What Happens When You Delay Dental Care?

When you skip cleanings, exams, or treatment recommendations, small issues can snowball into bigger, more expensive problems. Here’s what that can look like:

1. Small cavities become root canals

A tiny cavity could be fixed with a simple filling. But if left untreated, decay can reach the inner pulp of the tooth—requiring root canal therapy or even extraction.

2. Gum disease progresses

Gingivitis (early gum disease) is reversible. But if ignored, it can develop into periodontitis, which leads to bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss—requiring dental implants, bridges, or dentures.

3. Missing teeth affect your overall health

Tooth loss doesn’t just impact appearance—it changes how you eat, speak, and feel. And the longer you wait, the more complex and expensive replacement options become (like All-on-4).

4. Emergency care costs more

Delaying dental visits often leads to pain, swelling, or infections that result in last-minute emergency appointments—which are not only stressful but typically more costly.

How Much Could It Cost You?

Here’s an example of what proactive vs. reactive dental care might look like financially:

Preventive Care vs. Delayed Care

Exam + Cleaning

• Preventive Care: $100–$250 per year
• Delayed Care: $0 now → $$$ later

Filling

• Preventive Care: ~$200
• Delayed Care: Root canal + crown: $2,000+

Scaling (early gum care)

• Preventive Care: ~$300
• Delayed Care: Tooth loss + implant: $4,000–$6,000

Night Guard for Grinding

• Preventive Care: ~$500
• Delayed Care: Cracked crown repair: $1,200+

Prevention is always more affordable than restoration.

How to Make Dental Care Affordable (Even Without Insurance)

We know that budgeting for dental care can be tough—especially if you don’t have insurance. That’s why we offer flexible payment solutions for every budget.

1. Join Our Smile Savings Plan

One flat fee. Big savings.

Our in-house dental savings plan includes:

• Cleanings, exams, X-rays, and screenings
  
• 10% off all treatments
  
• No monthly premiums, deductibles, or claims
  
• Prophy and perio plan options starting at $350/year
  

It’s ideal for patients who want predictable, transparent pricing without the fine print of traditional insurance.

2. Use Your HSA or FSA

If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, you can use it toward eligible dental expenses. From fillings to implants, these pre-tax funds can cover a wide range of treatments.

3. Explore Flexible Financing Options

We work with:

• CareCredit
  
• Lending Club
  
• Proceed Finance
  
• PatientFi
  
• In-house payment plans
  

Many offer interest-free or low-interest plans, so you can start treatment now and pay over time.