How Preventative Dentistry Saves You Money

Dental work is expensive, right? So how exactly is dentistry going to save you money?

Well, believe it or not, the answer is pretty simple. The most expensive dental procedures are restorative treatments and other costly procedures like cosmetic dentistry that could have been avoided altogether with regular cleanings and examinations. In fact, if you wanted to put a dollar value on it, proper brushing and flossing, along with twice yearly trips to your favourite dental professional can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the course of your lifetime.

Why is Preventative Dentistry so Important?

Preventative dentistry is just what it sounds like. With regular examinations and cleaning, you can prevent most problems before they occur. Preventative dentistry helps to cut the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. In instances when dental issues are discovered, they can be dealt with early on and save you loads of time, money, and headaches later. Early detection means that less costly and less invasive treatments will be required. Regular screenings at The Bondi Dentists can also detect conditions before they become difficult to treat or cause irreversible to your teeth and gums.

Here are a few examples of preventative treatments:

Regular Cleanings and Examinations

You probably know the score already. Plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth. If we miss some spots in our brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar.  When tartar is left around the gum line, it contributes to cavities and gum disease.  Regular cleanings from our skilled staff members will eliminate tartar buildup before it leads to other complications. Your dental exam will also inform you of potential problems as early as possible.

One great thing to keep in mind is that most dental insurance policies cover dental cleanings and examinations, in part if not in full. Even your insurance provider knows that regular cleanings are far less of an expenditure than more severe challenges down the line.

Cavities and Fillings

Cavities are never fun. But no matter how long we ignore them, they don’t go away. Just the opposite, in fact. Untreated cavities will continue to grow and can create severe problems. Advanced cavities can be extremely painful and require costly treatment. But if you can catch a cavity when it’s small, getting a filling can be quite affordable. Plus, the procedure for small fillings is pain free and minimally invasive.

Root Canals

Inside the root is the vulnerable inner pulp of the tooth, which contains the nerves that live within a tooth. Once an infection reaches the nerves, the only way to stop the infection is to perform a tooth extraction or root canal. If a root canal is performed, it is typically followed by a dental crown to protect the chewing surface of the tooth.

We provide all of these services and more at The Bondi Dentists, but the most important thing to remember is that you can avoid most of these problems with proper preventative care. Here are just a few tips for avoiding expensive dental procedures:

• Floss every day!
• Brush twice daily
• Use a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Lower your sugar intake
• Don’t procrastinate with dental treatments!
• If something hurts, schedule a visit
• Even when everything feels great, make sure to get checked out twice a year
• Eat a healthy diet and rinse with water between meals

Our teeth have to last us a lifetime, so being proactive is the key. If you have questions or you’d like to schedule your next checkup, feel free to contact us. At the The Bondi Dentists, we’ve got you covered.