13
Jan
Why Routine Dental Checkups Save You Time and Money in the Long Run
Reviewed by Dr. Ava Khodakhast
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Reading time: three minutes
Most dental issues begin quietly, long before discomfort appears. Routine checkups allow small concerns to be treated early, which keeps care simple, predictable, and affordable. When these visits are delayed, problems often progress into conditions that require more extensive treatment and significantly greater cost.
Table of Contents
The Hidden Costs of Skipping Dental Checkups
Without regular checkups, small concerns can turn into problems that require far more time and money to correct. The examples below show how delaying preventive care increases overall treatment needs.
1. Decay Spreads and Damages More Tooth Structure
A tiny cavity is quick and inexpensive to fix. When ignored, it can reach the nerve, requiring:
- A root canal
- A dental crown
- Sometimes an extraction
Regular visits allow your dentist to catch decay while it is still small and easy to treat.
2. Early Gum Disease Can Advance Quickly
Gingivitis is reversible. Advanced gum disease is not.
If it progresses, treatment may involve:
- Scaling and root planing
- Laser gum therapy
- Bone grafting in cases of bone loss
These treatments take more time and come with a higher cost than routine cleanings.
3. Emergencies Interrupt Your Life
Dental emergencies always seem to strike at the worst possible time. They may require:
- Multiple urgent visits
- More extensive treatment
- Lost work hours
- Increased stress and discomfort
Routine preventive care reduces the chance of sudden problems.
4. Teeth Wear Down Without Monitoring
Grinding, clenching, bite issues, and microfractures all worsen over time. Regular exams catch:
- Enamel wear
- Cracks
- Failing fillings
- Bite problems
Addressing these early prevents the need for major restorative work later.
How Dental Checkups Actually Save You Money
Preventive dentistry works like routine car maintenance, you invest a little now to avoid major repairs later. Here’s how regular visits keep costs down:
1. Early Detection = Minimal Treatment
Small problems treated early remain inexpensive. Large problems not caught early become major expenses.
2. Professional Cleanings Prevent Gum Disease
Removing plaque and hardened tartar helps stop gum disease before it requires advanced treatment.
3. Monitoring Extends the Life of Restorations
Checkups help preserve:
A dentist trained in prosthodontics evaluates how all parts of your mouth work together, protecting your restorations.
4. Preventive Care Reduces the Need for Major Restorative Dentistry
When problems are caught early, treatment stays conservative. This reduces the likelihood of needing complex restorative procedures later.
How Preventive Checkups Save You Time
Preventive visits are fast—usually under an hour—while advanced treatments require multiple appointments, recovery time, and follow-up care.
Routine checkups help you avoid:
- Emergency visits
- Long procedures like root canals or extractions
- Extended healing periods
- Time away from work or family
A Small Investment Today Protects Your Smile Tomorrow
Routine dental checkups are one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your oral health, save money, and avoid unexpected emergencies.
Take a simple step toward better oral health. To book an appointment at our dental office in Centennial, CO, call (303) 770-2254 or request an appointment online.
FAQ
How often should I visit the dentist for a checkup?
Most patients do well with visits every six months, but some may need more frequent cleanings depending on their oral health and overall dental care plan. Staying consistent helps prevent small cavities from turning into larger problems.
Why are dental checkups necessary if I brush and floss daily?
Brushing and flossing support good oral hygiene, but they cannot remove hardened plaque and tartar buildup or detect early dental problems. Professional exams catch issues before they worsen and help lower risks linked to conditions like heart disease.
Does insurance cover preventive dental visits?
Most insurance plans cover routine checkups and cleanings at little to no cost. Because preventive care keeps dental treatment needs smaller and simpler, insurance companies often encourage patients to stay on schedule.
Can routine dental visits prevent gum disease?
Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar that cause inflammation. This makes it easier to stop early gum disease from progressing and protects the health of your gums and supporting bone.
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Dr. Ava Khodakhast
Immerse yourself in the world of exquisite dental artistry crafted by Dr. Ava Khodakhast, a
distinguished prosthodontist whose journey is a testament to the fusion of science and art in
dentistry. With an unwavering commitment to elevating lives through her specialized expertise, Dr.
Khodakhast has redefined the landscape of prosthodontics, captivating hearts with her transformative
work.
Embarking on her odyssey in 2000 as a Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Khodakhast's passion for her
craft led her to traverse continents for knowledge. She pursued her American DDS at the esteemed
University of Missouri, Kansas
City, setting the foundation for a remarkable career. Yet, her thirst
for mastery pushed her to delve deeper. Venturing into the realm of complexity, she dedicated three
intensive years at the Medical College of Georgia, earning a master's in Oral
Biology and seamlessly
entwining it with a Residency in Prosthodontics.
Prosthodontics is the symphony of precision and creativity, where every note is a smile transformed.
Dr. Khodakhast is a virtuoso in this art, specializing in intricate cosmetic makeovers, implant
procedures, and comprehensive mouth rehabilitation. Recognized as a "Diplomate" by
the American Board of
Prosthodontics and as a "Fellow" by the American College of Prosthodontists, she soars
among the select few who define excellence in this arena. Her certification as a prosthodontist is a
testament to her rigorous education and training, making her a beacon of expertise for dental and
maxillofacial reconstruction and rehabilitation. Dentists themselves entrust their patients to her
care, a testament to her unparalleled mastery.
A luminary in academia, Dr. Khodakhast served as the assistant director of Advanced Education in
General Dentistry at the University
of Missouri in Kansas City. She also worked in private practice
at UMKC, applying the techniques and skills she taught in complicated, aesthetic case settings.
During her junior year of college, she graced India with her charitable work, a touch of humanity
that infuses her artistry with compassion.
Emanating from the core of her being is a dedication to her patient's well-being. You can rely on
her to provide unparalleled care rooted in scientific precision and artistic commitment.