The best time to seek treatment from a dentist is Before you have pain with your tooth/teeth. I have sat and talked with patients that have been presented a treatment plan, and they chose not to pursue treatment. This causes more harm not only to their teeth, but to their pocketbook as well. People put off having dental treatment done for numerous reasons. Dental phobia, busy schedules and finances are some of the most common reasons.
The reason I would like to address right now is finances. When a patient delays treatment because of money, they are only making their problems worse. The longer decay is present in a tooth, the deeper the decay gets. The deeper the decay gets, the more expensive it is to repair the tooth. A tooth that needs a $150 filling, could end up needing a crown and root canal. The cost for a crown and root canal can be estimated between $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the exact costs your dentist charges. Personally, I would rather pay for a filling. You will not only save money, but the time required for the different procedures differs also.
Seeking treatment sooner rather than later is the key. I urge you to call your dentist and schedule an appointment to discuss treatment options today, and complete treatment before your oral health causes you pain not only in your mouth, but in your wallet also.