Tooth decay has often been viewed as only a childhood issue however, 26% of adults between the ages of 20 to 64 have untreated cavities. Even if you aren’t experiencing any issues, you shouldn’t wait to have those cavities taken care of. We understand there are many reasons why you may be holding off on getting treatment. However, delaying your care could lead to tooth pain, infection and even loss of your tooth. With the holidays right around the corner, Dr. Long recommends getting an appointment scheduled before this year is over. Time is running out to maximize your dental benefits and help lower your out-of-pocket costs.
What Happens If You Leave Cavities Untreated
Teeth are intended to last a lifetime but many factors can shorten the lifespan of a tooth. Among
adults from ages 35 to 44, 69% have lost at least one permanent tooth. By age 50, they have
lost an average of 8 teeth. Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it
cannot regenerate once it has been weakened by cavity-causing bacteria, and that bacteria will
continue to damage healthy enamel if left untreated. Even if you are not having any pain, it’s
always best to take care of cavities as soon they are diagnosed. This prevents decay from
reaching the inner layers of your tooth, which can lead to more extensive damage and cause
serious infection. If left untreated, a cavity can lead to invasive or costly procedures like root
canals and tooth extractions.
Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits
Today, patients are much more likely to have some type of dental insurance; however, over 25%
of Americans do not fully use their benefits every year. Despite having dental coverage, many
people believe they don’t have any reason to see a dentist because “nothing is bothering them”.
They also worry that they cannot afford to see a dentist, which is one of the biggest reasons why
only 2.8% of patients maximize all of their annual benefits. Dental insurance plans help to
reduce your out-of-pocket costs on many dental services, such as exams, x-rays, teeth
cleanings, fillings and even crowns. Most plans reset every year, so any unused benefits go
away when the plan renews and they don’t roll over into the next year. You can invest in your
oral health and lower your overall share of cost by using your dental insurance benefits before
they expire.
About Dr. Rebecca Long
Dr. Long earned her dental degree from the University of Illinois and regularly attends continuing
education courses to provide state-of-the-art dentistry. She focuses on providing
comprehensive dental care to all of her patients while helping them understand the importance
of investing in their dental health.
If you have delayed scheduling your dental visit with Dr. Long, give us a call today and we will
be happy to reserve an appointment for you before the year is over!