Need a root canal? Try starting with dental insurance with no waiting period.

Need a root canal? Dental insurance with no waiting period may help lower your out-of-pocket cost to get your tooth fixed faster.

It’s true. You can apply for dental insurance with no waiting period for preventive services and basic care like cleanings, exams, and fillings. But if you need a root canal, many dental insurance plans require a waiting period of 6 to 12 months before it’s covered.

And that could be a pain in the mouth…and your pocketbook.

What’s a root canal?

If you need a root canal (it’s also called endodontic treatment), chances are pretty good you’ve got a tooth that’s bothering you.

Symptoms can include:

• Pain around the tooth when you chew or bite
• A tooth that’s chipped or cracked
• Irritated, inflamed or swollen gums
• Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink
• Dark-colored gums or excessive tooth decay

If your dentist says, “you need a root canal,” you have a diseased or damaged tooth caused by bacteria.

When you get a root canal, here’s what happens…

• Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for decay, bacteria, and other signs you may need a root canal.
• If the results are positive, your dentist will prep you for a root canal by numbing the area around the damaged tooth.
• Next, the infected pulp or dentin inside your tooth will be removed.
• Then the inside of your tooth will be cleaned, followed by a filling and sealing.
• Within a couple of hours, the numbness will be gone and so will your tooth pain.

Root canal cost + dental insurance

How much does a root canal cost? It depends.

• Root canal with insurance: If you have an existing dental insurance policy, your plan may cover 30 to 50% or more of the cost to get a root canal.²
• Root canal without insurance. If you don’t have dental insurance, it could be expensive. The average cost of a root canal without dental insurance is $700 to $1,200.²

4 benefits of a root canal

If you need a root canal, but don’t do anything about it, it could impact your quality of life and your health. Fortunately, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure that can fix a damaged tooth and help you:

1. Chew your food.
2. Improve your smile.
3. Improve biting power.
4. Protect other teeth from damage, decay, and bacteria.

Need a root canal? Dental insurance with no waiting period may be a smart move.

Think about it this way. If you purchase dental insurance with waiting periods and get a major dental service prior to the end of the waiting period, you may be responsible for 100% of the bill. Plans with no waiting periods can activate quickly, which may decrease your out-of-pocket expenses sooner than a plan with a waiting period. If you need a root canal or any other type of dental care, now is always a good time to apply for dental insurance.

Ready to find a dental plan that works for you? Find a plan online, or call (800) 827-9990 to talk with a licensed insurance agent.