Tag: tooth loss

4 Ways Your Dental Care is More Affordable Than You Think

Posted on by web-log-eccleshill3204

When was the last time you visited the dentist for a regular dental health check and hygiene appointment? You’re probably busy worrying about your family, work, finances, and array of other concerns and stresses. You might consider a trip to the dentist as more of a luxury, or something you’ll get to when your life (and your finances) settle down a bit. Does this sound familiar?

Unfortunately, good dental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. A recent UK survey found that 54% of adults over the age of 16 had moderate signs of periodontal (gum) disease, the leading cause of tooth loss. The only available treatment (which believe it or not, reduces the need for more costly procedures later down the line) is regular trips to your dentist/hygienist. Like most people, you may know these things, but you still hesitate to pick up the phone to book an appointment. Why? You expect those dental visits to be costlier than you can afford.

At Eccleshill Dental, your dental health could be more affordable than you think. We’ve compiled a list of important things to consider:

How much do you value your smile?

When it comes to your health and appearance, the value you place upon them is a very personal decision. Most of us take these things for granted, and what we don’t stop to consider is how we will feel in the longer-term, when our health and appearance start to deteriorate. It is quite often at this late stage (where procedures are much more expensive), that people choose to take action.

Also Read: How To Find The Right Dental Practice For You

What is the cost?

Consider that the average British household spends 6.5% of their annual income on coffee, 3.7% on clothes, and 1.4% on alcohol. The cost of your routine dental care (based on two dental health checks and two hygiene appointments per year) is only 0.6% of an average household budget. That’s less than 1%!

Find out if you have insurance

Surprising as it might seem, there are many of us that don’t realise we have access to dental insurance, perhaps through an employer or through a policy we have taken out in the past. If you have dental insurance that is not being used, then you will be missing out on an array of benefits. Many insurance companies allow you to claim back 50-100% of the cost of your dental bill (dependent on the treatment type). Many insurance policies cover routine dental care and treatment, which allow you to plan for your future dental needs. Policies which offer emergency and worldwide cover allow you to plan for any unexpected dental accidents at home or abroad. If you don’t yet have dental insurance, take some time to shop around online. There are many different insurance schemes available, each with different benefits.

No insurance? We’ve got you covered!

At Eccleshill Dental, we offer a variety of different payment methods to suit your needs, from 0% finance, to tailored payment plans. Many of our patients opt to join one of our affordable membership plans, which for a small monthly fee, offer a range of fantastic benefits.

We believe that everyone should be able to afford excellent dental care, which is why we pride ourselves on delivering fantastic services at affordable prices. If you would like any further information on our practice, services, fees, or payment methods, why not give us a call on 01274 633406.

 

The Real Cost of NOT Replacing a Missing Tooth

Posted on by web-log-eccleshill3204

Most people are aware that missing teeth make us appear older, but have you ever wondered about the health implications of not replacing a missing tooth? According to a study conducted by the University College London and Harvard University, the average Briton is missing 6.97 teeth, and an enormous 74% of adults in the UK have had a dental extraction. Tooth loss occurs for a variety of different reasons, including decay, infection, wear, trauma, and gum disease. Whatever the reason for tooth loss, the impact on your life is often significant.

In addition to the common concerns about appearance, there are other real issues and dangers present if you decide not to replace a missing tooth. We’ve compiled a list of potential risks to help you better understand the importance of replacing your missing tooth:

  1. Bone Loss

One of the most significant risks related to not replacing a missing tooth is bone loss (bone resorption). Bone loss occurs after a tooth is lost or removed because the roots of the tooth are no longer embedded into the jawbone, leaving a void. Over time, resorption will occur and the jawbone will begin to deteriorate. If the missing tooth is not replaced, as your jawbone begins to be affected, you will notice that your face shape will gradually change, and your lips may appear asymmetrical and sunken. Unfortunately, bone resorption doesn’t only impact the tooth that’s missing, but puts you at risk of losing neighboring teeth as well. By not immediately replacing a missing tooth, the ability to provide a successful denture, bridge, or implant is often compromised due to the loss of bone.

Also Read: Braces: How Old Is Too Old?

  1. Drifting Teeth

If lost teeth are not immediately replaced, this can have a detrimental effect on surrounding teeth.  The opposing teeth are most likely to be affected, and will continue to drift or move until there is an equal and opposing force.  They might even drift and touch the opposing gums where the extracted teeth once were. Drifting teeth may cause your bite to change, leading to muscle soreness and Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (issues with your jaw joint).

  1. Tooth Wear

In an attempt to avoid biting and chewing in the area where a tooth or teeth are missing, you will most likely begin overusing other teeth when eating. For example, if a tooth or teeth were extracted on the right side of your mouth, you would begin eating on the left side of your mouth. Uneven chewing forces cause excessive wear, and can lead to further tooth loss.

  1. Reduced Ability to Speak Clearly and Eat Certain Foods

A serious risk of not replacing a missing tooth, is a reduced ability to speak clearly and eat certain food types. Depending on which tooth or teeth are missing, it may become difficult to bite and chew certain foods. Eventually, this can lead to diminished health and poor nutrition. If certain teeth are missing (such as the ones at the front) it can also impact your ability to speak properly. Pronouncing certain words can be difficult, and you may develop a lisp.

Also Read: 4 Ways Your Dental Care is More Affordable Than You Think

  1. Reduced Self-Esteem

Whilst the examples above are all tangible effects of a missing tooth, there are intangible effects of a missing tooth which are present, and can impact your life in severe ways. If a missing tooth can be seen when you smile, speak, or eat, you may start to avoid doing any of these activities in public. This can have a detrimental effect on your social life, your job, and relationships. Depending on your age, career path, and relationship status, the cost of a missing tooth throughout your lifetime can really add up if you’re not confident to smile, speak, or eat in front of other people.

Options and Solutions

Whilst the potential risks of not replacing a missing tooth or teeth are great, we are fortunate enough to live in a society where options for replacements are readily available. There are several options to consider, including dentures, dental bridges, and the most popular and durable option – dental implants.

At Eccleshill Dental, we are proud to have helped many patients replace missing teeth, and regain their confidence. If you would like some friendly, confidential advice on the options and costs involved, telephone the practice on 01274 633406 to book a complimentary consultation with our patient care coordinator.

Together, let’s find your smile.