Any dentist will tell you that there are dozens and dozens of dental treatments out there that can help to address your oral health problems. However, the absolute best way to deal with a dental issue is to ensure that it never becomes serious in the first place.
Oral health professionals talk a lot about the importance of preventive care, and for good reason. Here’s why you ought to make it a point to detect your oral health problems early.
You’ll Deal with a Lot Less Discomfort
One of the most obvious reasons why you should make an effort to detect and treat oral health problems early is that many of the most common oral health problems become much more uncomfortable as time goes on. Whether you’re talking about a toothache, gum disease, or even a broken tooth, you’ll be in for a lot more pain if you let the problem progress. By catching issues early, or avoiding them altogether, you can keep comfortable and healthy.
You’ll Save Money
In many cases, prevention is also a much more economical option when compared to treatment. This is the case in part because of the complexity involved with root canals and tooth extractions when compared to checkups and cleanings.
Insurance also plays a role. If you have dental insurance, you may be aware that different kinds of dental care are covered at different rates. In general, most patients will be able to get two checkups and cleanings each year with no extra copay, while at most 50% of major restorative dental care will be covered. That means that you’re likely to have to pay much less in the long run if you treat your issues with a checkup as opposed to if you wait for them to become serious.
Some Conditions are Irreversible
One of the biggest reasons why you should make it a point to take preventive care seriously is that many oral health problems do irreversible damage. Advanced gum disease, for example, can begin to degrade the jawbone and entrench itself underneath the surface. This means that the condition can never be fully treated when it reaches this stage; it can only be controlled.
Instead of letting the condition progress to this extent, it’s a good idea to stick to your daily dental hygiene and see your dentist biannually for checkups and cleanings. This will save you a lot of money and headaches down the line.
About the Author
Dr. Gabriel A. Nossa doesn’t deal in one-size-fits-all dental treatment. He always takes the time to get to know his patients as individuals, understanding what procedures are necessary for them before he develops a treatment plan. Dr. Nossa received his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has completed advanced training with the Dawson and Pankey Institute.
If you have any questions about preventive care, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (352) 332-8133.