When it comes to dental care, there is a perception that getting procedures done is expensive. However, many major dental issues are caused by a lack of preventative care. When you consider the cost of getting things taken care of as soon as possible against waiting until major restorative measures are necessary, it's clear that preventative care wins every time. Read on to learn more about the preventative as opposed to restorative dental care question.

Invest in Your Dental Health

Even if you don't have dental insurance, having preventative care may be more affordable than you think. Many dentists offer cleaning and examinations at lower than usual prices for the uninsured. Ironically, it's the fear of the dentist diagnosing an expensive dental problem that makes people reluctant to get the preventative care they need. Phone a few dental offices and find out how affordable an exam and cleaning can be.

Decay Issues

People live with the pain and discomfort of a cavity sometimes for months due to fear of the dentist or fears of the expense. However, small signs of decay, often detected while being examined at a regular checkup, can be handled quickly if caught in time. On the other hand, small cavities don't just go away or stay the same – they grow into larger issues. You might end up losing the tooth if decay is not removed, and you can also suffer from abscesses and other gum issues if you don't get the cavity taken care of.

When you let the issue go on, you may be looking at a root canal procedure, a crown or cap, infection treatment, and more. When you compare the cost of a root canal and cap to the filling of a cavity when it's very small, you will see how important it is to get preventative care.

No Time for an Exam?

People are very busy, that fact cannot be disputed. However, those who put off preventative care are sure to end up spending a lot more time dealing with a more serious procedure than with a cleaning and quick filling appointment. If you require dental surgery, such as a root canal or other extensive work, you might miss an entire day of work if not more. Dental cleanings, however, can be done in as little as 45 minutes every few months and will seldom interfere with your life the way a procedure could. For instance, if you are scheduled to receive anesthesia with your procedure, you may not only have to refrain from eating and drinking before the procedure, but you will also have to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.  

Speak with a dentist to learn more.