If you miss one of your regularly scheduled dental visits, it isn’t the end of the world. The date may have simply slipped your mind. These things happen, but if you continue to put off an appointment, there are some serious dental issues that could arise. Today, Dr. Scott’s pediatric dentistry team will discuss what might happen if you don’t regularly schedule dental appointments for your child.
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What Happens If I Put Off Appointments?
One of the biggest risks of missed dental appointments is that small dental issues can quickly become complex and expensive problems. Your regular appointments are crucial to diagnosing and treating any problems before they become serious.
Another risk of missed dental appointments is tartar buildup. Dental plaque can be removed at home when you and your child brush your teeth. However, plaque that is allowed to accumulate will harden and turn into tartar. Unfortunately, tartar cannot be removed at home. It must be removed with special tools at your dentist’s office.
Tartar is more than just annoying. It can lead to gum disease and impact the way your child’s teeth come in. A few missed appointments can result in major orthodontic bills and complicated procedures down the line.
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I Missed an Appointment. What Do I Do Now?
Like we said before, missing an appointment is not the end of the world — as long as you don’t continue to delay. First, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Be upfront with your dentist that your child missed an appointment. This will help your dentist or hygienist as they search for potential dental issues that may have arisen. Afterward, your hygienist will likely clean the tartar from your child’s teeth with a small dental pick. Then schedule your next appointment and stick with it. Regular visits are essential to your child’s oral health.
Schedule Your Child’s Next Appointment with Dr. Scott
If it’s time for your child’s next dental appointment, contact the team at Parkcrest Dental Group today. We are dedicated to ensuring your child develops healthy oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
