I used to have dental insurance but I dropped it because it was expensive, it paid very little.

Now I've had the dreaded root canal followed by endodontic surgery and they want to do another procedure. Too late to help me now but does anybody have an idea when dental insurance is worth it?

My Dentist and the Endodontist have given me big discounts and I'm not sure that the price I pay out of pocket without insurance wouldn't be the same as my deductible -

I only had one dental policy that I thought was worth it.

One Auto Network I was employed by had an employee health and dental policy that only cost me $5 a month!!

As to what it covered, one exam per year, and tooth extraction.

While it claimed to have discounted cosmetic procedures, I found that some work could be done for less at one dentist than with the discount at the "approved" dentist.

The ONLY thing that made it worth while, was the amazingly low rate I paid at $5 a month.

The Auto Network went bankrupt... hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Good dental insurance is not cheap but it is good because normally if you have average care, a check up every year and so, you normally will get your money out of it.

I get a 1000 or so in dental work every year, I love mine.

AFLAC has some wonderful dental plans.

Take a look at your past dental history. Have you had to have fillings every time you've been for a check up? Do you have a lot of heavily restored teeth that may end up needing root canals and/or crowns or is your mouth relatively healthy except for this last experience? If all you'll need in the future is check ups and cleanings it is probably not worth purchasing a dental plan as you will probably end up paying more in yearly premiums than the cost of your check up and cleanings.

You really have to shop around for dental insurance and know what is and is not covered. You want to know what percentage is covered, whether there is an annual deductible, how often they will pay for treatment on the same tooth, etc.

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Originally Posted by flossie

Take a look at your past dental history. Have you had to have fillings every time you've been for a check up? Do you have a lot of heavily restored teeth that may end up needing root canals and/or crowns or is your mouth relatively healthy except for this last experience? If all you'll need in the future is check ups and cleanings it is probably not worth purchasing a dental plan as you will probably end up paying more in yearly premiums than the cost of your check up and cleanings.

You really have to shop around for dental insurance and know what is and is not covered. You want to know what percentage is covered, whether there is an annual deductible, how often they will pay for treatment on the same tooth, etc.

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I've had 4 fillings in my entire life - but I've had 2 root canals, this last one being the one that went bad. I think that's why 2 root canals in 5 years are such a shock to me.

Hmmm - I think I'll do what you suggest and shop around. Also think I'll ask my Dentist - is that a good idea?

I think talking with your dentist about it is a good idea. If the two teeth with root canals have not had crowns placed on them yet, you might want to look for an insurance policy that has a good "major restorative" coverage. Once those crowns are done, I'd get rid of the policy!:D

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Originally Posted by flossie

I think talking with your dentist about it is a good idea. If the two teeth with root canals have not had crowns placed on them yet, you might want to look for an insurance policy that has a good "major restorative" coverage. Once those crowns are done, I'd get rid of the policy!:D

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Thanks - unfortunately (financially) both have crowns. But I am going to talk to my Dentist.

I'll bet your dentist will tell you not to bother with purchasing a dental plan.