Dentist Visits: Why Six Months Matters
Nobody enjoys going to the dentist. But the cost of not going is significantly higher than the cost of going.
Why Every Six Months
The six-month interval isn't arbitrary. It's based on how quickly:
- Plaque hardens into tartar (which you can't remove at home)
- Small cavities become large cavities
- Gum disease progresses from reversible to permanent
Catching problems early means fillings instead of root canals, cleanings instead of deep scaling, and keeping teeth instead of replacing them.
The Real Cost of Skipping
A filling: £50-150 (NHS) or £100-300 (private) in the UK. $150-400 in the US.
A root canal: £250-500 (NHS) or £500-1000 (private). $700-1500 in the US.
An extraction and implant: £2000-3000+. $3000-5000+ in the US.
The progression from "small cavity" to "needs extraction" can happen in 2-3 years of neglect. The cost difference is 10-20x.
What Happens at a Check-up
- Visual examination: Looking for cavities, cracks, gum disease, oral cancer
- X-rays: Usually annually, to catch problems between teeth
- Cleaning: Removing tartar and plaque you can't reach
- Assessment: Identifying potential future problems
The whole thing takes 30-45 minutes. The hygienist does most of the work.
Finding an NHS Dentist (UK)
NHS dental care is subsidised but not free. Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients can be difficult in some areas.
Options:
- Check NHS.uk for dentists accepting patients
- Call practices directly (online listings aren't always current)
- Consider dental schools for reduced-cost care
- Private care is more expensive but more available
Booking Ahead
Most dental practices book 2-4 months out for routine appointments. Book your next appointment before leaving the current one.
If you haven't been in over a year, you may need a longer initial appointment. Be honest about how long it's been - they've seen worse.
Add it to your tasks. We'll remind you when it's time to book.