When you’re gearing up to get a root canal, you probably have a lot of things on your mind. The last thing you want to have to worry about is payment, but it’s obviously a factor that you have to consider.
If you have a root canal coming up, you may wonder whether the treatment is going to break the bank. The exact amount you’re likely to pay depends on several factors. If you’re interested, here are some of the main things that are likely to add or detract from the cost.
The Location of the Root Canal
As you might have guessed, a root canal involves removing and treating the root tissue. This is the main reason why the location of the tooth being root-canaled matters as much as it does.
The front teeth have just one tooth root—if you’ve ever seen one that’s fallen out, you’ll know that there’s just one “spike” that sits below the gum line. Molars, on the other hand, have as many as three tooth roots, creating that distinctive “three-spike” shape that you may be familiar with. The more roots to be treated, the more expensive the treatment.
Insurance
Root canals are typically considered by insurance companies to be deeply important and necessary procedures. As a result, your dental plan is likely to cover at least a portion of the treatment.
This can range anywhere from 50-80% of the final cost, though every plan is different. You would have to check with your provider to determine for sure.
The Severity of the Decay
In general, the more severe the decay is, the more work your dentist will have to do. What could have been previously patched up with a filling may need a crown, and what could have just been one infected tooth could have become several.
If you want your root canal to be as affordable as possible, there’s no point in waiting. This style of infection doesn’t go away on its own, so the faster you act, the less you’ll have to pay in the long run.
About Our Practice
At Seaside Family Dentistry, we believe that dental care doesn’t have to feel like a chore. When you come to our office, you’ll find a friendly dental team greeting you by name, and a comfortable environment where you’ll be happy to spend your time. As busy as people are, dentistry is a great opportunity to take time for yourself. We want to make that as easy and stress-free as possible for you.
If you have any questions about root canals, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (954) 771-7636.