It happens to everyone — a dental appointment gets cancelled, rescheduled, and then forgotten. Life is busy. But regularly skipping dental visits is one of the most common and costly mistakes patients make. Here is what is actually at stake.
Problems You Cannot Feel — Yet
Tooth decay and gum disease can progress significantly before they cause any noticeable pain or discomfort. By the time a cavity hurts, it is likely quite large and potentially involving the nerve. By the time gum disease causes loose teeth, significant bone loss has already occurred. Regular visits catch these problems at their earliest, most treatable stages.
The Compounding Cost of Neglect
Dental problems do not stay the same size — they grow. A small cavity that could have been treated with a simple filling at your last appointment may now require a crown, or worse, a root canal and crown. The longer a problem goes unaddressed, the more extensive and expensive the treatment becomes.
Oral Health and Overall Health
Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body. Research has linked chronic gum disease to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Your dentist is also screening for oral cancer at every visit — something that has no other routine early-detection mechanism.
Getting Back on Track
If it has been a while since your last dental visit, the best thing you can do is book an appointment now — without guilt. Our Calgary dental team at Smileworks Dental is non-judgmental and focused entirely on helping you get back to excellent oral health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.