Preventive Dentistry Can be a Time Saver

We know that it’s difficult for many people to allocate time to their busy schedules for regular exams and teeth cleanings appointments. After all, if there’s nothing that needs immediate attention, like a painful tooth or bleeding gums, why be concerned, right? That’s where so many individuals fall short. Visiting your dentist for exams and cleanings – even if there is nothing apparent to you going on – can be a way to save time in the long run.

Consider This Scenario

Here’s a perfect example of how not visiting your dentist for routine exams and cleanings can require more complex treatments. Let’s say that you have a dental crown. Let’s say that the dental crown you’ve had is not currently causing you any concerns. It’s stable. Its colour is correct. Life seems good.

But did you know that you could have a small cavity that is beginning to form underneath the dental crown? When you visit a dentist near you for regular exams and annual x-rays, that cavity will be detected when it’s small enough to treat with minimal disruption to your existing crown.

Conversely, not having the small cavity detected early allows the decay to grow into something more involved, with more time required to treat it. A few examples include total crown replacement or even tooth loss and subsequent tooth replacement. Each of these treatments requires more time commitment from patients than the one hour required for exams.

Plus, when you visit our dentists for preventive dentistry, such as exams and cleanings, it’s a great time to ask questions that you’re curious about. Some examples might be, “Is an electric toothbrush really better than a manual one?” or “What’s the best type of dental floss that I should be using?” Also, you may be tempted to try over-the-counter products that you’ve seen advertised (such as teeth whitening products). During your preventive dentistry appointment, this one-on-one time is an excellent opportunity to ask about the risks versus rewards of over-the-counter products versus professional treatment.

Ready to Get Back on Track?

If it’s been more than six months since your last preventive dental appointment, and even if everything seems fine with your oral health, we invite you to make an appointment to ensure that you are indeed on track for a healthy smile!