The Painful Truth: Ignoring Dental Care Gets Expensive, Fast

You brush. You floss. Maybe you haven’t felt pain in years. So, is it really necessary to go to the dentist?

Here’s the deal: yes, it’s absolutely necessary.
Why? Because pain is the last sign that something’s wrong. Most dental problems — cavities, gum disease, infection, build silently until they become expensive emergencies.

The problem? Dental care is not cheap. Many people delay visits simply because they’re overwhelmed by the cost or have no insurance.

And that’s exactly where this guide becomes your game-changing shortcut to smarter dental savings.

---

The Real Reason You’re Avoiding the Dentist (and It’s Not Just Fear)

Let’s be honest, for most people, it’s not the drill that’s scary. It’s the bill.

Even a routine cleaning can run $100–$300.
A crown? Up to $2,500.
Root canal and crown? Easily over $3,000, even with insurance.

Worse, dental insurance doesn’t always “ensure” much at all. Low annual caps, limited coverage, exclusions… it’s a maze.

---

✅ The Solution: Dental Membership Plans (Even if You Do Have Insurance)

That’s why more people are turning to in-office dental membership plans, and platforms like The Patient Marketplace that help you find them fast.

These are not insurance. They’re better for most people who:

• Don’t have employer dental coverage

• Have high out-of-pocket dental costs even with insurance

• Want simple, transparent pricing for cleanings, exams, X-rays, and discounts on procedures

You pay a low monthly or annual fee (think: $25/month), and in return, you get:

• 2 free cleanings/year

• Annual exams + X-rays included

• 20–60% off treatments like fillings, crowns, extractions, and more

• No waiting periods or insurance runarounds

It’s like Costco, but for your mouth.

---

Real Talk: Most Dental Problems Start Small; and Cheap

Let’s break it down with a real story from a Patient Marketplace user:

---

Case Study: How Jessica Saved $2,100 on a Root Canal

Jessica, a freelance designer without dental insurance, noticed some tooth sensitivity. She found a local dentist through The Patient Marketplace and signed up for a membership plan for $240/year.

✅ Initial diagnosis: Deep cavity
✅ Her membership covered the consult, X-rays, and gave her 40% off a root canal and crown

Instead of paying $3,500, she paid just $1,400 total.
“It literally saved my smile and my savings,” she said.

That’s the power of early detection and a membership plan.

---

⏳ Why You Can’t Afford to Wait

Waiting until you’re in pain costs more, in money, time, and your health. Here’s what skipping your dentist really risks:

Skipping now = paying double or triple later.
And guess what? Insurance still won’t cover it all.

---

What If You Do Have Insurance?

Great! But here’s a wake-up call:

• Most plans cap out at $1,000–$1,500/year

• Major work often exceeds coverage limits

• You still pay 30–50% out of pocket

Pairing insurance with a dental membership gives you massive leverage on costs not covered by your plan.

---

Find the Right Dentist. Skip the Guesswork.

Instead of calling around or gambling on random Google reviews, head to:

The Patient Marketplace
It’s a free platform that connects you with dentists offering transparent, membership-based pricing.

You can filter by location, specialties, and exactly what you need, without the usual hassle.

---

⚡ Your Action Plan (Don’t Skip This)

If you’ve been asking, “Is it really necessary to go to the dentist?”, the better question is:

How much could it cost me if I don’t?

Here’s what to do today:

1. Assess your current dental situation

2. Visit The Patient Marketplace and explore dentists near you

3. Compare in-office membership plans, even if you already have insurance

4. Book a visit before small issues turn into big bills

You’re not just protecting your teeth, you’re saving your wallet, your health, and your peace of mind.