Haven’t Been to the Dentist in Five Years?
Many patients avoid or delay dental care for various reasons, including:
- Dental Anxiety
- Busy Lifestyles
- Financial Concerns
Sometimes, when you avoid dental care, you feel embarrassed by the state of your teeth, which leads to further anxiety and even sadness. In many cases, you put off treatment even longer.
Fortunately, we are an understanding team of dental professionals who appreciate these things. Our only goal is to help you reestablish care.
Whether it’s been five years or decades since you’ve seen a dentist, we are here for you.
Here’s what to expect:
On your first visit back, we’ll take x-rays, perform a comprehensive exam, and discuss next steps. It is our goal to address any immediate concerns and schedule/ prioritize these treatments.
Expect:
- A Dental Exam
- X-Rays
- A Professional Teeth Cleaning
- An Oral Cancer Screening
In some cases, your Salem dentist may recommend a consultation before your general checkup. This helps put you at ease, and you can discuss any oral health changes you’ve noticed since your last visit. We firmly believe that x-rays alone don’t tell us everything we need to know.
We put no pressure on you to commit to recommended treatments, but we do encourage you to relax and be sure you’re in judgment-free hands at our dental office. We’ll also take steps to ensure your comfort while you’re with us.
3 Consequences of Not Visiting the Dentist and How Riverfront Dental Can Help
Of course, there are many consequences of not visiting the dentist, but we want to share the three most important ones in this blog. 
- Cavities
Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health issues, and a lack of dental care can lead to advanced decay that may go unnoticed. Some cavities can occur at the back of the mouth or between teeth.
Cavities form when plaque builds up on the enamel and hardens to tartar. The food we eat or beverages we consume produce acids that erode portions of our enamel, leading to cavities. Left untreated, cavities can lead to tooth infections and crumbling.
If you have multiple cavities, we can schedule treatment across multiple visits and prioritize areas of severe decay first.
Cavity treatment involves numbing the area, removing the decay, and placing a tooth-colored filling or crown.
- Tooth Infections
Lack of dental care can lead to tooth infections, especially when decay reaches the nerve center of your tooth. These infections are typically painful and cause pronounced swelling, leading to emergency dental care in Salem, OR.
In some cases, we can catch these infections early, prevent pain and swelling, and save the tooth from being lost. Typically, we perform root canal therapy to treat a deep tooth infection. This means removing the infection, sealing your tooth, and covering it later with a custom dental crown.
- Gum Disease
Gum disease is the most significant complication that may occur when you don’t see the dentist. Gum disease starts as reversible gingivitis, but without intervention, it advances to periodontitis, which is only treatable.
Treatment is crucial because studies link gum disease to systemic complications, such as:
- Tooth Loss
- Heart and Lung Issues
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Reproductive Complications
Gum disease symptoms include:
- Recurring Bad Breath
- Bleeding Gums
- Loose Teeth
- Gum Recession/Pocketing
In early disease, you may have little or no symptoms.
Fortunately, your dentist in Salem, OR, can lower your risk for these related complications with periodontal treatment in our dental office. Our gentle but thorough treatment can reduce gum pocketing and ligament/structural infections around the teeth, which are synonymous with gum disease.
Other consequences of not seeing a dentist include bad breath, tooth discoloration, changes in bite, and general discomfort.
Contact Our Salem Dental Clinic to Get Back on Track
To learn more about our gentle dental care and patient-centered approach or to book an appointment with the dentist, call us today at (503) 213-4044. You can also request an appointment online.
If you don’t have dental insurance, talk to us about our exclusive membership plan. We also accept financing/payment plans through CareCredit.
Remember, we are a judgment-free dental practice, ready to welcome you back with open arms. Our goal is to get your oral health back on track so that you can enjoy a pain-free smile.