Dental care. We all know that we need it – and yet . . . and yet we get busy. We may have an aversion to sitting in the dental chair. We may have a life circumstance that makes it difficult to take time out of our schedule to handle a dental problem. Whatever it is that is keeping you away from the care your smile is telling  you it needs, it may be nothing more than an excuse. The truth is, many people procrastinate when they know they have a minor condition that needs repair. Especially if there is no real pain to speak of, dental problems can easily fall by the wayside. They shouldn’t. Here are some of the consequences that could affect you if you put off dental treatment.

• The problem will get worse. This is not a guess. There are very few things that can be said with absolute certainty, but this is one of them. Dental conditions progress. This is because the slight damage that is sustained by a tooth then becomes a glaring target for oral bacteria. You cannot get rid of these microorganisms, but you can limit their ability to cause more damage to the vulnerable tooth by getting it repaired and protected with a small filling or crown.
• You run the risk of needing comprehensive care. Naturally, it is preferable to undergo minor dental treatment like a filling than something more in depth, like root canal therapy. If you have a preference about the type of dental care you receive, don’t dally in scheduling restorative care once you suspect a problem in your mouth.
• The treatment you need may cost more. The more extensive the repair process, the more likely it is that fees for care will be higher. For instance, a filling can be crafted during a single visit after minor decay is removed. If you need a crown, the restoration itself will cost more due to its size and the complexity of fabrication.
• Pain will develop. Who has time to be sidelined by a bad toothache! This may be exactly what happens if you postpone getting care while your problem is still minor.

Your Scottsdale dentist Dr. Wiitala offers gentle care for your smile. Call (480) 657-6981.