If your endodontist has informed you that you’re going to need a root canal, it’s natural to feel a little hesitant—after all, you’ve probably heard quite a lot about this dental treatment through the grapevine or on television. However, putting this off can lead to bigger problems, for both your oral health as well as your bank account. While delaying a root canal may seem like a smart way to buy more time to help pay for the procedure, doing so might end up costing you more money down the road, not to mention, more pain in the present! Here’s why you should never put off receiving a root canal, especially if you’re hoping to take full advantage of your dental insurance plan.
Root Canals Protect Your Dental Health
A root canal is often needed to treat an infection or damage deep within a tooth. If left untreated, that infection can spread, causing severe pain, swelling, and even bone loss in the jaw. In some cases, you may end up needing an extraction instead, which can lead to even more costly, lengthy dental work down the line.
Root canal therapy is designed to save your natural tooth and restore its function—letting you chew, speak, and smile comfortably again. The sooner you act, the better your chances are of preserving your tooth and preventing future complications. Despite any rumors or myths you’ve heard about this treatment, they do not cause more pain, nor do they worsen the current problem; they ultimately give your tooth the best fighting chance to remain a part of your smile.
Root Canals Can Help You Make the Most of Your Dental Insurance
If you need a root canal, the potential price point of the treatment might be something that makes you hesitate—but you should be happy to hear that it’s common practice for dental insurance to cover at least a portion of the cost of a root canal. It’s because root canals have incredible oral health benefits; primarily, they let you keep your natural tooth, which is always cheaper compared to extracting and replacing it. Normally, major procedures like root canals see partial coverage between 50% to 80%, but it will always depend on the plan’s specifics.
Of course, it’s also important to simply negate the need for a root canal in the first place—and routine preventive dental care is the secret to this. Biannual dental checkups and cleanings are normally covered by dental insurance, meaning that you’re literally throwing your money away if you have coverage and don’t attend these visits! It’s estimated that the average patient loses $300 or so each year in unused dental benefits.
Remember, your dental benefits reset at the beginning of each year—however, for those 12 months throughout the year, it’s in your best interest to make the most of your plan. If this means getting a root canal, don’t wait around for a better time; sooner will always be preferable!
About the Practice
Our team here at Worcester Endodontics has served the needs of families in the area for several years under the talented leadership of Dr. Karyn Stern, Dr. Niusha Nikkholgh, and Dr. Marta Rafla. We offer a wide range of services, including root canal therapy for patients of all ages. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 755-3636.