How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
Root canal (endodontic) treatment helps relieve pain and eliminate the infection from the inside of the tooth. Endodontists are dental specialists who receive additional training to diagnose and treat infected or decayed teeth through procedures such as root canals. General dentists may also perform root canals.
- Root canal cost is influenced by factors such as the type and location of the tooth, the extent of tooth damage and infection, geographical location, and your dentist’s expertise.
- The average cost of root canals and crowns can vary. Root canal cost is, on average, between $600-$1,600, while crowns cost approximately $800-$3,000.
What Influences the Cost of a Root Canal?
How much is a root canal? The answer can depend on the following factors:
- Extent of tooth damage and infection: Greater tooth damage may require more complex procedures, which can be more costly.
- Type and location of tooth: Larger teeth that are located towards the back of the mouth, such as a molar root canal, can be more costly than a root canal on front teeth.
- Dental Insurance coverage: Many dental insurance plans offer some coverage for root canals, which can significantly reduce costs.
- Geographical location: In general, dental offices in areas with higher costs of living tend to have higher dental care prices than those in areas with lower costs of living.
- Time in delaying treatment: Delaying treatment can influence root canal and crown cost. The longer you wait for treatment, the greater the damage to your teeth, which may lead you to require additional dental services like a dental crown.
- Dental expertise: Endodontic specialists may have higher rates for root canals than general dentists due to their additional training and certification to perform complex endodontic procedures.
- Root canal retreatment: Past root canals may require additional treatment if infected, which can influence the cost of the retreatment procedure.
Breakdown of Average Root Canal Procedure Costs
| Component | Cost |
| Consultation | $85-$130 |
| X-ray | $25-$750 |
| Anesthesia | $300-$1,000 |
| Procedure | $600-$1,600 |
| Final Restoration | $800-$3,000 |
Root Canal Costs
| Tooth Type | Cost |
| Front Tooth (Anterior) | $620-$1,100 |
| Premolar | $720-$1,300 |
| Molar | $890-$1,500 |
What is the Root Canal Procedure
Removal
Initially, you will be given local anesthetic by your dental professional to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Then, an opening is made through the crown of your tooth to gain access to the dental pulp and root canals. The inside of the roots are cleaned and shaped, removing any bacteria and debris.
Restoration
Once the infection is removed, your dentist will fill and seal the root canals with a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha. In some cases, a post may be placed inside the tooth to support the final restoration. Once the root canal is completed, a dental crown or other type of restoration will be placed on the tooth to restore its function and appearance.
Cost of a Root Canal with Insurance
How much is a root canal? The root canal cost with insurance can depend on your particular plan. Many dental insurance plans cover 50% - 80% of the cost of a root canal procedure once a deductible has been met.
Region Wise Root Canal Cost
| Region | Tooth Type | Average Cost Without Insurance | Average Cost With Insurance |
| Massachusetts | Molar | $940-$1240 | $470-$620 |
| Front Tooth | $615-$830 | $300-$415 | |
| Premolar | $745-$985 | $370-$490 | |
| New Hampshire | Molar | $700-$925 | $350-$460 |
| Front Tooth | $500-$620 | $250-$310 | |
| Premolar | $550-$740 | $275-$370 | |
| California | Molar | $790-$1040 | $395-$520 |
| Front Tooth | $515-$695 | $260-$350 | |
| Premolar | $625-$830 | $315-$415 | |
| Texas | Molar | $650-$860 | $325-$430 |
| Front Tooth | $425-$575 | $215-$290 | |
| Premolar | $515-$685 | $260-$345 |
How to Find Affordable Root Canal Treatments
Root canal treatment costs can be reduced with insurance coverage. When choosing an insurance plan, look for one that offers coverage for common dental procedures like exams, fillings, and root canals.
Root canal costs without insurance can still be affordable and of high quality with cost-effective options provided by dental schools, public health clinics, third-party financing organizations, and government assistance programs like Medicaid. Paying for your root canal can be simple at Gentle Dental, which has many flexible financing options and acceptance of most dental insurance plans.
When to Seek for a Dental Care Specialist?
Certain signs and symptoms warrant a trip to see a dental care specialist. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain when chewing, lasting sensitivity to hot or cold, gum or facial swelling, gum sores or pimples, change in tooth or gum color, or a chipped or fractured tooth, seek dental care immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to the spread of infection, further tooth damage, and a decline in overall health.
