How Much Does a Root Canal Cost? You Might Be Surprised
When you need urgent dental care, the last thing you want to think about is paying for it. But an abscessed tooth or an infected root canal can cause serious problems if left untreated, and ignoring a problem like that could have you paying in the long run. How much does a root canal cost, and what factors affect the price? Plus, is it covered by your insurance?
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
Root canal costs can fluctuate by hundreds of dollars. The cost of a root canal is determined by several factors. Financially speaking, it’s better to treat abscessed teeth immediately than try to delay or ward off the symptoms.
A root canal costs an average of $700 for a front tooth. The procedure will take longer and be more expensive the more roots a tooth has (which is usually determined by how far back in the mouth it is. Premolars cost around $700-1,000 to have treated with a root canal. Molar tooth root canal costs range from $1,000 to 1,400 for 2-3 roots. They can sometimes have up to four roots in very rare cases.
What Factors Affect Root Canal Costs?
A root canal procedure is more complicated and takes longer in teeth that have
additional roots, curved roots, or are hard to reach. Besides the number of roots involved, other factors can influence the pricing of a root canal.
- A specialty practice is performing the treatment as opposed to a general dentist’s office.
- The anatomy of your tooth. Some teeth are more difficult to perform the procedure on.
- Age of the patient. Children do not receive the same kind of nerve therapy as adults.
- If you choose sedation. Some people prefer to sleep through their dental
appointments. - Protective crowns placed onto your tooth after the root canal is complete.
What's Included in the Cost of a Root Canal?
The fee for your root canal includes the entire root canal procedure, including local anesthetic. It does not include any exams, X-rays, or crowns placed on the tooth afterward. And while local numbing medication is included in the fee, additional sedation will incur a separate charge.
How Long do the Effects and Benefits of a Root Canal Last?
As long as you schedule regular checkups, brush properly twice each day, and floss around your tooth daily, a tooth with endodontic treatment should last for decades. Or even the rest of your life.
By preserving your tooth with a root canal, you can avoid the countless side effects of tooth loss, such as bone resorption, shifting teeth, irregular enamel wear, and aesthetic concerns.
Does Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Your dental insurance will typically cover a portion of your root canal based on the plan you have. Insurance benefits are usually geared towards prevention. They pay more for preventative services, such as cleanings and checkups. The coverage drops once you develop cavities or gum disease, both of which can be prevented. Major treatments can have coverage as low as 50% after paying any copays and deductibles.
To get an exact breakdown of what your insurance is expected to pay, Wellness Dental will coordinate directly with your carrier. The exact amount you pay can vary depending on which plan you are enrolled in (chosen either by you or your employer), whether you have met your deductible for the calendar year, and if we are out of network. Your care plan will review each of these amounts before you commit to any treatment.
Does Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Root canal costs can fluctuate greatly depending on the individual’s circumstances. If you don't have dental insurance, you will need to pay for the price of your root canal out-of-pocket. Wellness Dental will provide an easy-to-understand treatment plan with all fees listed. If you don’t have dental insurance, we also offer dental payment plans with low and 0% interest financing for extended periods. Most amounts can be approved immediately, so there is no need to wait for approval before you schedule your root canal treatment.
In most cases, you will pay less for a root canal (without insurance) by having your treatment completed in a general practice setting. Transferring to a specialty clinic tends to incur additional fees, not to mention paying for additional exams and X-rays.
Save Your Smile (and Your Wallet)
Preserving your natural teeth is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. Even when pulling a tooth seems like the best solution, you need to take into account the cost of replacing it. Root canal therapy is cost-effective and reliable, allowing you to preserve your smile for the years ahead.
