The dangers of skipping dental appointments

Posted on March 03

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 Lynn Road 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 Kings Lynn 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 Kings Lynn

If you are looking for a dentist in Kings Lynn, 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 Lynn Road Dental Practice we have carefully built our dental practice in Kings Lynn 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.

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Lynn Road 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…

Patient reviews

22 Reviews

5.0

Rapik Mangaser 4

Lovely dental hygenist. She was amazing, friendly and professional

Alison Kellett-Langford

An excellent dental practice I am a very nervous patient and Dr Khem Joshi and his nurses make me feel so comfortable and are very patient and helpful. I couldn't be happier as I have had to have quite a bit of dental work done and I have a major fear of dentists. All staff are always friendly too.

Colin Taylor

Really good dentist for many years with successful treatments Rate Nadia as the best dentist I have seen and puts you at ease and updates you throughout the procedures Top class dentist

Amy Cullen

I have been going since I was just a baby (I’m 21 now) I’ve seen all the changes happen to this place. I used to see a dentist called mark who I believe retired and I am now with Brias, and when I had to change dentist he made me feel very at ease. He is a great dentist and highly recommend him he is very good at making you feel comfortable. He also always seems to work this the same nurse (Tracy I believe her name is) she is super kind and knows just what to say to keep you calm highly recommend

Julie Carter

Khem at lynn road dentists is the best dentist I’ve had in a very long time. Finding a good dentist is like finding a good dr. Can’t recommend enough

skye margret

I only signed up here on the 13th May, and I’ve already managed to have an examination, 2 fillings done and been booked in with the hygienist. My dentist Jolanta is so so lovely, as somebody that suffers with anxiety I really struggle to maintain calm during appointments, but she always manages to make me feel at ease, she keeps me well informed on the procedure and makes sure I’m comfortable, I can’t thank her enough, she’s amazing! It is a little bit expensive but you can’t put a price on good dental health, it’s so so important.

Amber Richardson

Very friendly and professional staff. Always happy with the service they provide.

Vera Luse

I had to see a dentist as over lockdown some of my teeth fell apart. Dr. Patel is new, but he is just the best. I felt nothing, while had 5 teeth removed. Every appointment was well planned and no time waisted/ 100% satisfied.

Natalie Squibb

Ive just become a new patient for this dentist, so far its been great, the lady on reception is fantastic. I was waiting for my appointment and listening to the conversations she was having with customers and she was brilliant, helpfull and understanding Im having a lot of work at this moment and my dentist mr patel is informative and brilliant. Cant recommend this surgery enough.

Tracey Read

So glad I gave this practice a try. I haven’t seen a dentist for a few years but this was totally different to my last NHS dental practice. They had time to explain what needed doing, without judgement, and it was honestly the best dental experience I’ve ever had.

Joanne Anderson

After losing our dentist in town, and hunting for a new one, I was recommended to phone Lynn Road. I spoke with the reception over the phone and was made to feel very welcome, and my son too. All schemes advised up front. I had a courtesy call a few days before, again informing the procedure for not arriving too early etc. We arrived on time, not early or late. We did have to wait outside, which I understand, but found a little difficult to complete all forms with the wind, but it is what it is in this pandemic. The lady on the door was apologetic about waiting, and very friendly. Once inside the friendly nurse took us through and we met Jay. He was a very friendly, patient, kind man, and took great lengths to make sure my son was ok every step of the way. They listened and chatted and made is both welcome and it was our time. Thank you to all the team we met. I'm very pleased we have joined your practice.

Jim wilding

My children and I are new patients. Excellent first impression of the practice and team. Jay is very professional and put the kids at ease, backed up by friendly, helpful colleagues.

Jason Harris

This dental practice is great. Dentist Khem has got me over my fear of dentists and his assistant are all very nice. The reception ladies are friendly and always helpful. Highly recommended many thanks everyone x The Pulsfordharris-Harris Family

C F

although unable to take on any new nhs patients the private payment plans are very affordable and the reception staff were great at explaining all the details to me ! i haven’t been to the dentist in 5 years and suffer badly from anxiety but the care and treatment i’ve received so far has been without fault. my hygienist was very skilled, supportive and informative - i’m over the moon with the results of my treatment. it’s safe to say i feel a lot less anxious for my further dental treatments ! very quick at arranging appointments without a long wait and you don’t have to wait for long in the waiting room either 10/10 :)

Raquel Domingo Muñoz

Was a great experience, i went to take off a tooth and Nadia the dentist and her helper was amazing and very kindly, in a few minutes she had all done.thank u very much.

Joan Starling

I have just started with Lynn road dental surgery I have never felt so relaxed about having my teeth done the staff make you so welcoming and my dentist and nurse is excellent thank you so much Joan starling xx

Stephen Jackson

Absolutely Fantastic Dentist!! I made a big mistake by not going to the Dentists for over 25 years so after trying 2 other dentists who I didnt rate I came here..They have basically saved my teeth and with a kind and friendly attitude to your needs Lynn Road Dental Practice is highly recommended by myself!! I am Private with them but they have very affordable schemes and finance. I tried to ignore my teeth and just brushed them twice a day but after Time they let you know they need attention and fallout with you..Literally

Wendy Wright

Highly recommend this practice. Super friendly helpful staff and excellent caring dentists. Special thanks to mark for his care over the years and the brilliant chris who saved my front tooth and my smile!!!!

Kirsty Secker

I hadn’t been to a dentist for a long time&came as an emergancy patient. They managed to see me on the same day and were really nice&helpful!! My dentist is great, iv now had the 2 troublesome teeth out&it was painless! As much as im not keen on paying private prices, im glad i got the dentist i did! Thank you!!

Barry Chater

Very good practice

Robert Myhill

Good dental clinic , friendly helpful staff and good dentist.

Ian Pritchard

The best dentist I have ever used!