The next few weeks will fly by and before we know it a new year is upon us. Now is the perfect time to schedule your dental appointment with Tecumseh Ridge Dental in Norman, OK. Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning or have a more advanced treatment on your mind, getting on the calendar now brings smart health, financial, and scheduling benefits.
Why you should see a dentist before year-end
1. Don’t let your dental insurance benefits go to waste
Many dental insurance plans operate on a “use-it-or-lose-it” basis—your annual maximum, cleanings, exams and other covered services reset at the beginning of the year.
For example: if you’ve only had one cleaning this year but your plan covers two, scheduling that second one means you full value from your insurance. If you’ve already met your deductible, additional treatment may cost you less out-of-pocket.
At Tecumseh Ridge Dental, we emphasize preventive care as one of their core services Cleanings & Preventive Care – Routine cleanings and regular check-ups are your ticket to keeping your mouth healthy.
Booking your appointment means you’re using the benefits you’ve already paid for, not letting them expire unused.
2. Routine care avoids bigger problems later
A cleaning, exam, and routine check-up catch issues early—gum inflammation, small cavities, or trouble spots that might escalate. Dr. Wheatley DDS’s practice highlights preventive services as a foundation of patient-centered, anxiety-free care.
Your routine cleaning and dental exam at Tecumseh Ridge Dental help maintain oral health, identify early signs of trouble, and help protect your overall well-being.
By scheduling now, you prevent the “I’ll wait till next year” trap which often leads to more invasive and expensive treatments.
3. Time for healing over the holidays
If you already know you’ll need a more complex procedure like a crown, root canal, implants or periodontal care, booking toward year‐end gives you several advantages:
- You can have the initial work done while your benefits are still active this year.
- You’ll have holiday downtime (or fewer work demands) to rest and recover, especially if a procedure involves some healing or follow-up.
- Dr. Wheatley’s practice offers in-office advanced services (implants, root canals, cosmetic/restorative) so you don’t have to wait to get in with specialists.
- Planning now means you can start the process, and your team at Tecumseh Ridge Dental can help coordinate what’s best for you—without the rush when January hits and schedules fill up.
4. Avoid holiday emergencies
Have you had this sensitive tooth that hurts a little, but not really? Have you suspected one of your fillings is on its last leg? These things have a tendency to grow into fully blown toothaches at the most inconvenient time. So if you have any concerns that you have put off all year to deal with, do it now. Once the holidays are in full swing it is much harder to find an open dental office.
5. A calmer schedule for you and your dental team
As the calendar fills and holiday travel, work wrap-up, and social events increase, you’ll benefit from getting your dental visit locked in now. Booking early helps avoid the end-of-year crunch where appointment slots become limited.
We at Tecumseh Ridge Dental prides ourselves making your dental experience as easy, comfortable and stress-free as possible.
By scheduling ahead, you give yourself peace of mind: your smile is taken care of, your benefits are maximized, and you’ve set yourself up for a healthy start to 2026.
Tips for getting the most out of your end-of-year visit
- Review your dental insurance: Know what your plan covers (cleanings, exams, x-rays) and whether you’ve hit your deductible or annual maximum.
- Call early: Ask to schedule your cleaning, exam or treatment before December hits.
- Mention any outstanding treatment: If you’ve been told you need a crown, filling or deeper cleaning, this is a great time to ask how to coordinate it so you utilize this year’s benefits. We can help you divide treatment between years if needed. But please note that if you haven’t seen us in a while, we may have to revise previously proposed treatment plans as you dental health may have changed.
- Use flexibility: If you have time off around the holidays, you might schedule with more ease and comfort.
- Stay on top for next year: After your visit, talk with Dr. Wheatley’s team about your next check-up and any long-term plan to maintain your smile.
What to expect at Tecumseh Ridge Dental
A team experienced with dental anxiety and committed to making visits comfortable. If you delay scheduling until next year, you risk losing unused dental insurance benefits, missing out on preventive care, and dealing with a busier schedule when your calendar is full. At Tecumseh Ridge Dental, Dr. Andrew Wheatley and his team are ready to help you finish the year strong, protect your oral health, and start 2026 with a confident smile.
A welcoming, patient-first approach: Dr. Wheatley emphasizes transparency, integrity, and partnership in treatment planning.
Comprehensive care: From cleanings and exams to cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry—so even if your appointment reveals something more complex, you’re in good hands.
Convenient, local to Norman: West Norman location, accepting new patients, and focused on families in the community.
Call 405-857-6453 or schedule online today to lock in your appointment—and let us help you make the most of your remaining dental benefits this year. Because your smile deserves it.


