Affordable Dental Care in Concord, NH

Surprisingly, your oral health and your overall well-being go hand in hand. Research has consistently linked poor oral health to systemic health problems like diabetes, heart disease, lung conditions, stroke, pre-term and low birth weight infants, among other conditions. Not to mention, its detrimental effect on the oral cavity, ranging from oral diseases like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.

Poor oral health can also impact eating, speaking, and your confidence and how you view yourself. Proper oral hygiene practices and regular visits to your dental care professional are necessary to maintaining a healthy smile and body.

Concord's oral health and depressive symptoms

According to a study conducted on older Australian men from the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project, researchers found a potential link between oral health and symptoms of depression. Although the study does not guarantee a cause-effect relationship, the researchers do suggest that untreated tooth decay and the resulting limited chewing capacity may increase the risk of experiencing depressive symptoms.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Dental Care in Concord, NH

Cost of dental care in Concord

Dental care can be expensive, and the prices of treatments can vary from office to office. The costs of treatment are commonly influenced by the type of treatment, the dentist's experience and qualifications, and the location of the practice.

Equipment and technology costs

The costs of everything have seemed to skyrocket, and this goes for dental materials and technology, too. Quality dental equipment and materials can make the costs of treatment relatively pricey, but due to their high quality it will end up costing you less in the long run. High quality equipment and technology are necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Staff and overhead costs

Depending on the experience and specialty degree of the dental professional you visit, the costs of dental treatment can vary. Overhead costs, including rent, payroll, and other expenses to run the dental practice can also impact the cost of dental care in Concord, NH.

Options for Affordable Dental Care

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance can help cover costs of various dental treatments, which can help make dental care more affordable. Most dental insurances cover routine exams and cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Other procedures like root canal therapy, and crowns or bridges are also commonly covered.

How to choose the best dental insurance plan

​​Some individuals may be offered dental insurance through their place of employment. If that is not an option, one of the first steps to choosing the best dental insurance plan is to evaluate the dental needs of you and your family. Then, take a look at the different types of dental insurances available in your area, such as dental Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO), Discount Plans, and Managed Fee-for-Service Plans. Lastly, consider the out-of-pocket costs for the different insurance plans and pick the one that best fits your budget.

Discount Dental Plans

Pros and cons

Some dental offices discount dental plans, which often work by offering dental services at lower rates. However, these discounts may not apply to all dental services, and often can only be used within the specific practice.

Community Health Centers

Community health centers often offer free or discounted dental services. They typically accept most dental insurances and key services including exams, cleanings, X-rays, emergency treatments, tooth extractions, root canals, fillings, crowns, and much more.

Dental Schools

Pros and cons

In general, dental schools provide less expensive dental services. Some services may even be offered for free. You will receive thorough dental care and attention as licensed dentists supervise and educate students.

Due to the teaching environment, procedures often require more time to complete. You may also see multiple student providers throughout your dental care as the students eventually go on to graduate and new students are enrolled.

Tips for Reducing Dental Care Costs

Preventive Care

Preventive care is the most affordable way to reduce dental care costs -it’s free! Putting in the hard work at home to keep your smile healthy is key to avoiding extra expensive dental procedures. Brushing two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can help reduce harmful oral bacteria from causing damage to your teeth and gums.

It is also important to have a healthy diet and consume fluoridated tap water to help protect against tooth decay and other oral diseases. In addition, seeing your dentist for regular dental check-ups and cleanings is a must for maintaining a healthy smile.

Good Oral Hygiene

​​Practicing good oral hygiene can not only keep you healthy, but also save you money. Taking care of your teeth at home and visiting your dentist regularly will help you significantly reduce future oral health problems that require costly dental treatments. Avoiding negative oral habits like smoking can also help you improve your oral health and save you money.

Shop Around for Dental Care

The cost of dental treatment can vary from different practice locations. Look at the different offices in your area to get price estimates before deciding on the best and most affordable location for you and your family.

Conclusion

Access and affordability to dental care is a major issue that our society faces. However, great advances have been made throughout the country to address these issues. For instance, several affordable dental health clinics and oral care programs have opened in New Hampshire. Don’t let cost keep you away from visiting the dentist. Follow the tips we have provided in this article to help you find affordable dental care in Concord, NH.