Estimates range from $350-600 for a front tooth, which usually has one canal, to $500-$860 for a back molar, which can have three or more, according to WebMD. Prices are based on difficulty, local cost of living and the dentist's level of training and experience. An endodontist, specializing in tooth root problems, may charge up to 50 percent more.
What should be included:
When the root inside a tooth is infected, the inflamed or damaged tissue is removed and the hollow area filled to keep bacteria out. The University of Iowa College of Dentistry gives a quick overview.
An X-Ray reveals the shape of the canals and any bone infection. Once the area is numb, a rubber sheet isolates the infected tooth, which is drilled open, cleaned using pin-sized files and suction, filled, sealed and covered. This might require more than one appointment, to let the infection clear before the canal is sealed.
Tip: Ask about magnification. Wikipedia.com reports that root canals might be more successful with a microscope or similar equipment.
The only other option is to extract the tooth and replace it with a bridge, implant or partial denture.
Additional costs:
A crown or other protective covering adds to the final bill.
Discounts:
Dental colleges offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty; DentalSite.com lists school locations.
The American Dental Association lists state dental societies, which may provide partial payment of dental fees for qualified low-income patients.
Shopping for a root canal:
Check the American Dental Association for members in your area. If you have dental insurance, the company will list approved dentists.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
Choose to pay 150 add'l for nitrous oxide gas--my first time (but 3rd root canal) and well worth it. Time: @ 1 hour. Also substantial Prof. courtesy coordination ($225) with implant specialist was not charged. Thankfully given start up pain meds w/reminder card for amts and intervals. Periodontist w/latest materials. Highly skilled professional and staff ensures good result.
I just finished a root canal and crown on an upper left bicuspid. I paid $65.00 (total for five visits), while Japanese national health insurance paid for the rest. The national insurance covers the cost of a metal crown; if I had wanted a white plastic or ceramic crown, the price would have increased by $400-$700, but at my age (60) I have little reason for vanity. Can't believe America still lacks basic national health insurance.
What I don't understand is the price differences >.< BTW I had no pain. 2hr procedure, same day apt. , friendly staff. Insurance covered 50% yup 1240 total! So from what I've read way better for you than a implant which is why I opted to do this. I think this is a great way to vent, the cost was unexpected and super high(like a house payment high). ~ I hope I never need to do this again.
Posted by: golden retriever lover in Yucca Valley, CA.
Posted: January 27th, 2011 05:01PM
Which Tooth: #19, bottom left, 3rd molar
Practitioner: Dr Cummings
Had a large filling in this tooth that had been giving me twinges for some time. Tooth broke cleanly away from filling on inside of mouth while eating something soft. Dentist recommended a root canal in addition to crown. Spent 1 1/2 hours at dentist today getting root canal. Painless (so far). Need to go back in 2 weeks for crown. Pd $828 for root canal ($34 over estimate given because of additional x-rays taken). $908 for crown. $306 for prep and post for crown. I about fell over when I saw the prices, as they were about twice what I was expecting. After reading these posts, I guess they are in line with other dentists' charges.
Had a root canal yesterday because tooth had broken off- previously had a filling. I was starting to experience some pain so went in to see Dentist. Cost of the root canal was 1200 but my part was only 350.00 So paid this amount and when I go back to get the crown I will pay 400.00 (which is 50% of the total cost of the crown) ins. will pick up the rest. So total 750.00 out of pocket for the root canal and crown. Awesome Dentist!
I grind my teeth, which caused me to develop TMJ. Purchased a night guard which did wonders. Months later, I awoke with a horrible toothache, which was found to be a cracked molar. (I clinched so hard, it cracked in 2 places) The tooth was drilled & a temp crown placed. The pain got worse, so a root canal was performed. Horrible sound, horrible taste, glad its over with. I dont have insurance, so when I got the bill I almost fainted! $1100 for crown & $884 for root canal! Shouldve had it pulled!
I thought I was getting a great deal when they quoted me a price of $950...stupid me did not realize they were not including the post and crown, which I just found out will cost an additional $1500. I have two other teeth that I should also get done...it will not be happening.
Had both root canals and crowns on my two front teeth, 4 molars and two fillings for under 2400 us dollars. Sure I heard the horror stories before about Mexico and how behind they might be compare to us dentist but I was totally won and I am not the first one to go to this dentist. I am a career profesional averaging close to a six figure salary here in the us with health insurance and all this procedure was estimated by my dentist here in Santa Monica to be well over 18,000. Sorry not happening. Couldn't be happier
I paid credit, using the doctor's inhouse credit payment plan of no intrest in 6 months to get the whole procedure. From the looks of the other posts I don't think I got a good discount. More like the average price. Root canal: $788 Steel Post: $364 Crown (porcelin fused to metal): $668 x-ray: $25 Total dental visit: $1845
I recently went for a checkup to be evaluated with a treatment plan and cleaning for $99. Needless to say the total was over $8,000. Three crowns, three fillings and some cracked teeth filled. I want to focus on the painful canine right now which I received antibiotics from this dentists for. I decided to try a new approach as we are on a fixed income with no dental insurance. I am offering $400 cash for the root canal alone which he wants $826 for. Hope this works. Lets see if there is kindness out there.
I was already going to western dental for a 3000.00 implant. I had moved to another city close by and needed a root canal. I figured 600-1000 dollars. They told me it would cost 2100.00. I am an unemployed single mom of 4 kids. My son also has braces from them. They just seem to charge a whole lot of money. Obviously, people go there because they don't have insurance or limited financial means. It seems like western dental would be priced a bit more reasonable. Anyone else have this problem?
I've finally had it with the pain in my tooth and decided to go to the dentist. I'm a stay at home mom w/ no insurance or income, so I was scared of what they would charge me. I need a root canal on my left side molar, a crown rebuild and cap. They priced it a little over $2000. I wanted to cry. When I questioned others about this, they said the price was outrageous and have had others do it for less, but not in this area. What is reasonable?
I have been checking prices in MN since unemployed and uninsured and I am being quoted from 1213.00 to 1265.00 for the root canal (although U of M denistry school states 400 - 800) and the crown is being priced from 700(U of M Denistry school) to 1200.00 at dentist.
Root canal and crown with insurance $900.00 It lasted 6 months. Dentist did all that on a rotted tooth. NEVER again. I will just pull them. It is an EVIL world out there with EVIL people.
I had a prior root canal on this tooth many years ago and had to have it redone. The reason for the higher price. My dentist in Ridgecrest sent me to Palmdale. I totally trust him and his recommendation was well worth the money. My mother has dentures and hates them. I will never have them. If I end up losing a tooth I will go to implants.