Why Preventative Dentistry Is Better Than Restorative Dentistry

Going to the dentist may be the last thing you'd want to do. The dentist office is the last place you'd ever want to be. Maybe you've had a traumatic past experience at the dentist office. Maybe you're scared of pain or something going wrong at your appointment. Maybe you're too ashamed to step into the dentist office fearing what the dentist will find after not having seen a dentist in many years. Maybe you're just starting out on your own and don't want to deal with the hassle of shopping around for dental insurance, so you avoid the dentist.

You may think that your mouth is healthy. After all you have a stellar at-home oral hygiene routine and you avoid those taboo foods and drinks such as candy, bread, soda and coffee. You eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. You may think that the dental office visit is optional or unnecessary. You only see the dentist only in those times something isn't right.

There are many fears and reasoning that keep people from regularly going to the dentist and getting the preventative dental care they need. Many patients treat the dentist like they do their doctor. They forego the routine, preventative appointments and instead only go when they notice something abnormal or are experiencing pain or discomfort.

This way of going about one's overall and oral health is not the best. In fact, it can be putting your overall and oral health at risk.

Specifically, here are some reasons why preventative dentistry is better than restorative dentistry:

Save Money

The most noticeable advantage preventative dentistry has over restorative dentistry is the money one will save on dental procedures. A routine, six-month professional teeth cleaning and dental examination will cost less than a filling or a crown. In fact, many dental insurance plans cover two semi-annual dental check-ups and cleaning, but they won't give you "free" crowns or fillings.

Save Time

When you go in for a dental check-up, you're in and out within minutes and you won't leave the dentist office with pain or discomfort. There is no complicated procedure, no ordering or dental appliances and no recovery time needed. On the flip side, while most restorative dental procedures have become routine and easy and quick to perform, they may entail a follow-up appointment, entail a longer dental appointment and involve a waiting period for a needed dental device.

If you're busy, chances are you want to get back on your regular routine and schedule as soon as possible.

Become Comfortable With Your Fear

Patients who make it a point to come and see their dentist for a preventative check-up to stem the possible occurrence of future dental health issues, will more likely have more pleasant, quick and hassle-free appointments. Associating the dental office with these pleasant experiences will initiate a change of attitude towards the dental office and may even start breaking down those negative past dental office experiences. In addition, the more frequently you come into the dentist office, the quicker you'll get use to the unpleasant smells and noises.

The dentist may not ever become your favorite place to visit, but if you make it a goal to regularly visit for a check-up and cleaning, you'll better insure a healthy mouth which in turn lowers your risk of expensive, more intensive and time-consuming restorative dental work.

If you haven't been to the dentist in many years for any reason, and have not kept up with preventative dentistry, it is still important to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Sometimes restorative dental work is necessary to ensure the best dental health for the patient.

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