It’s easy to come up with excuses for things that you don’t want to do. When it comes to going to the dentist, here are some of the top 10 reasons people say they don’t need or want to schedule an appointment…
1. None of My Teeth Are Bothering Me.
“My teeth are fine,” you say? That may be the case, but have you been in for a checkup recently? Most early symptoms of cavities or gum disease are easy to overlook. In fact, it can take a detailed exam and x-rays before your dentist identifies an area that needs a filling…put them off, and next year it could be a root canal!
2. I Don’t Have Dental Insurance
Remember, dental insurance is prevention focused. It’s there to help you keep your teeth healthy, not for you to wait until expensive problems pop up (that might not be covered.)
3. It Hurts When the Hygienist Cleans My Teeth
Are your gums sensitive after a dental cleaning? While there are some heavy-handed hygienists out there, most gum sensitivity is relative to the amount of gum inflammation or infection present. If you haven’t been flossing, gingivitis might be the real reason that your gums are tender after a professional cleaning.
4. I Can’t Afford It
Nobody seems to be able to afford dental treatment, whether it’s for a checkup or to take care of that toothache. The expense of dental care is relative. If you need a root canal but don’t want to skip a night out on the town or a weekend getaway, that’s up to you. Just remember…your smile is forever! It’s far cheaper to keep your smile healthy than it is to play catch up on all those cavities after you’ve skipped your checkups.
5. My Dentist Doesn’t Take My Insurance
Even if your dentist isn’t in-network, it may still be possible to get partial benefits. Some out of network dentists cost the same amount as if they were in-network. If you’re still set against it, talk to your insurance company and ask for a list of providers.
6. You’re Tired of Taking off from Work
Do dental appointments eat into your vacation time? Procedures like crowns or bridges can take two appointments or more before the process is over. Or if you’re getting dental implants, the visits can be spread out over the course of a few months. The best way to prevent taking time off work for dental treatment is to schedule regular checkups. A checkup takes about an hour and lets your dentist and hygienist help you intercept problems in the earliest stages before they turn into big issues that take a lot of time and money to fix
7. You Just Had All Your Teeth Pulled. People with Dentures Don’t Need to Go to the Dentist
Denture wearers should still see their dentist at least one or two times a year. Your dentist will make sure things are fitting right, make adjustments, and check your soft tissues for infection.
8. The Last Time I Had Dental Treatment, it Hurt for Weeks
When you get a filling or a crown, your tooth may take a couple of weeks to “get used to” the new restoration. Even though the treatment is necessary, it can shock the nerve inside of your tooth. It may take a couple of weeks for your tooth to get used to its new anatomy.
9. My Dentist is Too Expensive
Have you checked to find a dentist in your network or one that’s part of a discount dental plan? This simple step alone can help you save a significant percentage of your total cost of treatment.
Try calling around and comparing the costs of certain procedures from one office to the next. Not all dentists will give you a quote over the phone (and the cost will be relative to the complexity of the treatment, such as a one-surface filling and a three-surface filling) but this can help you decide between one office and the next if it boils down to your total out of pocket costs.
Better yet, get a custom quote from two or more dentists. You can usually get a free consultation if you are a new patient. Consider taking the suggested treatment plan and comparing it to one that another dentist has given you.
10. The Treatment I Need Isn’t Covered by Insurance
Dental insurance will only cover a portion of your restorative treatment. You’re responsible for the deductible and remaining out of pocket expenses. Elective treatments like veneers or whitening aren’t covered at all. But, insurance will usually cover preventive care at 100%, so that you can avoid problems that need to be fixed later. If you’re part of a discount dental plan, you’ll get discounts on all treatment, even if it’s elective.
No more excuses as to why you shouldn’t see the dentist? Contact LowerMyDentalBills.com today to see how you can save on your next appointment!
