risk of skipping preventive dental care, image of a hand stopping dominos to show how catching issues early prevents bigger problems

The Hidden Costs of Skipping Preventive Dental Care

July 11, 2025 9:00 am

Regular dental visits might seem easy to postpone. After all, if nothing hurts, everything must be fine—right? Not exactly. At Jonesboro Dental Care in Jonesboro, AR, Dr. Jonathan Cook and Dr. Mark Kingston often remind patients that preventive care does more than clean teeth. It protects your health, saves you money, and helps you avoid far more time in the chair down the road.

Small Issues Turn Into Big Ones

A small cavity can usually be treated with a quick filling. But left unchecked, it can spread and deepen. That same spot may eventually need a crown, root canal, or even extraction. Gum inflammation can quietly worsen into gum disease, leading to tissue loss or bone damage. What started as an easy fix becomes more complex, more costly, and more invasive.

Your Health Ties Into Your Teeth

Your mouth isn’t separate from your body—it’s connected to your heart, lungs, and more. Skipping cleanings allows plaque to build and bacteria to flourish. That bacteria doesn’t always stay local. Studies have linked poor oral health to heart disease, diabetes complications, and even respiratory infections. In other words, those six-month visits aren’t just about teeth—they’re about wellness.

Prevention is Almost Always Cheaper

Dental insurance typically covers two exams and cleanings per year. Most plans also cover fluoride, X-rays, and sealants for children. When you delay care, the costs pile up fast. Treating advanced decay, gum disease, or missing teeth involves more procedures and higher out-of-pocket costs. Preventive care is a small, predictable investment with a big return.

Stay on Track with Jonesboro Dental Care in Jonesboro, AR

At Jonesboro Dental Care, we believe prevention should be easy and accessible. Dr. Cook, Dr. Kingston, and our team make checkups comfortable, efficient, and personalized. If it’s been a while since your last visit, we’re here to help you get back on track. Call today to schedule your preventive care and give your future self one less thing to worry about.

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