The holidays are in full swing, which means the new year is right around the corner. If you have oral health problems that need to be addressed, like getting a root canal in Cocoa Beach to take care of a severely damaged or infected tooth, it’s important to get it done before your plan renews. On January 1st, 2021, your dental insurance maximum and deductible will reset, requiring you to spend more out of pocket and waste any remaining benefits that you still have. Read on to learn why you should invest in root canal therapy before the new year.
What Happens if You Put Off a Root Canal?
Root canals are typically recommended to treat either severely damaged or decayed teeth that are at a high risk of becoming infected, or teeth that are severely aching, signaling that they’re already infected. When cavities go left untreated, they can carve out a path through your tooth for harmful oral bacteria to attack the inner, more vulnerable structures, like the pulp. This is why many people experience severe toothaches that initially hint that they have an infection. If it isn’t treated as soon as you notice your pain, then the issue can progress to kill the tooth, resulting in you requiring a tooth extraction and restoration, which is more invasive and costly.
Will it Cost More to Wait to Get a Root Canal?
In short, yes, it will. Root canals are an effective and efficient treatment to address infections because they don’t just make you comfortable again, but they also preserve your natural tooth. This means that you won’t have to worry about needing to pay out-of-pocket for a restoration and tooth extraction, which are both typically only 50 percent-covered by your dental insurance. However, it’s important to keep in mind that all insurance plans differ, so this coverage can vary.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Root Canal Therapy?
Yes! Root canal therapy is typically either 50 or 80 percent covered by insurance benefits, depending on your plan. The best way to find out is to contact your dentist’s office or insurance company and ask. Before you commit to treatment, your dentist will likely provide you with a breakdown of the cost and how much you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket, if necessary, so you’re aware. However, either way, getting a root canal will not only be the more cost-effective solution, but also preserve your natural smile.
Many patients get scared when they hear that they need a root canal because the treatment has so many rumors surrounding it. If that’s what’s holding you back from scheduling your treatment, know that with the latest dental advancements, it’s virtually painless and faster than ever. Putting it off even longer will only shrink your wallet and cost you your natural smile.
About the Author
Dr. Gary Nawrocki is proud to provide his community of Cocoa Beach with high-quality, individualized, comprehensive dental care. He is a proud Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and is dedicated to taking continuing education courses to sharpen his skills and keep up with the latest techniques and technology. He also provides fast, pain-relieving emergency dental care when patients need it the most. If you need a root canal or have a toothache, visit Nawrocki Dental’s website or call 321-783-7514.