Often we hear patients say “I am going to wait because it doesn’t bother me right now.”  This is not a good way to care for your teeth.  I have listed a number of reasons why you should complete your dental care sooner than later.

1.  All cavities start small and get larger with time.  A smaller filling is always better for the tooth in the long run.

2.  Few cavities are sensitive.

3.  Once decay approaches the nerve, the tooth tends to hurt.  At this point, root canal therapy is often necessary.

4.  A tooth that needs root canal therapy typically needs a crown.  Teeth are weak and brittle after root canal therapy.  They can fracture and need to be extracted/pulled.

5.  Costs can rapidly increase by hundreds or even thousands of dollars when treatment is delayed.

6.  Pain knows no schedule.  Murphy’s Law states the tooth will get worse right before or during the holidays or that long awaited vacation.

7.  Periodontal or gum disease is often painless.

8.  Damage caused by periodontal disease such as bone loss is not reversible but its progression can be virtually stopped.

Many of the dental problems we encounter tend to be painless in the early stages.  It is important that you understand we attempt to diagnose these problems early so we can save you from unnecessary pain.  This pain can be both in your mouth and your bank account.