Gummy Smile? You Don't Have to Live with It

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a health insurance plan that covers dental work. Many adults are chronically undertreated when it comes to dental work. But certain work is worth getting done out of pocket to protect your health.

Evaluations and Cleanings

Dental evaluations and cleanings can often be found for a reasonable cost for patients who don't have insurance. If you don't do anything else, invest in cleanings. There is no way to get a dental cleaning that's as good as what a dentist provides; they chip away plaque that has not been removed by regular brushing and flossing. Plus, regular visits for dental cleanings will give your dentist a chance to check for serious illnesses, oral cancer, and major cavities.

Fillings and Root Canals

If you have a cavity, that is a chronic infection in your mouth. It can affect your overall health and wellbeing. And it's not going away; likely, a cavity will only get worse. So, if you get to the dental chair and discover that you have cavities, be sure to get fillings to prevent needing a more serious treatment. But even root canals are worth ponying up the money for. The infection that underlies a serious cavity is one that goes down to the tip of your tooth's roots and into the gums. Not only does it give you a greater chance of a gum infection, but the infection could also enter your bloodstream.

Teeth Whitening

This may seem a little more frivolous than the other items mentioned above. But a good teeth whitening has major effects on your appearance and self-esteem. And it's out of pocket for a lot of dental patients anyway, since it's a cosmetic dentistry treatment. Dental teeth whitening is much more effective than anything you'll find in a drug store, so consider setting aside some money to try it first.

While all dental care is arguably important, the items above are worth considering in your yearly budget, even if you don't have insurance coverage. And there are some sources of funding for dental work aside from insurance payments. Ask your dentist about health savings accounts, health credit cards, and healthcare loan options the next time you go in. Your dentist may also offer individual payment plans or discounts to patients who would like to come in more often but who have difficulties with paying out of pocket for treatment. Contact a dental office like Suncoast Dental Center for more information.