A root canal treatment is a procedure performed under local anesthesia. The purpose of root canal surgery is to treat an infection that has taken place at the center of the tooth. The process eliminates the bacteria from the inflamed or infected root canal, preventing further infection of the tooth and saving the natural tooth along the way. You can read more about it here (root canal + how long does root canal take). However, before you make the decision to go through the procedure, it is important to know everything about root canal costs. We give you all the information you need in this article.
Root canal cost: what determines root canal price?
The cost of a root canal is usually straightforward. But to know the price of a root canal in detail, there are many factors to be considered:
- Your dentist. If your root canal is done by a general dentist, it will cost less than if they refer you to an endodontist. This depends on the difficulty of the root canal. Endodontic treatment costs usually more as it is more specialized.
- The type of tooth. If it is a front tooth that needs a root canal, it is most likely less expensive than a molar. Molars are more difficult to treat so they will cost more. The mid-mouth teeth will cost somewhere in the middle when it comes to root canal costs.
- Where you live. The average cost of a root canal varies between regions and clinics.
- The level of inflammation or infection. When it comes to a root canal treatment, the sooner the better. The more you wait, the more the infection will grow and the more it will be difficult to treat, driving the cost of the procedure higher.
- Additional costs. Don’t forget to factor in X-rays or the need for dental crowns. These could be needed in addition to the actual root canal procedure.
- Whether you have insurance or not is also an important factor in the final root canal price you will be paying.
How much is a root canal? Average cost of root canal in the USA chart
A root canal will help you save your tooth and relieve the uncomfortable pain (read more about it here - what is a root canal + how long does root canal take). When it comes to the average cost of a root canal, it varies based on your location and the type and condition of your tooth. To know more about how much are root canals, take a look at the chart below. The costs of a root canal range between 1,000 and 1,500 USD.
Are there any hidden values in the root canal prices?
A root canal treatment cost generally has no hidden values. After diagnosis, the dentist will give you local anesthesia, prepare your tooth, clean it, seal it and fill it. If you need a crown, they will let you know prior to the procedure. The only exception is whether your tooth becomes re-infected after the root canal procedure and you need pretreatment.
Can you somehow reduce the cost of a root canal?
When you get to know how much you’ll pay for a root canal, you automatically look for ways to decrease the price. The key is to check with your dental or medical insurance how much they would cover, and ask your dental clinic whether they offer payment plans.
Final Points about how much does a root canal cost
While it is tempting to avoid the root canal procedure altogether, it is wise to note that an infected tooth can unfortunately not heal itself. A root canal is important to treat inflammation or infection at the center of the tooth. To know what is the cost of a root canal, you must talk to your dentist and make a decision depending on the factors listed in this article. You can read more about the root canal procedure here (what is a root canal) and about how long it takes here (how long does root canal take).
FAQs
How much should a root canal cost with insurance?
When using insurance, the cost of a root canal ranges from 200 to 1100 USD for front teeth, and 200 to 1300 USD for molars and pre-molars.
How much should a root canal cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of a root canal for a front tooth ranges from 650 to 1100 USD, and the cost for a premolar or molar ranges from 700 to 1300 USD.
Is a root canal cheaper than an extraction?
Yes, it is. However, it is important to note that tooth extraction can sometimes mean you will need an implant to fill in the gap. Other follow-up procedures are also needed, making it more expensive in the long run.
