Dr. Morrison | Dr. Tussing | Dr. Fullinfaw

Dr. Morrison | Dr. Tussing | Dr. Fullinfaw

Don’t Miss Out: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Improve Your Smile

FAQ

Why do I need regular dental checkups?
Regular dental checkups catch issues like tooth decay, cavities between the teeth, or gum disease early, often before symptoms appear. They also include cleanings that remove hard-to-reach plaque and tartar that brushing misses.
Can I wait to go to the dentist?
Delaying dental care allows problems like cavities or gum disease to worsen, leading to more painful and expensive treatments later. Early care is simpler, faster, and more affordable.
What happens if I don’t treat a cavity?
A small cavity can turn into a serious infection if untreated, potentially requiring more extensive and costly treatment.

Does My Dental Insurance Expire?

Most dental insurance plans reset at the end of the year, meaning unused benefits won’t roll over. If you don’t use them, you will lose them.

Your oral health is an important part of your overall well-being. When small dental concerns are addressed early, you protect not only your teeth but also your comfort and confidence. As your trusted dental team, our mission is to help you enjoy a healthy smile for life, and one way to do that is by making the most of the care and coverage you already have.

Why Delaying Dental Care Can Cost You More

Dental problems don’t go away on their own. In fact, they progress quietly until they become more painful and more complex to treat. For example, a cavity may begin as a tiny spot of decay. At this stage, treatment is simple and quick with a non-invasive medication or dental filling. But when a cavity is left untreated, the decay continues to grow deeper. Eventually, decay reaches the nerve of the tooth, leading to pain, infection, and the need for a root canal followed by a dental crown.

What began as a quick and painless visit has now turned into a more involved and expensive process. This is why the American Dental Association (ADA) emphasizes the importance of assessing and treating tooth decay early: it saves patients both time and money while protecting their overall health.

Prevention Is the Best Cure

Routine exams and hygiene maintenance are your best defense against dental problems. During these visits, your dentist and hygienist can carefully check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other concerns that may not yet be causing symptoms. A professional cleaning also removes stubborn plaque and tartar that at-home brushing simply can’t reach.

This preventive care is an investment in your overall health as well. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that gum disease has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes. By staying on top of your oral health, you are supporting your whole body, not just your smile.

How to Prioritize Your Smile

When it comes to dental care, some treatments should be addressed right away, while others can safely wait a little longer under supervision from your healthcare professional. If you’re trying to balance your oral health needs with your budget or dental insurance benefits, it helps to know which types of care fall into each category.

  • Preventive Care – This includes cleanings, exams, and X-rays. These visits are usually covered in full or nearly in full by most insurance plans. Preventive care is the foundation of long-term oral health, helping us catch minor concerns before they become bigger problems.
  • Restorative Care – This category covers treatment that restores the function of your smile, including fillings, dental crowns, and root canal therapy. Insurance will often cover a significant portion of these treatments, though the exact percentage varies by provider and plan. Restorative care should be your highest priority if you have active decay, infection, or pain, since these problems will worsen if left untreated.
  • Cosmetic Care – Whitening, veneers, and other elective treatments fall into this category. These are designed to improve the appearance of your smile but are not clinically necessary. Most insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic services, so they are best scheduled once essential treatment has been completed.

A Smile That Lasts a Lifetime

We believe every patient deserves a smile they can feel proud of, that is healthy, comfortable, and lasting. By being proactive with your dental care, you can avoid unnecessary pain, protect your overall health, and make the most of your benefits before they reset.

If you’ve been waiting to schedule a visit, now is the perfect time.