How Your Preventive Coverage Can Help You Avoid a Root Canal

Did you know that more people are afraid of getting a root canal than speaking in public, spiders, and being trapped in an elevator? Fortunately, if you’re a part of that group, there are many ways you can avoid needing one. One of the most effective tactics is using something you likely already have access to – preventive dentistry. With dental insurance coverage, you can visit your dentist regularly for preventive services to keep your mouth healthy. Continue reading as a dentist in Chaska explains how your dental insurance coverage can help you avoid a root canal.

Why Is Preventive Dentistry Important?

A healthy requires more than just proper at-home oral care. Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings is just as essential for maintaining good oral health. Although brushing and flossing are both helpful in eliminating plaque and bacteria from your mouth, there are some areas they just can’t reach. Luckily, your dentist can easily give your mouth a thorough cleaning with their special tools.

By seeing them bi-annually for preventive care, you can expect to reap several health benefits, including:

• Lower risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems
• Early detection of dental problems to help minimize treatment and cost
• Reduce oral health problems related to chronic medical conditions

Will Dental Insurance Cover Preventive Dentistry Services?

Since preventive dental care is a vital part of overall health, most dental insurance plans will cover it. With their help, you don’t want to worry about breaking the bank for professional dental care! They’ll often cover preventive dentistry services entirely or at little cost to you. Of course, every policy is unique, so make sure you review the details of your specific plan to understand your coverage.

That said, here’s what the average dental insurance coverage looks like:

• Regular oral examinations (one every six months)
• Professional teeth cleanings (one every six months)
• Routine X-rays
• Fluoride treatments (only considered preventive for children under a certain age)

Tips to Avoid a Root Canal

Using your preventive dental insurance coverage is one of the best ways to avoid needing a root canal. However, here are some additional steps you can take to keep your mouth healthy:

• Practice good oral hygiene. You must brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
• Avoid hard foods. Biting down on one could easily result in a cracked or broken tooth. If that happens, bacteria can enter the root system through the cracks.
• Don’t chew on ice. Munching on ice cubes can also lead to a fractured, cracked, or broken tooth. If that happens, bacteria have an easy route into the nerve center of your tooth.
• Wear a mouthguard. Protect your teeth against oral injuries with a mouthguard.
• Get tooth pain checked out immediately. No amount of tooth pain is considered normal, so get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid more serious treatments down the line.

Are you afraid of getting a root canal? By using your preventive coverage and the tips outlined above, you can easily avoid one and maintain a healthy, happy smile for years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Mark Stapleton has almost two full decades of dentistry experience under his belt. After receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Since then, Dr. Stapleton has helped patients of all ages achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you need help understanding your dental insurance coverage, he and the team are happy to help. Visit our website or call (952) 448-2868 to make an appointment.