THE ROI OF A HEALTHY SMILE

The impact dental problems have in the lifestyle of a patient is difficult to measure. It has been my experience that when a person has been postponing dental treatment, not only have they had to adapt to living with the problem, their loved ones have to learn to cope with the agony of having a partner in pain. Usually people in pain become more moody. Not being able to enjoy solid or hot food can make anyone bitter.

That’s why it is not that unusual to have spouses thank me for helping their loved ones because some measure of peace has been restored in the household.

THE FINANCIAL IMPACT

The longer a dental condition is allowed to progress, the higher the cost and the time needed to address it and the more limited the treatment alternatives.

Initially, a small cavity that only requires a small filling, can be taken care of in less than an hour and the cost is relatively low. If the problem is allowed to simmer, it will develop into a more serious problem that now requires additional visits and the cost is substantially higher. This is the unfortunate reality of dental problems. Waiting only aggravates the issue.

Whether the result of procrastination or fear, simple conditions that could have been treated in a visit or two, end up turning into a very extended treatment that now takes months and a considerable use of financial resources. This without even taking into consideration the lost productivity from the time off school or work. 

THE HEALTH IMPACT

Nature works hard at containing damage to a limited section of your body. Your immune response isolates and destroys the cause. If your defense system can’t get rid of the problem,  then Infection happens and now your whole body becomes involved. A dental problem is rarely local, a tooth infection can expand involving neighbor tissues like sinuses and other airway structures and it can also travel causing problems to other organs. Certain medical conditions will have an impact on the health of your teeth and gums as well. Research studies have long suggested a link between gum disease and Diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Oral Cancer. So delicate is the mouth-body connection, that heart doctors and orthopedic surgeons typically ask for dental clearance of active decay or gum disease before the patient becomes subject to a major medical procedure.

Whether you’re looking to avoid major dental expenses, keep a happy home environment or maintain overall health and wellbeing, we can help you develop a plan to reach your goals. Call us to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors to discuss your specific needs.