Not many people like going to the dentist. In fact, between 9 and 20 percent of Americans regularly avoid it due to fear or anxiety. Although it might not seem like it, not keeping your biannual appointments can be detrimental to your health and even your wallet. What good can come from seeing your dentist in Harrisburg twice a year? Read on to learn 3 benefits of doing so.
1. Save Money
You might be wondering how going to more appointments can be good for your wallet. This is because these regular visits save you money in the long run by avoiding expensive procedures later on down the road. For example, let’s say you have a small cavity that you don’t even know about. Your dentist notices it at your checkup, you get a simple filling, and the problem is over. Whereas if you waited until the cavity started hurting to get treated, you would likely need a root canal, which is significantly more costly. If you waited even longer, you might even require a tooth extraction and replacement with a dental implant, which is one of the most expensive dental procedures there is. By not skipping out on your checkups, you can save so much money in the future.
2. Save Time
If you have dental anxiety, you probably want to spend as little time as possible in the dentist’s chair. But did you know that with regular checkups, you can actually spend even less time at the office down the road? This is because when you avoid your checkups, you don’t get the preventive care you need. To use the cavity example from above, a filling takes a lot less time than a root canal. By facing your fears and going to your appointments every six months, you can avoid being in the dental chair for longer than you need to.
3. Save Your Health
Of course, the most important thing on this list is your health. The whole point of seeing your dentist twice a year is to make sure your mouth is in good shape. Your doctor can make sure there are no early signs of decay or gum disease that could lead to other serious health problems. Did you know that gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s? However, if it’s detected early enough at your checkup, it can be easily treated.
Going to the dentist isn’t anyone’s favorite activity, but getting a tooth extracted is even further down the list. Make sure to see your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup. It could save your life.
About the Author
Dr. Gary Klein earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry. Now he practices at Klein Family Dentistry in Harrisburg, PA. He is committed to continuing education to stay on top of the latest in dental technology and innovations. To learn more about why visiting the dentist is so important, ask Dr. Klein on his website or on the phone at (717) 652-6644.