Understanding the Role of Preventative Dentistry in Avoiding Costly Treatments

Last Updated: April 30, 2025

dental cost

Do you avoid going to the dentist to save money on expensive treatments? With preventative dentistry, you can get the care you need and save thousands on dental work! Staying on top of regular check-ups, good brushing habits, and catching small issues before they become big problems can help prevent those massive bills that leave you stressed. A little attention now means much less pain for your mouth and wallet later.

At SmileWorks in Manhattan, we provide caring yet smart dental care that addresses and prevents long-term issues before they become a bigger problem. Our friendly dental team works with patients all over New York City to create personalized, effective care routines that keep teeth healthy and strong. We’ve seen firsthand how regular preventative care helps our patients avoid expensive, complex procedures, so you can trust us to prioritize your unique needs and maximize your insurance benefits.

How Does Prevention Save You Money?

In New York City, dental costs can run high. Still, the financial benefits of preventative dentistry can significantly lower these costs and help you maintain your oral health in the following ways:

Avoid Major Treatments

A small cavity caught early may only need a simple filling, costing around $150-$300, depending on your insurance coverage. But if you let that same cavity grow and leave it untreated, you may end up needing a root canal and crown combo with a price tag of a few thousand dollars. Therefore, a slight delay in dental care can make your treatment ten times more expensive.

Reduced Risk of Emergency

Preventative care also helps you avoid those dreaded dental emergencies. You may have heard stories about emergency dental visits, especially on weekends or holidays when prices shoot through the roof. Regular check-ups mean fewer surprise toothaches or broken teeth that make you scramble for emergency care.

Insurance Coverage

Most dental insurance plans love preventative care. They typically cover 80-100% of preventative services but only 50-80% of basic restorative work, and even less for major procedures. By taking advantage of those fully covered preventative visits, you’re maximizing your benefits and minimizing your out-of-pocket costs.

What Does Preventative Dentistry Include?

Preventative dentistry focuses on stopping oral health problems before they start. Just like a car needs regular upkeep and maintenance to run smoothly and avoid costly repairs, so do your teeth and gums. The following types of preventative care from our trusted dentists can help your smile stay strong and healthy: 

  • Cleanings: During a regular check-up, we take a close look at your teeth, gums, and mouth to spot any early warning signs of trouble. We’ll also perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which is hard to remove on your own.
  • Dental sealants: Like raincoats for your molars, dental sealants create a protective barrier over the deep grooves of your teeth where food and bacteria like to hide. 
  • Fluoride treatments: Fluoride treatments give your enamel an extra strength boost, making your teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugary foods.

Your daily oral hygiene routine also plays a significant role in preventing oral health issues. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash keeps bacteria in check and fights off decay. According to the American Dental Association, just brushing properly for two minutes twice a day can slash your cavity risk by up to 25%. Our caring and dedicated team can help you find an oral hygiene routine that keeps your teeth and gums healthy, preventing future problems and expensive treatments.

Schedule Your Preventative Care Appointment With SmileWorks Today

Taking care of your teeth now is one of the smartest moves you can make for your health and finances. At SmileWorks, our friendly team offers comprehensive preventative care for patients from all over NYC, including the Long Island City area, with our convenient location in Central Park. Our award-winning specialists and team work closely with you to provide the high-quality treatment you deserve in a warm, positive environment.

What makes us different? We’re a multi-specialty practice handling general dentistry, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry all under one roof, making us perfect for families looking for convenient, complete care. Our patient-focused approach takes the stress out of dental visits, making preventative care something you look forward to. Ready to start saving on future dental bills? Give us a call at (646) 722-1177 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation today!

DrShin
Dr. Jin Sup Shin
Dr. Shin is an orthodontist trained at New York University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science, Doctor of Dental Surgery, and completed her residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Graduating in the top 2% of her class, she was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). Dr. Shin is also an adjunct assistant clinical professor at NYU and has published research in scientific journals.