Does the dental insurance cover endodontics?

Endodontic treatment is commonly known as root canal treatment, and it is a dental procedure that is carried out when the pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected.

A root canal is crucial to saving a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed. Given how expensive endodontic treatments are, many people wonder if their dental insurance covers them.
 

What is a root canal and why is it important?

A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing inflamed or infected dental pulp in order to save the natural tooth. This treatment avoids extraction and prevents more serious infections that can affect oral and general health.

How do dental insurance policies cover root canals?

The answer to this question varies considerably according to the dental insurance policy dental insurance and the insurance company. In general, most dental insurance policies include endodontics in their cover or at least cover a high percentage of the treatment, given that it is a procedure required to keep good dental health. However, there are various factors that can influence the extent of the cover.
 

First, it is important to see the type of dental insurance you have taken out. There are more comprehensive types of dental insurance that usually cover a range of treatments, including endodontics. On the other hand, some types may not cover it or may include it at a discount.

In DKV Dentisalud Élite, a root canal isn’t 100% covered, but it does come with a 40% discount compared to the market price, which means you'll pay nearly half of what it would cost without dental insurance. You can see the cost of all treatments in this document.

 

Key aspects to consider regarding root canal coverage

Many dental insurance policies require the insured person to wait a period before carrying out this type of treatment; this is known as the waiting period. In the case of DKV, our dental insurance policies have no waiting period, so they can be used from day one with no limit on the number of treatments.

Some policies may charge a copayment, which requires the insured person to pay a percentage of the treatment's total cost. That’s why it’s essential for patients to be informed about these details to avoid any surprises later on when it comes to billing.

Although many dental insurance policies cover root canals, you need to go over the specific terms and conditions of each policy to understand the details of the cover. A careful assessment of the insurance policy and open communication with the dentist can make the process more fluid and less stressful, allowing patients to focus on their dental health.