I'm looking into getting a root canal soon (ugh, lucky me), and I'm trying to figure out if it's better to go with regular dental insurance or one of those dental discount plans. Insurance seems like it covers more, but the monthly premiums are kinda steep. Discount plans look cheaper upfront, but I'm worried they won't save me enough when it comes to something pricey like a root canal. Anyone have experience with either option? Curious which one worked out better for you in the end.
I went through this exact dilemma last year—root canals are the worst, aren't they? I ended up going with a discount plan because I thought I'd save a ton upfront. Honestly, it wasn't as big of a savings as I'd hoped, especially once the crown got factored in (surprise, surprise, crowns aren't cheap either...). Have you checked what the waiting periods are like on the insurance? That caught me off guard big time.
I feel your pain, root canals are definitely no fun. I went the insurance route myself, and honestly, the waiting period wasn't as bad as I expected—only a couple months for major procedures. But you're right, crowns are always the kicker. One thing I'd say though is that even if the discount plan doesn't save a ton upfront, it can still be worth it if your dentist is in-network and you need regular cleanings or fillings down the line... those smaller savings do add up over time.
"even if the discount plan doesn't save a ton upfront, it can still be worth it if your dentist is in-network and you need regular cleanings or fillings down the line... those smaller savings do add up over time."
That's a really good point. From my experience, patients often underestimate how quickly routine dental care costs can accumulate. Root canals and crowns are definitely the heavy hitters, but even regular cleanings, exams, and minor fillings can quietly add up over a year or two. I've seen plenty of cases where patients initially felt disappointed by their discount plan's coverage for major procedures, only to realize later that the consistent savings on preventive care made it worthwhile.
Also, don't forget that preventive care can help you avoid more extensive (and expensive) treatments down the road. So while insurance might seem like the safer bet for big-ticket items, discount plans can still offer meaningful value—especially if you're diligent about regular visits and maintenance. Either way, hang in there; dental issues are stressful enough without worrying about finances on top of it.
