Dr Amanda Wong of SMILEFOCUS explains why procrastinating about a visit to the dentist could result in you spending more – in health, time and money.

When you feel everything is going well with your teeth, it’s very common to want to postpone regular dental visits. Even after experiencing a broken tooth or filling, some people don’t visit a dentist until they begin to feel pain.
     But pain doesn’t indicate it’s time to visit the dentist, it means the problem has reached an advanced stage and your visit is overdue. If you start experiencing marked cold sensitivity, pain on biting, or even an ache which starts on its own, it may mean a tooth’s nerve could be involved. It’s common for a cavity to be as deep as the nerve of the tooth or below the gum line, without you experiencing any discomfort. Unfortunately, such situations often can’t be fixed with a simple tooth filling. They require more advanced treatments, such as gum surgery or root canal treatment – the removal of the affected nerve.
     Gum problems such as gingivitis and periodontal disease are typically also almost painless. You can lose the support from your gums and bones without ever experiencing pain, resulting in tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss amongst people over 30 years of age.
     Regular dental visits, which include annual x-rays, are often all that’s needed to prevent teeth and gum problems, or to catch problems in their earliest stages. So if you’ve recently noticed an increase in sensitivity, achiness, or a broken tooth or filling, seek a professional evaluation immediately. Timeliness may reduce the scope of the treatment needed to restore your smile. And if it’s been more than six to 12 months since your last dental checkup and routine cleaning, it’s also time for a visit. 
     And there’s no need to be nervous. Advances in modern dentistry have ensured checkups, professional cleaning and treatments are virtually pain-free. Regular visits prevent inconvenient and painful emergencies and are the only way to ensure your teeth look and feel great and remain in good condition for a long time to come. There are also a variety of pain-free, minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures now available, to ensure you are ever-ready to flash a great looking smile.

Dr Amanda Wong B.D.S. (Adelaide)
Dr Amanda Wong practises general dentistry and while she enjoys treating the whole family, she has a special gift for working with children. Amanda is also known for her Aussie-style good sense of humour and her patience.