Dental problems plague millions of Americans, with about 15 million people fitted with crowns and bridges, and another three million with dental implants. This is often the result of poor dental habits, such as avoiding brushing or flossing, or skipping bi-annual dentist appointments.
If this sounds like you, you should be concerned.
Even though cosmetic dentistry can easily fix stained or missing teeth, veneers and dental implants cost more than you will want to pay, and could set you back several thousands of dollars.
So, in order to avoid these issues, it is best to try to find a dentist to give you the best advice on how to take care of your teeth. Local dentists will be able to monitor your oral health regularly, and make suggestions to minimize tooth damage.
Once you find a local dentist, your first visit will be a critical time to ask any questions you may have about the dentist office, emergency dentist appointments, and other dental issues.
Here are a few key questions you will want to bring up.
- What Does My Insurance Plan Cover? Your insurance plan will be critical to being able to afford routine and more complicated treatments. A simple cavity filling can be close to $150 dollars depending on its severity, and without insurance, this cost can add up if you have several of them. In addition, you will want to make sure that all your routine check ups are covered, as well as your childrens’.
- Who Can I Call in an Emergency? In the event that your tooth is hurting and you cannot handle the pain, a dentist should be able to give you instructions about what you can do. You will want to find out who to contact, if your dentist is available during these times, and where you can go if the clinic is closed. Knowing these details will put your mind at ease.
- Should I Be Concerned About My Oral Health? You may think that avoiding dental problems is the way to go because you don’t want to deal with costly bills, or multiple trips to the dentist, but this would be a mistake. By being proactive, you can find out about any cavities or possible dental issues you have, and get them treated before they lead to decay or tooth loss.
By visiting a local dentist periodically, you will maximize your chances of preventing periodontal disease, and also be well-informed about the state of your teeth. Ultimately, this will save you money in the long run.