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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

1714 Reviews

5.0

12th March 2025

Timing was excellent as were both the dentist and the hygienist. No problems at all

NC

Nadine Corscadden

Jill was excellent as always!

1st March 2025

The hygienist was very helpful with advice about brushing my teeth and demonstrated how to use an electronic brush properly which was very informative. She also showed me which part of my teeth I was probably not giving enough attention to which was also helpful. She genuinely seemed concerned about me looking after my teeth in the future to avoid possible deterioration which was gratifying.

27th February 2025

Consideration and professional treatment.

27th February 2025

During initial check up everything was clearly explained by Marina Sevilla. The hygienist Stefanie, did a good job and as her next patient cancelled she was able to complete cleaning in one visit. Much appreciated!

27th February 2025

Visiting the dentist/hygienist can be nerve racking but has always been a relaxed friendly experience.

26th February 2025

Really like Peter as a Dentist. He is always upbeat and friendly. I have never had any discomfort from whatever Peter has done.Hygienist Jill is lovely and always does a great job.

26th February 2025

Returning after long period due to Covid pandemic.I needed this appointment after experiencing a potentially srious issue. I swas leased to be offered an immediate appointment * within two days). A referral was made to the endodontist and the hygienists. I now hav a treatmentplan in process.

26th February 2025

Very attentive staff and my problem was quickly resolved

25th February 2025

Well the dentist is always first class, and the receptionist was very helpul about my paying my as I have trouble with my eyesight.

22nd February 2025

Excellent hygienist. Professional, skilled and sympathetic

MB

Michelle Blakey

Wonderful experience with Sadaf Abbaszadeh & Jill Hendey today. A big thank you to you both for your warm approach.

20th February 2025

Everything about the appointment worked without any problems. Everyone that I encountered were most pleasant and efficient.Most importantly the extraction of a wisdom tooth was expertly carried out. Amazingly I have no pain since!Thank you!

RS

Roger Singer

Excellent service, I broke a tooth and it was repaired on my first visit. Thank you.

CB

Chloe Brown

I would not go anywhere else. So pleased with the services/staff, since I was a child and I am now 37!

JS

julia stow

Lovely dentist. Kind and helpful receptionistd.

LC

Lesley Cunningham

Friendly staff as soon as you walk through the door. My family have used this practice for 33 years. Always good advice from the dentist and hygienist. My children have attended from the age of 2. Never frightened of the dentist but we did say that we would tell dentist and hygienists if they didn’t clean their teeth and that was enough as they didn’t want to disappoint any one. We have had emergency work and the dentists have all been good. The children have never wanted to go to any other practice and even came home from uni to see the family dentist. Sadly not an NHS dentist . Next week we will be taking our 2 year old grandson for his first appointment. Continuing with family tradition.

CG

Chris Gallimore

Very friendly and helpful dentist. Never feel in doubt about the quality of dental care and the service

ZS

Zunie Sheil

Excellent Service! Customer delight was experienced !

AH

andrew howarth

Mica was excellent

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