Root canal treatment can be quite pricey, and the exact amount you pay will also depend on the dentist, the position of the tooth, and the difficulty of the procedure. If your dentist tells you that you need root canal therapy, you might be surprised by the bill and wonder: Does insurance cover a root canal? In this article, we will answer this question and discuss possible hidden undercurrents associated with dental insurance.
Does Insurance Cover a Root Canal?
On average, dental insurance may cover 40% to 80% of the cost of a root canal treatment. This coverage is called co-insurance and typically applies after you meet your deductible. However, coverage eligibility and the amount covered by the insurance might vary depending on the company’s policy and the specifics of the situation.
In some cases, you must meet a deductible before the insurance company covers the cost of your treatment. In worst cases, if a deductible is equal to or more than the cost of the treatment, the procedure will not be covered by the insurance.
Some dental insurances do not cover root canal therapy at all and only cover preventative treatments such as cleanings. That is why you must read your insurance policy documents carefully and make sure the root canal treatment is covered. In addition, discuss your insurance policy with your dentist’s office manager to avoid unexpected costs.
What Is a Waiting Period?
A waiting period means that you might have to wait up to 12 months while paying premiums before you can use your insurance for some dental procedures. This is especially common in cases of more expensive procedures like root canal treatments. If you enroll in insurance just so it can cover your root canal treatment, you might pay more because you will pay for 12 months of the premiums, the deductible, and also the co-insurance. So, sometimes, it is cheaper to pay for your root canal treatment out of pocket.
We recommend carefully checking all the advantages and disadvantages of the dental insurance plan before making a decision. In addition, if you need root canal therapy, it means that your tooth is not in good condition, and the sooner you get treatment, the more chances you have of saving it. Thus, it is not a good idea to wait for 12 months for the insurance coverage to begin.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
On average, the cost of root canal treatment for one tooth without insurance is $900 to $1500. However, if one of your front teeth needs root canal therapy, the price might be lower, from $700 to $1100. If your insurance covers root canal treatment, the price might range from $300 to $1500, depending on the insurance policy and the severity of the case.
Keep in mind that often, you will need to get a dental crown in addition to root canal treatment. The cost of the crown might be between $1500$ and $2000$. The cost of emergency root canal treatment is approximately similar to the routine root canal prices listed above.
Risks of Postponing Root Canal Treatment
Even though root canal treatment is a pricy procedure, it is crucial for your dental and overall health. If the infection in the tooth goes untreated, it can spread to the surrounding teeth, the gums, and eventually to the jaw. This can lead to abscesses in the mouth, tooth loss, severe damage to the jaw, and even stroke, heart attack, and sepsis.
If you wait too long to get root canal treatment, it might be impossible to save the tooth, and the next step will be tooth extraction. Please keep in mind that tooth loss can lead to jaw bone density loss. Thus, dentists recommend that you replace the missing tooth with a dental implant within the first six months. Getting dental implants is also a costly procedure, so it is probably a good idea to try saving the existing tooth with a root canal treatment while it is possible.
Make an Appointment Today
If you need root canal treatment, do not postpone making an appointment with a general dentist at Jesmine Boghawala DDS Clinic. You should undergo root canal therapy as soon as possible to save the tooth and prevent the infection from damaging other teeth and tissues in your mouth. Our specialists look forward to welcoming you to our office.
