Patients might experience severe pain in their teeth, bleeding gums, bad breath or teeth that have shifted significantly. When this happens, the patient may need to take a trip to the dentist. The most ideal situation is when the patient visits a dentist in West Island regularly and the dentist is able to locate the problem early on. However, there are some circumstances when a patient cannot afford to visit the dentist and instead postpones the visit to the dentist until the problem gets out of control.

Dentists Can be Very Expensive

The West Island dentist can become very expensive if patients do not have insurance or if they need dental work done that is not covered by their insurance company. Fortunately, there are some ways that patients can save money on their dental work.

Caring for One's Teeth is Crucial

The most important approach is to engage in as much prevention as possible by taking good care of one's teeth. Brushing one's teeth, flossing and using mouth wash periodically can prevent the mouth from developing serious long-term health problems.

Patients Should Visit a West Island Dentist Periodically

Another way to prevent dental problems is to visit the dentist in West Island as often as possible. Dentists can identify dental problems before they worsen and require procedures that are much more expensive.

Early Treatments are More Affordable

The types of procedures that are very affordable include x-rays, cleanings and fluoride treatment. When the teeth are about to develop cavities, dentists can identify shadows. Fluoride treatment can help remineralize the teeth and prevent cavities from developing.

Honesty is Key

Patients should try to be as honest with their dentist as possible. They should let the dentist know when they cannot afford to pay for a treatment. If a dental procedure is too expensive, the dentist may be able to provide a temporary fix until the patient is able to receive a greater amount of dental care. If it is not possible to postpone the dental work, the patient may be able to instead offer a payment plan.

Negotiate with the Dentist

In some instances, a dentist is willing to negotiate with a patient. Even if the dentist says that the patient needs $20,000 in work done, the patient may be able to have the work done at a 75% discount. The treatments are also often sequenced so the patient can have them broken up into more affordable treatments. The dentist provides the most critical treatments first and will then spread out the remaining treatments over time.

Receive Treatment From a Student

Another option is to see a dentist who is a student or to go to a dental school. Dentists in training will provide discounted care while under supervision of the facility. Therefore, the patient will not have to worry about the dentist ruining the teeth since there are other professionals standing by to help. Some dentist schools will charge as little as one third of what is normally charged for a procedure.

Travel Abroad for Dental Work

Some patients are traveling abroad to find dental procedures that are at a lower cost. The smaller cost of dental procedures abroad come from the lower rent and the more affordable labor. However, the patient should do more of a due diligence when working with a dentist overseas by asking for recommendations and reading reviews of the dentist.

Seek Out Nonprofit Organizations

There are nonprofit organizations that are devoted to helping those who do not have the funds necessary for dental work. They include a variety of free and heavily discounted services that are provided by dentists who donate their time and equipment.