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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

1784 Reviews

5.0

3rd June 2025

Jill Hendry was her usual reassuring self.

30th May 2025

Darragh is an excellent dentist. He spent time listening to my problem and gave good advice for how to treat the infection.

30th May 2025

Pleasant experience- efficient staff - no problems

30th May 2025

Because it a nice place to go

30th May 2025

Friendly staff and great care from the hygienist.

PH

Patrick Hamblin

An excellent service with everything explained clearly and advice given regarding ongoing maintenance of my teeth.

29th May 2025

The experience is always kind, warm and relaxing. Stephanie is thorough and a fantastic hygenist. She gets great results painlessly and comfortably.

29th May 2025

I have had very good experiences in the past with the Dentist Peter Lindholm. He is great. This last couple of times, however, I have been to the Hygienist, Stefanie, who has been brilliant. Her treatment is careful, precise and (not unimportantly) painless. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

27th May 2025

Going to the dentist is often an anxiety inducing experience, but this surgery and the staff make you feel at ease. The treatment is very skilful and even a recent tooth extraction was nowhere near as bad an experience as I expected.

25th May 2025

I was hot and flustered when I arrived. They sat me down and gave a drink do water for which I was extremely grateful.

25th May 2025

Friendly personnel, good explanation of procedures etc. Local

24th May 2025

I was treated by Steph in the most courteous and professional manner. Explained the procedure in an easy understandable manner. And seen almost to the second of appointment time scheduled.

23rd May 2025

Good treatment, pretty much on time

R

Rachel

Jill Hendey was great, my teeth feel amazing. Jill made me feel very relaxed and gave me very good advice Will definitely continue to visit..

23rd May 2025

Professional, friendly and thorough service.

22nd May 2025

Dr Lindholm takes his time to explain any issues in a way that is understandable. He is never in a rush and always listens. Always provides high level of care.

22nd May 2025

Always very friendly, professional and helpful. Very reassuring and willing to discuss treatment and possibilities for future care of teeth.

17th May 2025

Dr Sadaf is aware of my nervousness and straight away puts me at ease. She is highly professional , kind and very gentle. Her nurse is lovely too. It’s always a good experience despite my nerves!

DM

Dmytro Maliuk

I was recommended this dental practice by a friend — and I’m truly grateful for it! From the moment I arrived, the receptionist was polite and professional. They created my personal file very quickly and conveniently via a tablet — all digital, easy and comfortable. Soon after, I was called in for my appointment with Dr. T. Darragh Buckley. What a professional! The service was flawless, and I was really impressed with the quality of care. Everything was done to the highest standard. Most importantly, I felt treated like a human being — with kindness and respect, not just like “another patient.” Highly recommend Prospect Street Dental Practice to anyone looking for expert dental care in Reading!

14th May 2025

Have been using Prospect Street Practice for many years and have always had fabulous service. Treatment options are always explained well and I feel comfortable and included when deciding what needs to be done.

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