Although you’re still catching your breath from the holiday season, you find yourself rocketing into a new year. While this is a busy time, it’s important to keep your dental health in perspective. This is the best opportunity to schedule a dental checkup, but why? Get a detailed answer as you continue reading!
Knock-Out Your Deductible
Most dental insurance plans reset at the start of the year. Therefore, you’ll be responsible for a new deductible. The average cost is $50. When you schedule a dental checkup at the beginning of the year, you’ll easily meet this requirement. And because these visits are typically 100% covered, all you’ll be paying is the deductible. It’s much easier to take care of this expense now, than to wait until you need some form of restorative care, that will require an out-of-pocket contribution (OPC).
Catch Problems Early
No one wants to experience a dental emergency. It can be painful and expensive to have treated. Here’s a statistic that’s worth paying attention to: 60% of dental emergencies could be prevented. If you’re wondering how, early detection and treatment is the answer.
By getting in for a visit at the start of the year, you can undergo a checkup. The dental hygienist and dentist will look at your teeth and gums from their “bird’s eye view.” Any developing problems will be spotted and tackled early. Why settle for pain when it can be prevented?
Give Your Wallet a Break
Each year holds its own set of unforeseen expenses. Therefore, the more money you can save, the better off you’ll be. One of the obscure facts about preventive dentistry is that it doesn’t just help you avoid painful dental emergencies; it also saves you money down the road.
Depending on the type of restorative procedure needed, you could be looking at an OPC of 30-50%. While this is sometimes unavoidable, taking preventive measures will decrease the chances of you having to dig into your wallet. An example is root canal therapy. In many cases, prolonged bacteria growth that leads to advanced tooth decay is the primary contributor. This is completely preventable, and if addressed early enough, can be repaired with a filling.
Establish a Rapport with the Dentist
When you find the right dentist to work with, it’s a comforting feeling. You’ll be forming a lasting relationship, built on trust. By getting in to visit early in the year, you’ll be able to “break the ice.” Therefore, you can proceed knowing that your dental health is in capable hands. With the help of a dentist in Mount Vernon, you can have a healthy smile in 2021!
About the Author
Dr. James Leon earned his dental degree from West Virginia University. With over 30 years of experience practicing dentistry, he still strives to expand his knowledge by taking hours of continuing education. Dr. Leon has received additional postgraduate training from the Frank Spear Institute, Pete Dawson Academy and the Ross Nash Teaching Academy. He promotes excellent dental health at Cross Creek Dental Care, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.