Check engine lights. Clogged gutters. Dental cavities.
What do these things have in common?
They are all minor inconveniences that can turn into serious problems when left ignored. Cavities begin as small holes or openings that form in damaged areas of a tooth, and they are among the most common health issues in the world along with tooth decay. They start off so small in size that people are often unaware they even have any cavities to begin with, so it is important to visit a dentist regularly for cleanings and examinations. The reason for this is twofold: your dentist can tell you if they have found any cavities as well as clean your teeth much more thoroughly than you can at home. Even those with diligent oral health routines at home are vulnerable to cavities in hard-to-reach areas without periodic professional cleanings.
Since their beginnings are often painless and unnoticeable, cavities often find themselves low on the list of personal health priorities. When informed of their presence in the mouth, dental patients often opt to “deal with it next time” instead of choosing more immediate treatment. Some are just motivated to get out of the dentist’s chair or avoid another appointment, while others prefer to avoid any additional expenditures. These reactions are reasonable; however, they can often be self-defeating.
Dental procrastination is an appealing choice in the moment – you’re ready to leave the dental picks behind and get on with your day; perhaps you can get that cavity filled during your next cleaning in six months. Once you leave the office, you may not even remember you have a cavity. Conversely, you may not wish to spend the extra money on fixing something that until your visit you did not even know you had. Unfortunately, cavities are permanent and do not heal on their own, and in the six months until your next cleaning they can significantly increase in size. As cavities grow, they become increasingly more laborious to fix and begin to create other health problems, such as:
- Toothaches
- Painful swelling
- Infections
- Abscesses
- Difficulty chewing or eating
- Loss of the affected tooth or teeth
When cavities worsen, what could have been fixed with a quick filling may now require:
- A costly emergency trip to the dentist for a root canal treatment
- A more complex treatment option such as a dental crown
- In severe cases, a complete extraction and possible dental implant replacement
Ultimately, ignoring cavities can require dental appointments and expenditures you would not have needed to make otherwise.
Fortunately, dental fillings for small-to-mid-sized cavities are fairly quick procedures with minimal discomfort, and they can often be performed during your cleaning and examination appointment, saving you an additional trip. What’s more, dental fillings are covered by many insurance plans. And even if you do not have insurance, more and more dentists are offering in-house membership plans. For a reasonable monthly or annual fee, patients can procure services and treatment options such as fillings without belonging to a dental plan (and in some cases pay less than those who do).
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to your oral health. If you’d like to learn more or are concerned you may have one or more cavities that need to be filled, call Petersen Family Dentistry today at (720) 308-9798 .
