Missed a dentist appointment? It could cost you. What could have been an easy-fix can quickly turn into a big problem. We’re talking money, time and discomfort.
Here’s what you should know:
Why you should stick to regular visits
Don’t judge a mouth by its smile. Your dentist is trained to notice small changes in your dental health that you won’t be able to see fully in your bathroom mirror. Hidden plaque, damaged fillings and unusual mouth changes can be signs of bigger problems to come.
Regular appointments with Geelong Dentists get the small issues seen and treated before they become major, saving you the pain, time and a whole lot of money.
What skipping the dentist could cost you
What may start off as a bit of plaque build-up can turn into:
- Cavities
- Infection progress and abscesses
- Decay
- Gum Disease/ Gingervitis
- Enamel wear.
Missing the early signs means missing your chance to deal with small problems before they become serious infections, cracked teeth or debilitating toothaches.
Ignoring warning signs could mean you now need:
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Root canals, or
- Emergency dental work.
What’s the damage?
Aside from the pain? Now you’re looking at big bucks: Emergency dental appointments can attract a $100-$200 fee before you even walk in the front door!
However, the biggest cost jump isn’t the emergency surcharge, it’s the treatment becoming more serious.
Look at it this way: a small cavity found at a routine visit might need a standard filling that could cost upwards of $250, while delaying treatment of that small cavity could result in:
- A root canal: $2,500
- Extraction: $400
- Abscess Draining: $350
- Crown: $2,000
How often should you see your dentist?
Most people should see a dentist every six to 2 months for a check up and clean.
People with higher risk factors, such as frequent cavities, smoking or vaping, bleeding gums or dentures may need an appointment every three to six months.
If you experience tooth pain, swelling, persistent ulcers or increased sensitivity, book in straight away.
What to expect at a routine dental check-up
Your dentist will have a look at your teeth, gums, jaw, bite and mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, infection, tooth wear or other concerns.
They may take X-rays if needed for areas that are hard to see, such as between teeth and below the gum line.
They will complete a professional clean to remove plaque and tartar, followed by a polish and fluoride treatment (a paste applied to the teeth).
Your dentist will give you advice on brushing, flossing, diet, sensitivity, grinding and any treatments you may need.
5 simple ways to keep your teeth healthy between visits
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and floss once per day
- Limit sugary snacks, especially in between meals
- Drink water immediately after eating
- Clean your tongue to reduce bacteria and bad breath
- Avoid smoking and vaping.
Tooth be told: Check-ups matter
Missing dentist appointments increases the chance that small, fixable problems go unnoticed until they become painful, expensive or harder to treat.
Stick to regular appointments with a knowledgeable dentist in Geelong and get the small stuff dealt with sooner to save money in the long run.