Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist every six months for a standard checkup and cleaning? These preventative services keep your smile strong and healthy so you’re less susceptible to issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer.
Unfortunately, many patients skip dental visits because they believe they can’t afford them, which puts their dental and overall well-being at risk. Continue reading to learn more about how consistent checkups can save you money!
How Much Do Checkups Usually Cost?
If you’re on a tight budget and are worried that you can’t afford to see your dentist for a routine visit, you might feel tempted to cancel your appointment. However, doing so can put your oral condition at risk. Understanding more about what to expect from your final invoice can help alleviate your concerns.
Typically, a checkup in Illinois can range from about $75 to $200+, depending on your individual circumstances. That said, dental insurance policies often cover 100% of the cost of preventative care once you’ve met your deductible, although you may also have a copay that you’re responsible for. You might also have additional expenses if your dentist finds issues that require treatment to preserve your dental health.
What Happens if I Skip My Appointment?
Dental dilemmas don’t often resolve themselves and usually worsen over time. Seeing your dentist regularly allows them to monitor your status to spot and address any areas of concern before they progress into more serious problems.
While you might pay a couple hundred dollars for a checkup, it’s a simple and effective way to prevent more complex and costly issues later. If you skip your checkup and develop a cavity, for example, you’ll have to pay for a tooth-colored filling. You might also develop a toothache or infection that requires an emergency root canal and dental crown to repair, which can cost $1,000 to $2,500+.
How Does My Oral Health Affect Me?
Did you know that some oral issues are associated with an increased likelihood of other health concerns? For instance, gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart problems or diabetes. That means caring for your grin properly can help you maintain your general well-being.
In fact, in a 2022 Mayo Clinic-led study published in the Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, researchers found that preventative dental care was strongly associated with significant savings for patients with other problems. Doctors studied the overall payments from the records of 11,734 adults enrolled in a specific healthcare plan that included both dental and general coverage. It was discovered that a person with diabetes who attended an annual dental checkup saved $549 on average; those with coronary artery disease saved $548; finally, people with both conditions saved $866.
As you can see, it benefits both your mouth and your wallet to keep up with bi-annual examinations and cleanings.
About the Practice
At Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox, you and your family benefit form a team of dentists dedicated to helping your build and maintain your healthiest, most beautiful smiles. They welcome people of all ages and can help with everything from basic checkups and cleanings to more complex procedures and restorations. They take the time to learn about your unique concerns and goals, then use state-of-the-art technology to provide customized treatments to meet them. You can request an appointment on the website or call (815) 462-9990.