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Common Misconceptions About Dental Care
Common Misconceptions About Dental Care
Oral Health Connection
By Xhoana Gjelaj, DMD
 Let’s face it! Most of us think about going to the dentist’s office when
something bothers us. Avoiding dental care is never a smart decision. Some
people wait until the pain they have is enough to exceed their avoidance
tendency. This fear of pain is one of the major reasons why patients fail to
seek help from a dentist until their emergency becomes too severe. At that
point, what should have been a simple cavity now becomes a more involved root
canal or extraction. Additionally, a patient who avoids routine dental cleanings
and gum maintenance can wind up with severe gum disease (Periodontal Disease),
which causes gum recession, bone loss, tooth mobility and the eventual loss of
teeth. Swellings and infections may result from neglecting these cavities and
gum issues, and what would have been unnecessary costs and procedures will now
be necessary to restore the mouth back to a better state of health and function.
Similarly, many people believe that putting off dental care will save them
money. Putting off dental care will cost you many thousands more in the long
run. For example, a small pinpoint cavity that can be cleaned out without any
anesthesia and filled very conservatively and inexpensively will save a lot of
money in the long run. When left untreated, that tiny cavity can become a large
cavity that requires a more expensive restoration such as a multiple surface
filling, an inlay/onlay (restorations usually made by a dental lab that fill in
missing areas of tooth structure when an area is too large for a filling) or a
crown. For example, a tiny filling would have cost only $150, could grow to need
a crown and build up of the decayed area that can cost over $2,000.
Additionally, if ignored further, that area of decay can extend into the nerve
creating the need for root canal therapy (Which can run another $1,000-$2,000).
Sometimes the decay can extend far beneath the gums and bone, resulting in the
need for and extraction and subsequent bridge or implant (which can cost
anywhere from $3000-6,000)
When it comes to dental health and children, it is often recommended that
parents supervise and encourage their children’s oral hygiene habit forming.
This will depend on the child. While it is great to build up a child's
self-confidence and independence, children don't usually develop the full
coordination and understanding of what they are trying to accomplish until the
age of 6 or 7. Even though they may want to do this all by themselves, it is
recommended that the parent or guardian supervise, check, and when necessary, do
additional brushing for their child at least up until the age of 10. Your
toddler can have their toothbrush available to "pretend or play" tooth-brushing
along with you. Cavities prevented during this time will save a lot of time,
money and trauma in the future.
Healthcare costs can spiral out of control, and especially in the area of dental
care. Below are some of the best ways to keep the cost of dental care down,
while taking care of your teeth:
• Catch it early! Small cavities can be easily and inexpensively taken care of
without the hassle, expense and time required for bigger procedures. Regular
check-ups at your dentist should prevent costly restorations if you follow your
dentist’s instructions
• Have regular cleanings! Routine cleanings, will save you thousands in dental
expenses because it will make it easy to maintain the health of your gums and
help prevent the onset of gum disease which is very common among adults.
• Choose the right dentist! Ask your friends, do some research and find out how
long the dentist has been practicing, are they using current technology, are
they keeping up with their continued education courses.
• Finance your dentistry! In the event that you have great dental expenses, it
is always good to take advantage of short term or long term 3rd party financing
that your dentist may offer. Many of these plans offer 0% for a promotional
period or low monthly payments for extended terms.
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