How to Save Money When Visiting Our Dental Office

In our local dental office, we understand that most of our patients live on a budget and saving money is important.  The larger your family is; the more important this can be as paying for medical bills for one person can be difficult, paying for six is even harder.  As a family dentist, we want all of our patients to be able to afford the dental health care that they need.  Using these tips can make it possible.

    Practice at-home care.  Taking care of your teeth at home is an important way to keep your teeth and your kids teeth, in great health.  It starts with eating a healthy diet that includes green leafy vegetables, lean protein, dairy products, and complex carbs in addition to drinking plenty of water.  Try to eliminate sugar from your diet since it can increase your risk of cavities.  You also need to brush teeth throughout the day and floss at least daily.  This will help to remove sugar, bacteria, and plaque before an infection starts.  
    Brush correctly.  When brushing your teeth take the time to make a circular motion that starts at the gum line and works towards the center of your mouth.  Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for the biggest impact.  We can suggest ways to improve your technique in our dental office. 
    Wear a mouth guard.  You can prevent the athletes in your family from getting tooth injuries by wearing a mouth guard while playing sports.  The American Dental Association estimates that this prevents over 200,000 high school and college football injuries every year in addition to protecting adults, younger children, and those playing other sports.  By protecting teeth, you can prevent the expense of a restoration or tooth replacement. 
    Get teeth cleaned.  You should have your teeth cleaned and examined twice a year.  Most dental insurance companies cover teeth cleanings as preventative care.  This is one of the best ways to prevent cavities and infections so with some simple preventative care that is typically low or no cost; you can reduce the chance of needing an expensive procedure down the road. 
    Schedule treatments.  There are certain treatments we can do to protect and strengthen your teeth.  This includes completing a fluoride treatment or applying sealant as needed.  These procedures are typically done in children but can be used on adults as well.  
    Know your options.  If your tooth is damaged and needs to be restored or has fallen out and must be replaced, we have multiple ways for doing so.  Let us know what your financial concerns are, and we can recommend a treatment plan that fits within your budget.

In our dental office, we also provide financing solutions that make getting dental work done affordable and possible.  While you may not have the funds you need at that moment, you can still take care of your health by using this creative option.  Otherwise, we can discuss payment plans with you.  In the meantime, avoid needing a costly procedure by practicing preventative care.