In these economic times, it’s easy to forgo all but the most critical expenses. As the saying goes, however, ignore your teeth and they’ll go away. Dental care needn’t be forsaken when the money gets tight.
Here are some things to consider about dental care when planning your expenses:
• Maintain at least an annual visit. Regular cleanings and check-ups keep your gums healthy, which slows down gum disease and helps avoid the need for periodontal surgery—a much bigger expense—in the future.
• Explore your dental care options. For example, although a crown may be the ideal treatment, it might be possible to repair a tooth with a bonded or traditional filling as an interim measure and hold off that crown procedure for a while.
• Missing teeth? A low-cost removable appliance can give you better chewing ability and protect the remaining teeth against excessive force until you can afford a better option such as a fixed bridge or an implant.
• Many diseases can manifest in the mouth, such as cancers, diabetes, leukemia and acid reflux. Your dentist could be your first line of defense against chronic illness.
• Treatment can’t always be postponed or mitigated. Consider having necessary procedures staged over a period of time to meet your budget needs.
• Have dental x-rays performed on an as-needed rather than a scheduled basis.
• Leave your fillings alone. Old fillings need not be replaced simply because they’re old or made of metal.
• With your M.D.’s consent, alternative therapies of supplements or herbs may suffice for certain conditions if traditional therapies are not working.
• Maintain at least an annual visit. Regular cleanings and check-ups keep your gums healthy, which slows down gum disease and helps avoid the need for periodontal surgery—a much bigger expense—in the future.
• Explore your dental care options. For example, although a crown may be the ideal treatment, it might be possible to repair a tooth with a bonded or traditional filling as an interim measure and hold off that crown procedure for a while.
• Missing teeth? A low-cost removable appliance can give you better chewing ability and protect the remaining teeth against excessive force until you can afford a better option such as a fixed bridge or an implant.
• Many diseases can manifest in the mouth, such as cancers, diabetes, leukemia and acid reflux. Your dentist could be your first line of defense against chronic illness.
• Treatment can’t always be postponed or mitigated. Consider having necessary procedures staged over a period of time to meet your budget needs.
• Have dental x-rays performed on an as-needed rather than a scheduled basis.
• Leave your fillings alone. Old fillings need not be replaced simply because they’re old or made of metal.
• With your M.D.’s consent, alternative therapies of supplements or herbs may suffice for certain conditions if traditional therapies are not working.
David A. Dersh, D.M.D., P.A. serves its patients by educating them on their options to best meet their dental needs, empowering them to make informed decisions about their oral health. Let us work with you to budget your dental care for a healthy smile. We’ll make every effort to time your visits in a manner that doesn’t impair your work responsibilities.
Disclaimer: David A. Dersh, D.M.D., P.A. serves its patients by educating them on their options to best meet their dental needs, empowering them to make informed decisions about their oral health.
All information provided is for general information and educational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical or healthcare advice, or to diagnose medical problems, or to take the place of professional medical care. Consult a qualified dentist or physician to determine an individualized treatment plan or to gain medical or healthcare-related advice.
© 2009 David A. Dersh, D.M.D., P.A.
Today’s cutting-edge dentistry. Yesterday’s compassionate care. SM
All information provided is for general information and educational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical or healthcare advice, or to diagnose medical problems, or to take the place of professional medical care. Consult a qualified dentist or physician to determine an individualized treatment plan or to gain medical or healthcare-related advice.
© 2009 David A. Dersh, D.M.D., P.A.
Today’s cutting-edge dentistry. Yesterday’s compassionate care. SM
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