4 Reasons Why a Lack of Money is No Excuse For Ignoring a Toothache
When your budget is tight, you may be tempted to cut back on dental visits to make your money stretch further. However, when you have a toothache, putting off a trip to the dentist is never a good idea, no matter how difficult your financial situation. Here are three reasons to see your dentist when your tooth starts to hurt, even if you're worried about the cost.
1. Waiting Increases the Bill
Ignoring a toothache can leave you facing a much bigger bill when you eventually get treatment. The most common cause of toothache is dental decay, where erosion of the protective enamel covering the tooth exposes the sensitive nerve inside. In its early stages, dental decay can be treated by filling cavities in the teeth, but if you leave it to progress you may need more expensive treatment, such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction. The cost of replacing a tooth with an implant or dental bridge can be very high, so it's less expensive in the long run to save the tooth if you can.
2. Payment Plans Can Spread the Cost
You don't always have to pay the full cost of dental payment upfront. Many dentists offer dental payment plans, which allow you to spread the cost of the treatment over many months. If your savings account is empty, talk to your dentist about payment plans, which could allow you to fit paying for your dental treatment into your monthly budget.
3. You Might Be Able to Get Help With the Costs
Do you receive support payments from the government? If you are currently receiving assistance or have a Healthcare Card, you may be able to get free or cheap treatment through a country subsidy dental program. Visit the dental section of the Department of Health website to find out about government programs for adults and kids.
4. It's Not Only Your Dental Health That's at Risk
Losing a tooth is bad enough, but it's not the only risk of ignoring a toothache. Going without treatment can lead to an infection, which in rare cases can be fatal. Swelling around your tooth is a sign of infection and indicates that you need to see your dentist quickly. No matter how tight your budget or how much you worry about money, you need to book an emergency appointment to get the infection under control and then treat the underlying problem.
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