How Two Dental Cleanings a Year Can Actually Save You Money
How Two Dental Cleanings a Year Can Actually Save You Money At Modern Dental of Durham, we want you to think of preventive care not just as a health habit, but as a smart financial decision for your oral health. Many people assume dental cleanings are simply a cost, but in reality, getting your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year can save you significant money in the long run. Why Dental Cleanings Are More Than Just Polishing When you come in for a routine dental cleaning, your hygienist is doing much more than removing plaque. That appointment gives us the chance to: Detect cavities or gum disease in early stages Remove hardened tartar you can’t brush away Spot warning signs of oral health issues such as cracks, decay, or even precancerous changes Reinforce oral hygiene strategies tailored to you Catching small problems early is key. Once decay or disease advances, treatment costs rise steeply. The Research: Preventive Care Pays Off Here’s what the evidence shows: Studies suggest that for every dollar spent on preventive dental care, you can save $8 to $50 in future restorative or emergency treatments. (dentistry.uic.edu) Among Medicaid enrollees, those who had five years of continuous preventive care experienced 43% lower costs than those who skipped it, largely due to fewer surgeries and emergencies. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) One analysis found that prior-year preventive dental visits are associated with fewer nonpreventive visits and lower overall dental expenditures. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) Employers in “high preventive utilization” groups spent 86% less on major and restorative dental services over time. (nadp.org) Preventive dental care has been linked with lower healthcare costs in populations with chronic conditions such as diabetes by reducing inflammation, infections, and complications. (frontiersin.org) In short, preventive care is cost-effective, clinically wise, and a smart insurance play. How Two Cleanings a Year Translate to Savings Scenario What Happens & Risks Potential Cost Impact Skipping one cleaning per year Plaque hardens into tartar, early decay or gum inflammation goes unnoticed Small cavity becomes large, needs root canal or crown Skipping both cleanings Gum disease may develop, bone loss, infection risk Tooth extraction, implant costs, or periodontal surgery Keeping two cleanings per year Problems are caught early and treated affordably Less overall treatment cost, fewer emergencies, less time off work By maintaining biannual cleanings, you reduce the chance of needing expensive treatments like root canals, crowns, implants, or gum surgery. Other Ways Biannual Dental Cleanings Benefit You Insurance coverage advantage: Many dental plans cover 100% of preventive cleanings, making these visits virtually free out-of-pocket. (humana.com) Better overall health: Poor oral health is linked to systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Preventive dental care can reduce inflammatory load and healthcare costs. (frontiersin.org) Less emergency dental visits: Skipping care leads many people to seek urgent treatment, which is far more expensive and stressful. (cdc.gov) Peace of mind and less downtime: Preventive visits are quick, comfortable, and keep your smile healthy without disruptions from pain or emergency trips. Tips to Maximize Your Savings & Oral Health Stick to the schedule. Set reminders for your six-month cleanings Use your dental benefits. Preventive is often fully covered Practice good at-home habits. Brush twice a day, floss, and use antimicrobial mouthwash Tell your hygienist your health status. Medications, conditions, and diet can influence your risk and treatment plan Resources You Can Trust For more on how oral disease interventions save lives and money, see the CDC’s Health and Economic Benefits of Oral Disease Interventions page. The PMC article “Estimating the Cost Savings of Preventive Dental Services” offers peer-reviewed insight into state-level preventive cost impacts. Don’t wait until pain or expensive treatment forces your hand. Commit to your oral and financial health today. 📞 Call Modern Dental of Durham or schedule your next cleaning online now. Let us help keep your smile and your wallet in the best shape possible.
Why Preventive Dental Care Is So Important
Why Preventive Dental Care Is So Important When most people think about going to the dentist, they imagine fixing a problem, such as a cavity, a broken tooth, or tooth pain. But the truth is, the best dentistry is often the kind you never need because preventive care keeps problems from happening in the first place. At Modern Dental of Durham, we believe preventive dental care is the foundation of long-term oral health, overall wellness, and even financial savings. What Counts as Preventive Dental Care? Preventive dental care includes the everyday habits and professional services that protect your teeth and gums from disease. These include: Professional cleanings and exams every six months Daily brushing and flossing at home Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel Dental sealants for cavity protection Regular X-rays to catch issues early Oral cancer screenings Each of these steps works together to keep your mouth healthy, reducing the risk of serious and costly dental procedures later. Why Preventive Care Matters Skipping preventive care may seem like no big deal, but research shows otherwise: Prevents major issues: Routine visits allow dentists to catch problems like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer early, when treatment is simple and affordable. (CDC) Saves money long-term: For every $1 spent on preventive dental care, patients save up to $50 in treatment costs. (UIC College of Dentistry) Improves overall health: Poor oral health is linked to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Preventive care lowers inflammation and infection risk. (Mayo Clinic) Reduces emergency visits: Regular cleanings and exams lower the chances of painful, expensive dental emergencies. The Hidden Benefits of Preventive Dental Care Beyond saving money and avoiding pain, preventive care also: Keeps your smile bright and confident Preserves your natural teeth for life Helps children avoid dental anxiety by keeping visits stress-free Improves quality of life with healthy gums and fresh breath The Cost of Skipping Preventive Care If You Skip Potential Consequence Likely Cost Cleanings & Exams Gum disease, cavities, undetected oral cancer Hundreds to thousands for treatment X-Rays Missed decay or bone loss Costly restorative care, implants, or extractions Sealants & Fluoride Higher cavity risk Fillings, crowns, root canals Daily Home Care Plaque buildup, bad breath, gum disease Periodontal treatment, tooth loss What seems like saving money upfront often results in higher expenses later. Resources You Can Trust Learn more from the CDC Oral Health Division on why prevention is key: CDC Oral Health Explore the Mayo Clinic’s guide on how oral health impacts overall health: Mayo Clinic Oral Health Preventive care is the simplest and smartest way to protect your smile, save money, and boost your overall health. Don’t wait for problems to appear, stop them before they start. 📞 Call Modern Dental of Durham today or book your preventive visit online at moderndentalofdurham.com/request-an-appointment.