Are you prepared to handle the costs that come along with root canal? Root canal fees are determined by several factors. There is no standard cost because it depends on the damage and the duration of the treatment. The more time you spend on the dentist’s chair, the more costs you will incur. Some offices have installment plans, credit financing or other financial aids available. Ask your dentist or their staff about this.
- The duration and frequency of your treatment can be caused by factors like:
- the placement of your tooth
- the number of roots and canals in the roots that need treatment
- how long the root is and the curves in the root
- if your tooth is calcified (making it difficult to reach the end of the root)
- the condition of your tooth; If your tooth is damaged or had already been worked on, it’s difficult for the dentist to proceed with the root canal treatment right away. They might need to do another procedure before doing a root canal treatment on your tooth.
Aside from the time involved, here are other things that influence the cost for a root canal treatment.
- the technology that’s available in the dental clinic; Some dental clinics are well-equipped with the latest dental technology like digital radiography, microscopes and ultrasonics. Offices with the best technology charges more than clinics that are a bit outdated.
- the training and certification that the dentist and their staff has. This adds to their credential and this means they have more knowledge and this makes them experts when it comes to your dental health. Patients want to be confident that they are handled by the best team. But these trainings come with a high price. And so the dental office also passes this along to the patients.
- the dental office’s overhead costs; This means their electric bill, rent, the salary of their staff supplies and other utility bills. The cost of these things also depend on your location.
- When it comes to root canal therapy, dentists opinions vary on what they think is the best treatment plan for you. This includes the technology, procedure, medication and supplies that will be used in the course of the treatment. This also affects the difference in their fees.
To sum it up, expect different quotations for root canal treatment from one dentist to another. Consequently what you should aim for is treatment that will last for a long time. If a suggested treatment is a lot cheaper, don’t commit to it right away. Think about it first. Will it cost less initially but result to more treatments in the future?
Are root canal treatments covered by dental plans?
The coverage of each plan varies depending on the policy you have. There are many dental plans available. Choose one that fits your needs and financial capacity. If your employer is offering dental insurance, they most likely chose a benefit package that’s cost-effective for them. This may mean either higher out of pocket costs for you or less covered dental services or providers. When the dentist makes an estimate of your expected cost, they think about the treatment that you need rather than what is part of your coverage. Coordinate with the dental staff in charge of financial matters so they could help you sort through your policy and you could maximize your benefit package. You can also ask if there are financial aids you can apply for.
