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 Guildford Dental Centre 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 Guildford  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 Guildford 

If you are looking for a dentist in Guildford, 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 Guildford Dental Centre we have carefully built our dental practice in Guildford 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.


Membership Options

Fees

Together we plan a course designed to make the most of your oral health for as long as possible.

Our hygienist team provide a range of services from a simple scale and polish, to routine maintenance or more complex gum treatments.

With refined care and expertise we’ve been helping patients manage their fear of the dentist for many years - we can do it for you too.

You’ll receive a full dental health assessment at your first appointment, so we can offer you the best possible service and expertise.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Guildford Dental Centre. 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…

Patient reviews

513 Reviews

5.0

4th December 2024

Suitable appointment,date and time.On time start to appointment.Dentist very approachable.Nurse and receptionist competent.

27th November 2024

Does what it says on the tin!

21st November 2024

The dentist I saw was very understanding and not at all condescending about my fears. She took steps to be professional, objective and fully explain the procedure, potential problems and preferred outcome. Her approach and thoughtfulness has made me much less anxious about future visits for which I am very grateful.

19th November 2024

Caring ,helpful and competent staff from the receptionist to the hygienist!Highly recommended!

19th November 2024

I have been with the practice for over 33 years and have always valued their expert and professional service over those years.

14th November 2024

Great experience in every way.Booking online was so easy, and I got an appointment at a time that suited me very quickly. Mr Whittle was excellent as always, and the reception team made the whole experience extremely straightforward too. Thanks!

12th November 2024

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11th November 2024

I have been Guildford dental care for more than 20 years. The service and care have been excellent

5th November 2024

Superb service, explained in full detail,easy to book .

31st October 2024

The excellent skills of Dr Tan and his knowledge dealing with complicated dental issues fills me with confidence, his staff and team are wonderful. All in all faultless.

RW

Ryan Wai

I highly recommend this clinic! Have done wisdom tooth extraction and root canal treatment recently. Dr Tan, Alexandra and receptionists were very professional, helpful and kind! Thank you!!

25th October 2024

competence, courtesy, helpful staff

25th October 2024

i originally selected the practice due to a high level of anxiety about dental care and Dr Chavvi has been so very kind and patient. She explains everything in detail and always checks in during the procedure to make sure I'm doing ok. I feel very safe and looked after by her, and fully trust her. She has renewed my confidence completely!

24th October 2024

I have always been very well looked after by the team. Prof Haers recommended I switch to this practice years ago and Terry McNulty looked after me for some years before retirement. Derek Whittle took over and I have been just as well looked after by him. 100% happy patient.

24th October 2024

I am always very happy with all aspects of me dental treatment. All the staff are friendly and helpful

21st October 2024

Very polite, friendly staff and convenience of location for me

18th October 2024

Good treatment

13th October 2024

I trust, respect and like the dentist Derek Whittle.

CS

Craig Scott

Always a very professional experience by a very friendly team.

20th September 2024

The dentist is excellent,efficient and very pleasant. The receptionists are also very pleasant.

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