Even though root canals are much more comfortable and effective than ever before, no one likes to hear that they need one. However, it’s undoubtedly better to get your treatment sooner rather than later, especially this time of year. Not only will it prevent future complications, but if you have dental insurance, repairing your smile before December ends can save you a significant amount of money. Read on to find out just how important it is to get the root canal in Edmond you need before the end of the year.
How Long Can I Put Off Getting a Root Canal?
Regardless of the time of year, you should always get a root canal as soon as you can if your dentist says you need one. Root canal therapy is typically the last chance of saving a severely damaged or infected tooth from being extracted entirely. The longer you put it off, the more the dangerous bacteria can spread to the surrounding teeth and tissues. Eventually, you may lose your tooth, suffer permanent jawbone damage, or even develop a dental abscess or life-threatening complication.
Root canal therapy is designed to quickly relieve pain and stop infection in its tracks. It can remove the bacteria just as thoroughly as a tooth extraction while still preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. This lets you avoid all the complications of a missing tooth as well as the expenses that come with replacing it.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Root Canals?
Since every dental insurance policy is slightly different, you’ll need to review the details of your plan to know exactly what it covers and by how much. Most insurance companies classify root canals as a major procedure, and as such, will typically cover somewhere between 50-75% of the cost. However, it’s important to remember that you need to meet your deductible before your insurance will start to cover your treatments. If you haven’t met your deductible yet, you’ll need to pay for your root canal and any other dental work you need until you do.
Why Should I Get My Root Canal Before the Year Ends?
You may be able to save a lot of money on your root canal if you get it before the year ends. By now, it’s likely that you’ve paid all or most of your deductible and your insurance will pay for a percentage of your treatment. Typically, they will pay up to a certain amount, your annual maximum. However, whatever is left over from your annual maximum by the time your plan renews (typically the end of the year) will expire.
If you haven’t met your annual maximum yet, it’s a great idea to get any dental work you need before the end of the year. This way, you’ll make the most of your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. If you wait until next year, not only will you be gambling with your health, but you’ll likely have to pay for most of your treatment to put towards your deductible.
No matter what time of year it is, you shouldn’t put off caring for your oral health any longer that you have to. Your Edmond dentist and their team can work with you to ensure you’re getting the most out of your dental insurance while keeping your smile healthy.
About the Author
Dr. M. Kent Smith uses the most advanced technology, effective sedation options, and a compassionate touch to provide comfortable root canals in Edmond. He values his patients’ concerns and takes them seriously, and he always accommodates same-day emergency appointments whenever he can. If you have questions about your dental insurance, his experienced team would be happy to walk you through it and maximize your benefits. To learn more, he can be contacted via his website or at (405) 341-7773.