment and care to patients in need. After earning his dental degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1995, he worked with geriatric patients, admitting it remains one of his main passions. Now with his own private practice, he remains a staunch advocate for preventive care, believing it to be a key factor in mitigating serious oral health problems. He recognizes that the cost of care can often be prohibitive for some patients, which is why he welcomes dental insurance and provides available financing options to lower out-of-pocket costs. If you need help to identify ways you can save on your upcoming visit, contact us via the website or call (386) 734-8585.