Why You Shouldn't Delay Your Dental Treatment

It’s easy to put off or delay getting dental treatment. Busy schedules and competing demands for your time and energy are a hallmark of modern life, and many people understandably wait until the last moment to go to the dentist. The problem is that by the time you start to experience symptoms, like tooth pain, swollen or bleeding gums, an infection, or receding gums, you’re more likely to need more expensive and invasive dental work.

Our dentists and specialists recommend making oral health a priority, starting with regular dental exams and cleanings every six months. Preventive dental care is the best tool available to catch oral health problems early when they’re easiest to treat.

Located in The Woodlands, Texas, Scott Young, DDS, serves the greater Houston region, including the communities of Highland Village, West University, River Oaks, Rice Village, and Memorial.

Why you shouldn’t delay your dental treatment

Delaying your dental treatment can cost you. First, it can increase the risk of irreversible damage to your teeth and gums due to periodontitis (advanced gum disease), and ultimately, tooth loss. Periodontal disease is still the leading cause of tooth loss among American adults according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

When caught and treated at the early stage (gingivitis), gum disease is treatable and doesn’t lead to permanent damage to the underlying soft tissue and bone that supports your teeth and gums. Delaying dental treatment can ultimately lead to needing dental implants to replace missing teeth.

Tooth decay is another common side effect of skipping dental visits. Even if you have a good oral hygiene routine and eat a healthy diet, you still need routine dental care to pick up where your toothbrush and floss leave off. If you smoke or have a higher risk of developing gum disease due to factors, like family history, Dr. Young and our team may recommend scheduling dental exams and cleanings more frequently than twice a year as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Skipping a few dental cleanings may not seem like a big deal if your teeth and gums are otherwise healthy, but plaque and tartar buildup can cause pockets to form between your teeth and gums. Once pockets develop, they require a deeper cleaning treatment below the gum line (scaling and root planing).

Whether you’re dealing with gingivitis, a cavity, or other oral health problem, delaying your dental treatment can mean the difference between a simple restoration or the need for oral surgery. 

For more information about dental implants and the range of general and cosmetic dentistry services available at Scott Young, DDS, contact us today to schedule an appointment.