If you are experiencing intense discomfort in your tooth, you may need to have a root canal treatment. A root canal procedure eliminates your discomfort and can save your tooth from extraction. A root canal treatment is a common, simple and affordable dental procedure. Read on to learn more about the procedure and root canal cost.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is an endodontic procedure that is used to preserve a tooth that has infected or inflamed pulp. The dental pulp is the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue, and nutrients.
During a root canal procedure, a small opening is made in the top of the crown; then a tiny file is inserted to remove the infected pulp and clean the canal. The canal is then shaped and filled with a biocompatible rubber-like substance to give added support and stability to the tooth.
A temporary filling is placed to seal the tooth. At a follow-up appointment, the filling is removed, and an artificial crown is placed to restore function.
Why Do You Need a Root Canal Procedure?
The dental pulp becomes infected due to deep decay or trauma. Once the pulp is infected or inflamed, this can cause severe discomfort, and in some cases can lead to an abscess forming. An abscessed tooth can cause serious secondary infections and may lead to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
The total cost of a root canal treatment includes the initial consultation and x-rays, the preparation of the canal, and the canal obturation. The root canal cost depends on a number of factors, including:
Which Tooth Needs Treatment
Teeth at the front of the arch require less complex surgery than those at the back of the arch. For example, a root canal procedure performed on a molar will be more expensive than treatment for an incisor.
- The Number of Canals
Different types of teeth have different numbers of canals. Molars can have 2-4, while cuspids can have 1-2, and incisors only 1 canal. The number of canals in each of your teeth is unique to you. Moreover, not all the canals will become inflamed, so you may only need root canal treatment on a single canal rather than all the canals in a tooth.
- Whether You Need a Crown
In some cases, your dentist may only need to put a filling in the affected tooth to seal it. In more complex root canals, you may need a dental crown placed on top of the tooth to restore its strength, function and appearance.
- Type of Anaesthesia Used
A root canal procedure is usually performed using a local anaesthetic. However, some people may have dental phobias or anxiety concerning root canal treatment. In these situations, it is often recommended that you have the root canal procedure while under sedation. Sedation is a safe and effective way to help you remain calm during treatment.
Is Root Canal Treatment Covered by Medicare?
Dental treatments are not typically covered by Medicare unless they are deemed necessary for the patient’s well-being. Unfortunately, a root canal procedure is not considered an essential treatment and is not covered.
Children may be partially covered for a root canal procedure if they meet certain criteria according to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Visit or call your local Medicare office to find out if your child is eligible.
Does My Private Health Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
In general, health insurance extras will not cover the cost of a root canal. Root canal treatment is considered to be a major dental procedure and will usually only be covered if you have a high level of extras cover that includes major dental.
If you do have coverage for a root canal treatment, check your policy for waiting periods. Also, be aware that health funds base payments on their own internal fee schedules. This schedule differs from the fees charged by your dentist and may not cover the full cost of a root canal treatment.
At No Gaps Dental, we are proud to offer HICAPS electronic claiming, which allows you to claim the cost of your root canal treatment on-the-spot using your health care card. This quick and easy process means there is no need to visit your healthcare provider: Just bring your health care card on the day, and we will take care of the rest.
Affordable Root Canal Treatment at No Gaps Dental
A root canal treatment is an excellent investment in the health of your smile, but we understand that the cost of dental treatment can be a financial burden for some patients.
At No Gaps Dental, we offer an affordable payment plan through MacCredit, which offers up to $70,000 with payments as low as $30 per week. A payment plan allows you to receive a root canal procedure, then pay off the root canal cost in your own time with affordable installments.
To be eligible for MacCredit payments, simply complete the application form and submit proof of income. Your application is processed and approved in as little as 24 hours and the money transferred to your nominated account soon after. This allows you to get the dental treatment you need as quickly as possible.
If you are experiencing a toothache and believe that you may need a root canal treatment, contact No Gaps Dental on (02) 8007 6727 to schedule an appointment.