Why Regular Dental Cleanings Save You Money

Skipping your twice-yearly dental cleanings might feel like saving money. It isn't. Here's the math — and the reality — behind preventive dental care.

The True Cost of Skipping Cleanings

At Astra Dental in Franklin Park, we see it regularly — patients who avoid dental visits for 2, 3, or 5 years who then come in with significant problems that require extensive (and expensive) treatment.

Here's what that looks like in real terms. A small cavity caught at a routine cleaning requires a simple filling. The same cavity left untreated for a year or two may reach the nerve — requiring a root canal and crown instead. The difference in cost can be 10x or more.

What Happens During a Professional Cleaning

Professional dental hygienists remove tartar (calcified plaque) that no amount of home brushing and flossing can remove once it hardens. Left in place, tartar buildup leads to gum disease — which in turn leads to tooth loss and bone loss.

During your cleaning at Astra Dental, we also perform a full exam checking for cavities, oral cancer signs, gum disease, and any issues that are far easier and cheaper to address early. Digital X-rays let us see problems invisible to the naked eye.

Insurance Covers Preventive Care

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive cleanings and exams at 100% — two visits per year at no cost to you. This is one of the few areas where using your insurance is completely straightforward. If you have insurance and aren't using your cleaning benefit, you're leaving money on the table.

Even without insurance, the cost of a cleaning at Astra Dental is far less than any restorative treatment. We also offer flexible financing through Cherry for any treatments needed beyond preventive care.