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The dangers of skipping dental appointments

The dangers of skipping dental appointments


The dangers of skipping the dentist due to financial pressures

Many people are skipping dental appointments due to current financial pressures, but this can lead to serious oral health problems, carrying an increased risk for additional costs in the future. At Prospect Street Dental Practice we're seeing an increasing number of patients delaying their routine dental check-up and ignoring treatment requirements until they are in pain. This is concerning as regular appointments are essential to maintaining the best oral health and avoiding any problems progressing into more complex issues.

The risks of missing dental check-ups

Missing dental appointments can have serious consequences on your oral health. Without regular visits to your local dentist and hygienist, plaque and tartar and build up in those hard to reach areas, leading to decay and gum disease. In addition, many oral health problems are asymptomatic, meaning they don't cause dental pain or discomfort until they reach an advanced stage.

Delaying treatment can also lead to more expensive and invasive procedures down the line. For example a small cavity that could be easily filled will eventually require a root canal treatment or even extraction, if left untreated.

At each dental examination, your dentist will also check for signs of mouth cancer in the cheeks, palate, tongue, gums and lips. According to the latest NHS figures, around 8,300 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK each year. That's about 1 in every 50 cancers diagnosed. If mouth cancer is diagnosed early, a complete cure is often possible in up to 9 in 10 cases using surgery alone, so regular check-ups with your dentist is key.

Tips for affordable dental care

Whilst the cost of dental care can be a barrier for many people at this time, there are some options to help spread the cost of your care, making it more affordable:

  • Dental plans - signing up to a dental plan will help spread the cost of your annual routine dental care and hygienist appointments across 12 months. Many plans also offer discount on any clinically required work for plan members. Ask your local Reading  dentist about the plans they offer.
  • Employee dental insurance/plans - review your employee benefits to make sure that your not missing out on any reduced rate plans that you may be eligible for through your employer.
  • Commit to a good home oral care regime - Ensure thorough cleaning with an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes, twice a day, followed by mouth wash and flossing/interdental brushing, to keep any problems at bay. 
  • Take advantage of preventative care - regularly check-ups and cleaning are essential for preventing costly dental problems down the line.

Finding a local dentist in Reading 

If you are looking for a dentist in Reading, there are many resources to help you find the right one. Ask friends and family for trusted recommendations, check out patient reviews on platforms such as Google, Facebook, Trust Pilot or Yell, or search online to find a dentist that best meets your needs. 

In conclusion, skipping the dentist due to financial pressures can lead to serious oral health problems. Its important to take steps to make dental care more affordable. By finding a local dentist that you can trust and taking advantage of preventative care you can maintain good oral health and avoid costly procedures down the line.

At Prospect Street Dental Practice we have carefully built our dental practice in Reading up over many years through personal recommendation of friends and family, or on referral from their own dental practitioner; we are most grateful for this vote of confidence given to us. Check out our Google reviews below to hear more about what our patients think or us.

We commit to open and honest pricing for our patients. To view our latest fees, visit our fees page on the website.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Prospect Street Dental Practice. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

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Patient reviews

1761 Reviews

5.0

10th May 2025

The staff showed good competence

9th May 2025

I suffered a broken tooth, non urgent, and an appointment was arranged in two days. Everything went smoothly from start to finish. The treatment was fully explained with pictures and competently carried out.

8th May 2025

Experienced and caring

8th May 2025

Everything was carried out with total professional care. Thank you.

7th May 2025

Kind considerate staff who understood my concerns and were caring with the treatment.

7th May 2025

They are so friendly, so I could speak without getting nervous!!

7th May 2025

The staff at Prospect Street are very friendly, professional and the practice is an easily accessible building for me who is disabled.

2nd May 2025

I have been attending for many year. Know some the staff personally. It is a 15 minute walk from my home. No problems with any of the dental work done.

1st May 2025

Appointment on time , good explanation of treatment . Very clean environment All staff very friendly , professional and provided good communication. A really good service

1st May 2025

The specialist who performed the root resection was excellent. She listened to my needs and did her best to rescue my fractured tooth. She was very careful and fixed the issue expertly. Sadly, the issue was caused by another dentist in the practice. I received great care and negligent care at the same practice.

1st May 2025

Prospect Street Dental Practice are always professional and competent.

27th April 2025

Superb staff, I always enjoy visiting!!

25th April 2025

Always made to feel valued. Treated w courtesy and kindness and kept completely informed of what treatment entails

24th April 2025

All the staff are courteous and considerate; the quality of advice available and the way treatment is carried out is excellent.

24th April 2025

I trust the dentist. The care and support is exceptional.

23rd April 2025

Everyone always pay attention. Smiley and polite.

19th April 2025

Incredibly friendly Reception staff who are professional and reassuring. This Practice is always ready to offer help and advice and go the extra mile to accommodate the patient when they contact them.

17th April 2025

Kind, gentle, informative, quick hygienist.Straightforward & friendly communication with the reception staff.

15th April 2025

Great customer service received from PSDP as always.

13th April 2025

Friendly staff who go out of their way to make you feel welcome, relaxed, and show that they care!

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