I’m Postponing Dental Treatment Because It’s Not Bothering Me
Sometimes patients are tempted to put off a visit to the dentist because they’re not experiencing any discomfort or any other problematic symptoms. Unfortunately, this course of action actually increases the likelihood that the patient will develop dental pain and need a more radical intervention like a tooth extraction. When a patient sees a dentist twice a year, as is recommended, the dentist has more opportunity to detect potential problems in their earliest stages before they cause significant damage to the tooth or other oral structures. Additionally, periodic cleanings can help to lower the patient’s risk of developing a problem because that activity helps to limit the presence of harmful oral bacteria. Postponing treatment of a condition like tooth decay or gum disease can lead to serious consequences, as well. Waiting to address a cavity, for example, the decay may progress to the extent that the only possibly treatment is…