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Dental insurance plans typically cover the cost of a root canal. This can significantly lessen the overall cost, making the price range from:
Many health insurance policies offer full coverage for routine procedures but only cover a percentage of more invasive procedures. It’s common for insurance providers to cover 30 to 50 percent of root canal costs.
However, insurance plans often have limits, co-pays, deductibles, and waiting periods, which can cost you a lot of money and keep you in pain if you have a toothache.
The cost of a root canal without insurance varies depending on the procedure. Overall, you can expect the price to range between:
The cost of your root canal will depend on several factors, including:
Molars (the teeth in the back of the mouth) are the most difficult to treat. They have more complex internal anatomy, meaning they'll cost the most.
Front teeth are typically the least expensive. Bicuspid (mid-mouth) teeth, also called premolars, cost somewhere in between.
Generally, the more difficult the procedure, the higher the cost. The cost may also increase depending on the condition of your teeth, such as:
This is because the dentist will have to treat the other conditions first before starting the root canal procedure. Severe infections can also increase the number of sessions you need to complete the procedure.
Some general dentists perform root canals, while others will refer you to a specialist (endodontist). A root canal at an endodontist’s office will cost more than one at a general dentist’s office.
Endodontists have advanced training and equipment to perform more complicated root canal procedures. Because of their experience and expertise, you can expect better results for the higher cost.
After the root canal treatment is complete, your tooth may require additional services, such as:
These services are separate expenses you must consider before receiving a root canal.
The average root canal cost varies by region and individual dental offices. Dentists in big cities tend to charge higher fees than those in rural areas.
For instance, a root canal in Los Angeles costs between $700 and $900. This is around $200 to $400 more than the average cost of a root canal in a smaller town or city.
A root canal can be very expensive, especially if you don't have insurance. Luckily, there are ways to save money on root canal treatment.
Here’s how to get low-cost dental care:
Joining a dental discount plan is the easiest way to save money on a root canal (and any other dental work). Dentist networks offer reduced oral healthcare prices to cardholders. Once you purchase a dental savings card, you can access reduced prices for dental care.
If you qualify for government assistance, you may be able to receive free or discounted dental services. Examples include:
Donated Dental Services (DDS) is a program where dentists offer their time and expertise to provide free dental care to people who cannot afford it. Over 15,000 volunteer dentists and dental labs across the U.S. are under the DDS program.
Many dental schools offer discounts on dental procedures. Dental hygiene schools also offer low-cost, supervised dental care.
Dental students perform different treatments and procedures as part of their required hands-on training. Experienced dentists supervise the students as they perform the procedure. This process ensures quality control and saves the person from receiving substandard care.
Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) allow you to set pre-taxed money aside to pay for health care costs. This can increase the money you have available to cover medical bills. FSAs and HSAs can cover many dental expenses, including root canal treatment.
The cost of a root canal usually includes fees for the following:
Many dentists offer free consultations for treatments like root canals. However, if free consultations aren't available, you may have to pay additional costs.
Root canals can be expensive. That's why you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of the procedure. This will help you decide whether the treatment is right for you.
Pros of receiving a root canal include:
There are also cons to having a root canal, such as:
A root canal removes the inner portion of the tooth called the pulp. It's performed to treat teeth damaged by decay, trauma, infection, or inflammation.
During the procedure, a dentist removes the diseased tissue and cleans the remaining cavity. This reduces any problems that might require tooth extraction.
There are several reasons you may need root canal therapy, including:
If your dentist has recommended a root canal, it is essential to get treatment. The infection from the tooth can spread to other parts of your body when left untreated.
Root canals are highly recommended to treat tooth pain due to infection. Other options exist if you're not a good candidate or don't have the budget for a root canal.
A tooth extraction is when your dentist removes one or more teeth from your mouth. This may be necessary if you have an infected, broken-down tooth that’s damaging surrounding tissues. It could also be required if you have a severe cavity or fracture from previous trauma.
Pulp capping involves using materials like calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to seal off small exposures of the pulp. However, pulp capping is not always successful but is most effective in younger people.
Dental implants may be right for you if you need a permanent replacement for a missing tooth. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed in your jawbone. They act as anchors for artificial teeth that look similar to natural ones.
Root canals are a common dental procedure for teeth damaged due to decay or trauma. They can be expensive treatments, and different factors affect their costs.
Fortunately, there are various ways to reduce the cost of a root canal. However, a root canal can be worth the cost because it can save the affected tooth.
There are also alternatives if you’re not a good candidate for a root canal. Talk to your dentist about your options.
With a general dentist, the cost is between $620 and $1,250 for a root canal on a front or mid-mouth tooth and $870 to $1,472 for a molar. Endodontists may charge up to 50% more.
An extraction is cheaper than a root canal. However, if you need an implant to fill the gap or other follow-up procedures, it could cost you more in the long run.
Unfortunately, an infected tooth will not heal itself. If left untreated, the infection can spread to your jaw, brain, blood, or entire body. The tooth will need to be treated at some point, or extraction is necessary.
Before the procedure, your tooth and the surrounding area will be treated with a numbing anesthetic, so there will be little to no pain. There will be some pain and tenderness in the days following the procedure. But overall, root canals will save you from the pain you feel from an affected tooth.
Root canals usually provide relief for 10 years or more, with proper aftercare. However, this varies depending on how well the root canal was performed. The symptoms could return sooner if the root canal isn’t done properly.
After your root canal treatment, you'll need to take extra steps to keep your teeth healthy. Brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and avoiding sticky foods will help prevent future problems. Also visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to ensure good dental health.
While it's difficult to get an expensive treatment for free, you might be able to find a way to pay less for one. For example, many insurance plans cover root canals. You may also find dental discount plans, which offer procedure discounts.
What’s Next?
DentalPlans is the best site for dental savings plans because it compares all the best plans in your area. You know exactly how much every procedure will cost and which dentists are available.
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