HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS of regular dental checkups? Some people think of routine exams and cleanings as an expense. But, in reality, studies show that this type of preventive care saves money over time by helping you avoid far more serious (and expensive) treatment.
It’s like taking the time for those simple oil changes on our cars. We all agree that this small expense keeps our vehicles running smooth, and we’ve all heard the extent of repairs that can come if oil changes are avoided.
Drs. Kevin and Jane Lilly can make it possible for you to keep your teeth for life—a huge benefit that generations past didn’t enjoy. Our grandparents assumed that they would have dentures in their later life. But today, the key to keeping your teeth for life is regular maintenance–a tiny bit of preventive care.
What To Expect From Six-Month Check-ups:
- Checking for Gum Disease – Gum disease is the #1 reason people lose teeth. This disease is commonly called the “quiet destroyer”, because it progresses slowly causing inflammation and regression in your jawbone that supports your teeth. Without checkups, by the time you notice something wrong it may be too late.
- Looking for Tooth Decay – The more dental restoration that’s been done in the past on a specific tooth, the more attention it will need over time. Old fillings and root canal treatments need more frequent examination and x-rays than untouched teeth. Even the very best fillings can have a limited life. If there’s microscopic space between the tooth structure and the filling it can result in decay. Catch this early to avoid losing the tooth.
- Examining Your Bite – Your bite should be checked to be sure that teeth are in harmony with each other. An unbalanced bite can not only damage your teeth, but also wear on your joints and cause arthritic problems.
- Your Breath – Yes, we know. It’s not a subject we like to talk about. Problem is, many people are unaware they have bad breath. And plaque (not what you eat) is the most common cause of this condition. There is no need to live with a problem that we can help prevent.
- Changes in Soft Tissue – Checking for signs of oral cancer is a huge part of your routine checkup. Did you know, according to the oral cancer foundation, that the death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma)? The death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered so late in its development. Don’t take the risk… Especially when it is so easy for us to check for it.
Six-Monthly Checkups Can Help Save You Time, Money, Discomfort, Hassle (and teeth). Period.
Don’t wait until something hurts to think about your teeth. Your mom was right—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Spending a little time with our team at Lilly Family Dentistry not only makes sense for your health and appearance, but also for your bank account.
We look forward to your next visit! Call us at 712-239-5125 or visit with us on our Facebook page. Or, check out our new Yelp page... We’d love to hear your comments about our practice!