Many people do not like going to the dentist. For some, it’s an inconvenience. For others, it’s a scary experience. The reality is that going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a negative thing. In fact, not going can be far scarier, more inconvenient, and much more expensive.
What Is Dental Preventative Care?
Dental preventative care, or preventative dentistry, includes procedures that keep teeth healthy, so you can avoid problems like worn enamel, cavities, and gum disease. The goal is to keep your mouth in the best condition possible for as long as possible. Common preventative procedures include dental cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
How Does Preventative Care Save Money?
If you have dental insurance, then chances are co-pays or coinsurance cost less for preventative care compared to other procedures. In some cases, you may have little or nothing to pay.
The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry reported that there are three times as many people in the U.S. without dental insurance as those without medical insurance. One in four adults have untreated tooth decay. This leads to a high rate of dental pain-related emergency room visits, which are often far more expensive than the cost of regular preventative visits. The American Dental Association estimates that around 2 million people visit the ER for a dental issue each year.
According to health insurance provider Cigna, every dollar spent on preventive care could save the patient $8 to $50 in emergency and restorative services. Contact Goldstein Dental Group in Novi, Michigan today to schedule a routine dental exam and start saving money by maintaining healthy teeth with preventative dentistry.
