The best way to find out the exact cost of a root canal is to see your dentist and ask them, but there are many variables. We hope to address many of them as well as some of the other details surrounding the your root canal procedure.
Many different reasons may create the need for a root canal. Some of the reasons include:
Chipped or cracked tooth
Trauma or other injuries to the tooth
Tooth decay that has reached the pulp of your tooth
Especially large cavities
Other more severe tooth or infections in the gums
The best way to know if you need a root canal is to see your dentist. He will let you know if you require this important treatment. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body. In some cases, the infection could be life threatening.
Some people are frightened by the prospect of a root canal being performed. With that said, the cost can also be startling. Especially for those who do not have dental insurance. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways for someone to pay for your procedure. Now, let’s talk about the cost of a root canal.
How much is a root canal without dental insurance?
Here’s a range of what you might expect to pay for a root canal without insurance:
$600 to $1,000 – Front tooth
$700 to $1,200 – Bicuspid (mid-mouth)
$1,000 to $1,800 – Molar
If you have insurance, it should be significantly less expensive. Most dental insurances cover root canals.
How much is a root canal with dental insurance?
Here’s a range of what you might expect to pay for a root canal with insurance:
$200 to $800 – Front tooth
$200 to $1,000 – Bicuspid (mid-mouth)
$300 to $1,500 – Molar
Insurance can bring the cost down by half or even more in some cases, but it also depends on your insurance coverage and other factors. In some cases, you will only get a modest discount on the procedure.
Some factors that may also play a part are if your dentist is in network with your insurance, co-pays, deductibles, and more.
It’s difficult to give an exact number for this procedure because it can vary from office to office. The cost can even vary in different areas of the country.
It can depend on the specific tooth that needs work. The molars are most difficult to treat, so that explains why they are the most expensive. Also, cases that are more challenging will be associated with higher fees.
There may be other additional costs associated with your root canal, such as x-rays and other scans that will be needed for the dentist to perform the
If you do not have dental insurance, another option could be to get on a membership plan with your dentist. Not all dentists offer this, but some will. Additionally, you can always ask a dentist for a discount. Sometimes they will work with you on the price or offer a discount if you can pay cash up front.
In other cases, you can often do financing through the dental office, or use Care Credit.
Should I see a general dentist or an endodontist?
While many general dentists perform root canal therapy, some of them will refer you to an endodontist – especially if your case is particularly difficult. Endodontists are dentists with special training. They charge more on average, like all specialists do.
Whatever you decide to do, it is not recommended that you delay getting a much needed root canal.