{"id":159,"date":"2022-10-20T14:06:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T14:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ornelasfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=159"},"modified":"2022-11-02T14:10:25","modified_gmt":"2022-11-02T14:10:25","slug":"using-your-dental-insurance-to-avoid-root-canals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ornelasfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2022\/10\/20\/using-your-dental-insurance-to-avoid-root-canals\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Want a Root Canal? Use Your Dental Insurance Coverage"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Some people are more afraid of getting a root canal than they are of spiders or public speaking. The procedure isn\u2019t nearly as painful or frightening as its reputation suggests, but you probably want to avoid needing it anyway since it means there\u2019s an infection in your tooth. The good news, though, is that taking advantage of your dental insurance\u2019s preventive coverage can make it less likely that you\u2019ll require a root canal; here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Coverage Does Dental Insurance Provide for Preventive Care?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dental insurance<\/a> usually follows a structure where preventive care receives higher coverage than restorative care. In fact, most plans will cover checkups, cleanings, and other preventive services by up to 100%! This makes it easier to visit your dentist twice a year without breaking the bank. Of course, every dental insurance plan is unique; make sure you confirm the details of your coverage before you make any appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Preventive Care Help You Avoid Needing a Root Canal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So how exactly do regular checkups and cleanings lower your risk of needing root canal therapy? Simply put, these visits give your dentist a chance to look for cavities while they\u2019re still in their early stages. An untreated cavity will grow worse over time until harmful bacteria eventually reach the pulp of the tooth, causing a painful infection. The earlier a cavity is caught, the more likely it is your dentist can treat it before it gets to the point where root canal therapy is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, a professional dental cleaning can get rid of any plaque and tartar that has built up in your mouth. Even if you brush and floss every day, plaque can still accumulate in any spots you overlook, and it can harden into tartar if it stays in place for too long. Your dentist can remove these harmful substances before they lead to any cavities that could eventually result in a root canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Tips for Avoiding a Root Canal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of course, using preventive coverage is just one of many steps you can take to avoid needing root canal therapy. You should also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n