05/22/2025
Take Care of Yourself—Your Smile Matters More Than You Think
I feel compelled to write you all about something always on my heart. These poor patients who cry and gasp at the state of their mouths when they see the xrays and pics I share with them. "Last checkup?" I ask. "2011....2020...I cannot remember" are common.
Let’s be honest—many of us avoid the dentist. We feel guilty, embarrassed, or even scared. It’s easy to push those feelings aside, especially when life gets busy or money is tight. But deep down, you know something isn’t right. And here’s the truth: facing it now will give you relief and possibly save your health, your smile—and a lot of money.
Think back to when you were raising your kids. You made sure they got their checkups, didn’t you? You caught problems early to avoid pain and high bills. Why not give yourself that same care and compassion?
You might think, “I can’t afford it,” or “I’ll wait until it hurts.” But consider this:
We spend money regularly on things like:
Oil changes
Monthly pest inspections
Haircuts every 6–8 weeks
Manicures, pedicures, and other self-care
Yet a dental checkup—typically $300–$500 for the initial visit—includes X-rays, a cleaning, and a full exam. Six months later, just a cleaning. One year later, another cleaning and a few small X-rays. That’s it. Preventive care costs less than many of the routine things we already budget for.
But what happens if you wait too long?
Yesterday, I met a woman around my age. She came in with “just a little pain.” She left in tears, having learned she had over 10 cavities, gum disease, and a draining abscess. Her teeth were so bad a filling would not "hold" in her rotten teeth. She needed dentures. At just 55 years old.
The heartbreaking part? This was preventable. That pain didn’t show up overnight. Cavities silently grow for years. Like termites in wood, they eat away at your teeth until suddenly—it’s too late.
Now she’s facing over $30,000 in treatment. The emotional and financial burden is overwhelming.
Please don’t wait. Care for yourself the way you’d care for someone you love.
Here’s what dental care really costs (on average):
Filling: ~$300
Extraction: ~$500+
Root canal: ~$1,000
Crown (cap): ~$1,500-$2200
Compare that to the cost of ignoring it—and losing your natural smile.
Resources exist to help.
There are medical credit cards that offer 0% interest for dental, medical, veterinary, and even orthodontic care. I used one myself—after divorce, with a credit score of just 540. It helped me care for my kids and myself. It also built my credit score.
If you're looking for dental care, I'm here for you—I work in Crestview and would be happy to help. I can get you new pt. special (not sure when the promo ends) for the cleaning and xrays and exam at my office for $150. But if that’s not an option for you, please find a trustworthy family dentist in your area.
A word of caution:
I strongly advise against choosing clinics that advertise "free cleaning and X-rays!" While that may sound appealing, many of these places engage in unethical practices, and you may not receive the quality of care you deserve.
A better alternative? Your local health department.
Many health departments offer dental services on a sliding fee scale based on your income, making them a safe, affordable choice. They follow up-to-date procedures and strict OSHA sterilization protocols, just like private practices.
The health department in Crestview, for example, is a solid option. While you may not receive the same cosmetic-focused care as you would in a private office, they are excellent for routine checkups and preventive care.
A few things to keep in mind:
They often staff younger dentists or recent graduates, so providers may rotate frequently, they are slower, and not a master at their craft yet. Because of funding and staffing limits, it might take longer to schedule fillings or restorative work. But—you could save 50–75% or more on costs, making it a much better choice than skipping dental care entirely.
Bottom line:
Getting regular dental checkups is far better than avoiding care due to cost or fear. Whether it's with me, a trusted private dentist, or your local health department—just go. Your health is worth it.
Let me know if you’d like help finding a clinic near you or tips on how to prepare for a first visit.
