A dental visit is an essential part of your health care. It’s also one of the most expensive parts, costing about $150 per year on average in the United States. You can’t afford to skip it, and if you’re like most people, you have probably been skipping it for years. You will gain a thorough understanding of dental visit costs after reading this article. We will also let you know about the best dentists in Chicago.
The good news is that there are ways to get better value from your dentist visits. A new study by researchers at University of Michigan found that dentists who use advanced technology such as 3-D imaging and digital x-rays can provide more effective treatment plans and save patients money when compared with traditional two-dimensional x-ray methods.
In other words, even though your toothache is annoying and painful, you could be getting less quality care than you deserve.
So what does this mean for you?
Well, first, you should know that there is no single best way to find a great dentist. There are many factors to consider, including reputation, location, and cost. But one thing is clear: you need to make sure they use high-tech equipment.
“There is a misconception that because we live in an age where so much can be done digitally, we don’t need to go to our dentist anymore,” says Dr. Robert W. Linder, associate professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan Medical School.
“You may not need to go to your doctor or dentist, but just like any other physician, you still need to see them regularly,” he says.
For example, if you are seeing a dentist who doesn’t use advanced technologies, you may be missing out on benefits that would save you time and money. That includes using a laser, which can eliminate cavities in 30 minutes instead of two hours, or an intraoral camera, which can show you exactly how to fix your teeth without having to open your mouth every time.
What are the benefits?
Instead of only going to the dentist when anything is wrong, schedule an appointment frequently. Regular dental visits are necessary for a variety of other reasons, including the fact that prevention is always better than treatment. There are numerous other advantages, such as how a dental visit can assist you in identifying and preventing any problems with your oral health.
Here are some surprising things you might not know about modern dentistry:
What Is Digital X-Rays?
Digital x-rays are actually very old technology. They were invented back in the 1950s and 60s as a way to replace film plates. Today, they allow dentists to take detailed pictures of your teeth, jaw, and face to create accurate images of your mouth. This allows them to see the exact location of decay, abscesses, bone loss, and other problems.
These images are then used to develop the most appropriate plan of treatment, including filling cavities, placing crowns, and performing root canal therapy. In the past, these types of images were only taken once — often after a patient had already suffered severe damage to their teeth.
Modern dentists now use digital x-rays several times during each appointment. For example, they will take an x-ray before they begin working on your teeth, then again after they finish the work, and perhaps a third time when they are finished. This allows them to make adjustments based on the results.
When taken correctly, digital x-rays are completely safe. And they also produce far more information than traditional x-rays, saving doctors and patients a lot of time and effort. So why do so few dentists use them?
According to a recent survey conducted by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), only 28% of dentists currently use digital x-rays. The biggest barrier to wider adoption of digital x-rays seems to be that most dentists aren’t trained in how to take them, so they end up relying on technicians instead.
But since the technology is becoming more affordable and easier to use, there is no excuse for any dentist to be without it.
Why Are Some Dental Treatments Expensive?
One of the biggest expenses associated with dental treatment is the price of fillings. According to the AAOMS, about 45% of Americans have experienced tooth decay at least once in their lives, and the vast majority of cases aren’t serious enough to require invasive procedures. Yet despite that, nearly half of all U.S. adults spend more than $1,000 annually on dental services, totaling around $100 billion a year.
This is mainly due to the fact that many dentists charge extra for complicated treatments such as extractions or root canals. Even routine cleanings can easily run a couple hundred dollars. If you want to avoid being gouged, here are some tips to save money on your next visit to the dentist:
Visit a practice that offers discounts:
Many dental practices offer deals to patients looking for a bargain. Just ask!
Make appointments early:
You’ll likely need to schedule multiple visits over a period of months. That means making appointments well ahead of time so you don’t forget.
Ask about payment options:
Most dentists accept credit cards, debit cards, check payments, or cash. Ask if they accept insurance, too, and compare prices with other local providers.
Check your deductible:
Some dental policies include a deductible you must pay before your insurer covers anything else. Make sure yours includes “cavity protection” so you won’t have to pay for costly treatments until your dentist has determined they are necessary.
Consider cosmetic procedures:
Cosmetic dentistry is growing in popularity. You can get veneers, whitening, and porcelain crowns to improve your smile. These are typically cheaper than the rest of your dental work, and they don’t involve invasive procedures like implants or root canals.
If you’ve been putting off going to the dentist, it’s time to stop procrastinating. Your oral health affects everything else in your body, so you owe it to yourself to make regular visits to a top dentist. Just because you can’t afford expensive treatments right now doesn’t mean you can’t ever. Now that you understand how modern dentistry works, you should feel better equipped to fight disease and keep your smile healthy.