i haven't been to the dentist in 14 years. surprisingly, my teeth are in pretty good condition. i have some wisdom teeth i need pulled and some cavities though..

anyways, i scheduled an appointment for next week after getting some cost quotes. i still am not sure what dental work i will get done (especially since this place requires payment in full). teeth cleaning there costs $50.. wondering if it's even worth it? do they do anything that a thorough brushing/floss wouldn't accomplish?

also wondering about whitening. would i be better off buying crest white strips or colgate whitening instead of paying 100s for whitening at a dentists?

Yes, it is worth it. They can see things you can't and you cant get everything with a toothbrush and floss that they can with their instruments. I am a faithful brusher and flosser and they still have to scrape plaque off my teeth.

Also, I don't think that you mentioned this, but xrays are worth it because sometimes things show up on xrays before they become really painful.

Many dentists if they know that you only want to do part at a time they will schedule it so you only have as much done as you can afford.

Do your wisdom teeth need pulled or are they impacted? If they are impacted you will probably be sent to an oral surgeon.

what's impacted?

Impacted means the tooth can't break the surface of the gum. Either it's partially meaning it's being blocked by another tooth or completely, usually when it's facing sideways. Usually, surgery through the gum is needed to get that tooth out, especially if it's completely impacted. Otherwise, if they have erupted fully they usually can pull them like normal teeth.

Usually if you need them out, it's a lot better to get them out as early in your life as possible, but they can be taken out later as well. Sometimes it might be more complicated to do so.

Teeth cleaning is very important. Like people here have said, they use equipment and techniques that really are good at giving a deep cleaning. Even better if they can scrape out tarter trapped beneath the gumline. That's not a lot of fun but important for gum health especially as you get older. Cleanings are usually every six months, more often if you have gum disease or problems. x-rays at least once a year routinely. Sometimes every six months if you have a tooth under observation by the dentist which they often do w/ cavities too small to fill or a history of tooth problems. Xrays can catch problems external examination can't, or confirm a dentist's suspicions.

Most dentist will work with you on payment plans often even those who say they won't, if they truly know that you are committed to your dental health and will do your best to make regular payments.

But one thing you might consider is checking with the dentist on a regular basis. It can really help you catch problems early so they don't become major later on. Also, it can help you prevent gum disease which can lead to other major health problems in your body.

You're lucky. I miss a dentist for two years and I have a root canal waiting, lol! You probably have fairly good tooth genes and obviously good oral hygiene habits as well.

Good luck.

Where are you located?? I'm in Michigan and it costs $96.00 for a child to get there teeth just clean-more than that for an adult. $50.00 doesn't sound to bad, also I had my teeth professional done, it was $300?? and yes it worked but before I was completely done - I became pregnant and had to quit. so there again $100.00 not to bad.