Dentures: Facts, Figures and Friendly Advice for Seniors

3 Ways to Reduce Dental Treatment Costs

15 November 2022

Herman Kim

If you have to pay for your own dental care, then you might be looking for ways to reduce your costs. While some people do this by simply not seeing their dentist, this isn't a good idea. It's better to work with your dentist to manage your general dental care and any unexpected treatments you might need in the future.

Read on to learn more.

1. Work on Your Oral Hygiene Routine

If you take good care of your teeth and gums, then you are less likely to need dental treatments. If you need extra help here, then your dentist can talk to you about your dental routine and suggest ways to improve it if you need extra tips.

For example, your dentist might recommend switching to an electric toothbrush if you currently use a manual one. Electric toothbrushes clean more effectively. They help you get rid of plaque on your teeth and gums more thoroughly. If you eliminate plaque, then it can't turn into tartar which could damage your teeth and gums.

If you take a preventative approach here, then you are less likely to develop problems such as decay or gum disease. You avoid unnecessary treatment costs.

2. Stick to Your Check-up Schedule

Avoiding costs by skipping check-ups won't save you money. It might even cost you more in the long term. If you don't see your dentist regularly, then they can't spot problems with your teeth early. When you do realize that you need treatment, you'll likely pay more for it.

For example, if you have some tooth decay, then it could ultimately turn into a dental abscess if it isn't treated early. You'd then need a root canal and restoration work. However if your dentist spots early decay during a regular check-up, then your treatment will cost less. A minor cavity is much cheaper than advanced root canal work.

3. Ask Your Dentist For Help

You often have different options when you need dental treatments. For example, you can have fillings in different materials. You can replace missing teeth with partial dentures, bridges or implants.

If you need a treatment, then your dentist can work with you to find the most appropriate solution at the best cost for your budget. For example, if you need a filling on a back tooth, then your dentist might recommend that you use an amalgam rather than a white filling. Amalgam fillings cost less but last a long time, so they are cost-effective options.

For more advice, talk to your dentist. If you haven't had a check-up for a while, then schedule one now.

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