Root Canal Cost

• A front tooth typically has one canal while a rear molar may have three or more, so the cost of root canal treatment depends on the number of canals in the tooth, the location of the tooth (ease of access) and the training and experience of the dental professional. Root canals can be done by general dentists or by root canal specialists called endodontists, who typically work on the most difficult cases and charge 30%-50% more than general dentists.
• Dental insurance might cover 40%-80% of the costs, depending on the terms of the policy. However, many dental plans only pay a maximum of $1,000 -$1,500 per year for all covered dental procedures.
• On a front tooth, root canal treatment can cost $300 -$1,500 or more but typically is about $900 -$1,100 depending on complexity and whether the work is done by a dentist or an endodontist. For example, CostHelper readers without insurance coverage report paying $960 -$1,348 for a front tooth root canal, at an average cost of $1,156. CostHelper readers with insurance report out-of-pocket costs of $243 -$1,200, for an average payment of $608.
• A root canal on a bicuspid or premolar tooth (mid-mouth) can cost $400 -$1,800 or more, but typically is about $900 -$1,100. CostHelper readers without insurance report paying $600 -$1,550, or an average cost of $957. CostHelper readers with insurance report out-of-pocket expenses of $290 -$375, or an average cost of $333.
• Root canal therapy on a back molar can be $500 -$2,000 or more, but typically costs about $1,000 -$1,300. CostHelper readers without insurance report paying $500 -$1,583 at an average cost of $1,184. CostHelper readers with insurance report out-of-pocket expenses of $300 -$1,654, with an average payment of $682.

• An X-ray is taken to reveal the shape of the canals and any bone infection. Once the area is numb, a rubber sheet isolates the tooth, which is drilled open, cleaned using pin-sized files and suction, filled, sealed and covered. The Mayo Clinic offers a slide show illustrating this process.
• A root canal is often completed in one appointment, although it can require three or more visits depending on the extent and complexity of the problem, including if it's necessary to let an infection clear up before the canal is sealed. Once the root canal is completed, additional dental appointments will be needed to finish restoring the tooth with a filling or a crown, but this restoration work is not considered part of the root canal process.
• There are many commonly held beliefs about root canals that are incorrect, like the perception that the procedure itself is painful. The American Association of Edodontists explains common root canal myths.

• If the initial consultation determines that the root canal must be done on an emergency basis, there may be a same-day-, next-day- or weekend-procedure fee of $50 -$100 or more.
• After the root canal is done, the tooth is typically topped with a dental crown, which can cost $500 -$1,500 or more per tooth for all-porcelain crowns (typically used on front teeth); $800 -$2,500 or more for metal (typically used on out-of-sight back molars); or $800 -$3,000 or more for porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (which can be used on front or back teeth). Or in a few cases, only a filling is needed, at an additional cost of $90 -$300 or more.

• The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research lists tips for finding low-cost dental care.
• Dental school clinics may offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty.

• If the patient has dental insurance, the insurance company will provide a list of approved dentists.
• If the root canal is complicated, most dentists will provide a referral to a local endodontist. Search for a local dentist through the American Dental Association or for an endodontist through the American Association of Endodontists.
• WedMD lists factors to consider when choosing a dentist.

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