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The dangers of skipping dental appointments

The dangers of skipping dental appointments


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 St Anne's 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 Lewes  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 Lewes 

If you are looking for a dentist in Lewes, 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 St Anne's Dental Practice we have carefully built our dental practice in Lewes 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.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to St Anne's 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

716 Reviews

5.0

2nd July 2025

Great welcome from reception, very thorough session at the hygienist,was good to feel relax. Good check up .

2nd July 2025

I've always been nervous and all the staff our lovely and my dentist is brilliant .l've been with this practice for along time and would not go anywhere else we'll done all of you .

1st July 2025

Professionalism and friendliness of ALLthe staff.

27th June 2025

Last minute appointment, but everyone was lovely. Adam explained everything clearly and offered to write me a treatment programme.

25th June 2025

St Anne's has always been a very friendly and comfortable practice, moving with the times but maintaining and improving standards over time.I would readily recommend them to anyone, especially those who, like me, have been largely inattentive to dental care and hygiene from an early age.

25th June 2025

Friendly professional staffRelaxed atmosphere

25th June 2025

Options clearly explained and selected jointly based on best likely outcome.

17th June 2025

Rekah, hygienist, was very professional, explained everything about the procedure. She was very gentle & took time to offer advice when using electric toothbrush. The treatment was excellent & I looked forward to seeing her on my next appointment.

16th June 2025

I was afraid of the dentist from bad childhood experiences until I attended st annes.. I now look forward to seeing my dentist as she always puts me at ease, is respectful and caring. I feel that I am in good hands.

16th June 2025

Excellent treatment.

15th June 2025

Waited only a few minutes to be seen. Dentist chatty and welcoming - remebers things about me. Doesn't do unnecessary treatment. Talks through options. Recptionist efficient and friendly

13th June 2025

The staff are very welcoming and efficient. I get the treatment scheduled and a clear explanation of everything that goes on

13th June 2025

The dentist took time to explain the treatment. I did not get the feeling there was any rush.

12th June 2025

Very professional, efficient and friendly. Highly skilled dentist.

12th June 2025

Friendly with sense of humour.

10th June 2025

Friendly, relaxed and caring

10th June 2025

Care of clinicians. Highly skilled and nice people with it. The process is also very smooth

6th June 2025

the staff are always very helpful and Adam very considerate and explains everything about the procedure and will answer your questions and explain any alternatives if there are any and what you should consider before you make your choice.His bedside manner is just what you what if you have any reservations about dentists.The practice is very lucky to have him.

5th June 2025

Friendly and highly efficient

5th June 2025

Honourable, helpful, competent, professional and kind staff throughout the practice from practice manager, dentist, hygienist, dental nurse to receptionist. The very best practice in Sussex. It is a pleasure to continue to recommend them to family & friends.

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