4 Reasons to See a Dentist About Your Toothache Even If Money Is Tight
Posted on: 30 June 2016
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When you are going through tough financial times, you may try to put off as many expenses as possible until you get back on your feet. However, waiting until your next pay packet comes in before you address a toothache could have disastrous consequences. Here are four reasons to book a dental appointment right away, even if you're trying to save money.
1. Delaying Could Lead to Higher Costs
When your tooth starts hurting, it could be a sign that decay is progressing from the tooth enamel to the sensitive inner parts of the tooth. The earlier you see a dentist, the more likely it is that the dentist can repair the tooth using a filling or a root canal procedure. If you allow the decay to progress further into the tooth, it could eventually need to be extracted. Options to replace missing teeth, such as dental implants and bridges, are often more expensive than procedures to repair tooth decay in its early stages.
2. You Could Lose More Than Your Teeth
Sometimes, toothache is a sign of infection. If an infection is allowed to progress, it can begin to affect other parts of your mouth or body. In rare cases, infections can even be fatal. You need to book an appointment with an emergency dentist to find out what is causing your toothache and what treatment you need to repair the damage. If you have an infection, your dentist can prescribe antibiotics to bring it quickly under control.
3. You Might Not Have to Pay Full Price
The Australian Government has programs to help low-income adults and kids access affordable dental treatment. Subsidy dental plans could help you meet the cost of addressing your toothache. If you have a Healthcare Card or currently receive government assistance, research subsidy schemes in your state or ask your dentist whether there is any assistance available to help you.
4. You Don't Always Have to Pay Upfront
Many dentists offer dental payment plans that allow you to pay for your treatment over several months. Spreading the cost in this way can make it easier to meet the cost of dental treatment, as it allows you to take a small fraction out of every pay packet instead of trying to raise a lot of cash at once. Talk to your dentist about payment plans to find out whether this option is available to you.