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Dental insurance policies can help patients reduce costs for dental procedures and treatments. One common dental treatment that dental insurance often covers is root canals. However, policies can offer different levels of coverage, so it’s important to review yours carefully to understand how much of the cost may be covered. This article will explain dental insurance in more detail, including what it covers and how much it can help with the cost of root canal procedures.
Dental insurance is a form of supplemental insurance that can cover a range of dental care treatments and lower the cost a patient has to pay. With this type of insurance, you can maintain your coverage in exchange for monthly premiums. When you file a claim, you’ll pay the relevant deductible before insurance covers the rest.
Dental insurance plans may cover three types of services:
Preventative services help you maintain a clean, healthy mouth and can allow dental professionals to find early signs of potential problems. These services include semi-annual cleanings, exams, and X-rays. The dentist will also examine the surrounding areas of your jaw, head, and neck.
Basic services address minor damage to your teeth and gums. Some basic procedures include root canals, tooth extractions, and cavity fillings.
Major services address more complex oral issues. Some major treatments and procedures include dental implants, oral surgery, and crowns.
Root canals can cost $1,000 on average without insurance.1 The procedure tends to cost less if done on the front teeth. The further back in your mouth the target tooth is, the more it will likely cost.1 Other factors impacting a root canal’s cost include:
Dental insurance policies generally cover 40% to 80% of the cost of a root canal.2 However, coverage eligibility and amounts can vary by insurer and the amount of coverage you select. Aflac dental insurance policies help cover the cost of root canals after your policy’s waiting period ends.
A patient may need a root canal if dental X-rays discover that a tooth’s pulp — the tooth’s innermost layer — has been infected by bacteria.3 A tooth pulp infection can happen when the pulp is exposed, which may be caused by the following:4
Early detection of this infection can be critical to minimizing damage and maximizing success rate. It also reduces the potential need for more invasive procedures. So, it’s important to schedule regular dental check-ups so your dental professional can check your teeth and identify the need for a root canal early. With that in mind, if you experience the following signs and symptoms, you may need a root canal:5
Speak to a dental professional if you experience any of the above and are concerned about a tooth pulp infection.
Dental professionals in the U.S. perform millions of root canal procedures every year.6 Given how common this minor procedure is, many dental insurance policies, such as Aflac’s, help patients cover the cost so they can maintain a healthy smile.
Aflac offers a range of options to fit your budget, and there’s no waiting period for preventative care. Plus, save money by using Aflac’s array of in-network providers. Chat with an agent to learn more about your options and get a quote today.
1GoodRX - How Much Does a Root Canal Cost? Updated May 25, 2022. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/oral/root-canal-cost. Accessed March 4, 2024.
2ValuePenguin - Average Cost of a Root Canal & How to Save. Updated January 10, 2024. https://www.valuepenguin.com/average-cost-root-canal. Accessed March 4, 2024.
3Cleveland Clinic - Tooth Pulp. Updated January 31, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24659-tooth-pulp. Accessed March 4, 2024.
4American Association of Endodontists - What is a Root Canal? https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/. Accessed March 4, 2024.
5Healthline - Do You Need a Root Canal? 7 Telltale Symptoms. Updated February 17, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/do-you-need-a-root-canal-7-common-telltale-symptoms. Accessed March 4, 2024.
6Cleveland Clinic - Root Canal. Updated November 20, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21759-root-canal. Accessed March 4, 2024.
Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Arkansas, Policies A81100AR–A81400AR. Policies A82100RAR–A82400RAR. In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In New York, Policies NY81100–NY81400. Policies NY82100–NY82400. In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK. Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Oregon, Policies A81100OR–A81400OR. Policies A82100ROR–A82400ROR. In Pennsylvania, Policies A81100PA–A81400PA. Policies A82100RPA–A82400RPAR. In Texas, Policies A81100TX–A81400TX. Policies A82100RTX–A82400RTX. In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA. Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company.
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Arkansas, Policy T80000AR. In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. In Oregon, Policy T80000OR. In Texas, Policy T80000TX. Not available NY or VA. Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing.
NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers.
This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions. For complete details, including availability and costs, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Z2400236
EXP 4/25
