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 |  | Front Tooth: $300-$1,500 |  | Bicuspid: $400-$1,800 |  | Molar: $500-$2,000 |
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Root canal therapy involves the soft inner core of a tooth, called the pulp. Running like a thread from near the top of the tooth down through its root, the pulp provides the tooth with nutrients and nerves. If the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. Without treatment, the surrounding tissue becomes infected and abscesses can form.
Typical costs: | - 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.
Related articles: Dental Crown, Dental Implants, Dental Veneers, Tooth Extraction, Teeth Cleaning
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What should be included: | - 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[1] 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[2] .
Additional costs: | - 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.
Discounts: | - The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research lists tips for finding low-cost dental care[3] .
- Dental school clinics[4] may offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty.
Shopping for a root canal: | - 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[5] or for an endodontist through the American Association of Endodontists[6] .
- WedMD lists factors to consider when choosing a dentist[7] .
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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.
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As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Posted by: Brandon Conley in Ball Ground, GA. | Posted: September 26th, 2023 07:09AM |
| Which Tooth: Wisdom and molar | Practitioner: Coal mountain dental |
Glad to see I was completely ripped off. I paid $3600 for extraction of 1 wisdom tooth (came out with no issue) and a root canal with porcelain crown. She also wanted to charge me $1300 for a filling on another molar. That's what everyone else is paying for a root canal |
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| Posted by: a user in Mifflinburg, PA. | Posted: July 28th, 2021 06:07AM |
| Which Tooth: 18 | Practitioner: Central PA Endodontics |
Total cost of my root canal was $1119, which quite surprised me, so I am glad to find this site to compare prices, and it no longer seems so outrageous, especially because mine was a challenging case and lengthy with (I think) all 4 roots performed. I think because I had no idea exactly what would be performed and no idea of the cost. The bill is not itemized and only lists the full amount. Unfortunately, there is such a lack of dental care and appointment options in my area that I really couldn't shop around. Insurance covered a portion, but this is root canal only and not follow up with my dentist for crown. However, I know that the procedure was done well and have confidence in the work. Hope this info helps someone else as everyone else's has helped me. Best wishes for your dental health! Thanks! |
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| Posted by: ECF in pittsburgh, PA. | Posted: July 8th, 2021 06:07PM |
| Which Tooth: #29 | Practitioner: innovative endodontics |
995 + fil 25 + consultation 65= 1085
Smile program discount 217
cost $868 |
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| Posted by: ED NYC in NEW YORK, NY. | Posted: July 11th, 2019 10:07AM |
| Which Tooth: 2 ROOT CANALS AND MANY FILLINGS | Practitioner: COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER |
There are over 250 federal community health centers and all do dental work and basic primary
medical care for free or at very low cost.
I have been using a federal community health center for 4 years.
The first year I paid $500 for 2 root canals.
For the last 4 years I have paid nothing!!!
(obama care). All fees are what you can afford
so bring your tax return and that is used to set
your fees. If you have insurance they will charge your insurance co. Shop around for the
center that offers the most services, so just do
fillings. ASK DO YOU DO ROOT CANALS BEFORE GOING
TO THE CENTER LOCATION!!!! ANY CENTER THAT DOES ROOT CANALS, DOES COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL WORK
OTHERWISE FOR COMPLEX WORK THEY WILL REFER YOU
OUT TO A LOCAL DENTIST!!! THAT IS NOT WHAT YOU
WANT. YOU WANT A CENTER THAT OVER THE PHONE OR ON THEIR WEB SITE SAYS THEY DO ROOT CANALS!!! |
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| Posted by: Adopted Buckeye in Toledo, OH. | Posted: March 6th, 2019 04:03AM |
| Which Tooth: molar | Practitioner: |
Price was for an x-ray and root canal only. Spent another $200 at my regular dentist to place permanent filling |
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| Posted by: SeekingAnswers in Murrieta, CA. | Posted: October 15th, 2017 11:10AM |
| Which Tooth: Wisdom tooth on lower right | Practitioner: Andy Endodontist |
The crowned twice and RCed tooth (20 years ago) began to feel high. It was hard to chew on it. Was sent to Endodontist who took X-rays and panoramic X-rays. Tooth looked OK to me. He filed down high spots on tooth. Said he would do 2nd root canal, even though it looked OK. No guarantee it would stop irritation in tooth. Charged me $280 for X-rays I went home w/o $1400 root canal. Other experiences? |
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| Posted by: Will82 in Charleston, MO. | Posted: August 11th, 2017 11:08AM |
| Which Tooth: Rear upper molar | Practitioner: |
Spent nothing and got appointment in 2 hours at one of the top endodontist in Charleston SC. Very surprised since I'm in the military. |
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| Posted by: Jay Michael in Livonia, MI. | Posted: April 15th, 2017 08:04AM |
| Which Tooth: Not Sure | Practitioner: |
Mom has no dental insurance, so pays "cash" to her dentist for each visit. She recently had to have a root canal re-done...and as a "Cash Payor" here bill was $1100. Just wondering what the total allowed cost would have been, had she had insurance. Normally Ins Companies make the dentist accept what they will pay. Just wondering if my Mom is being "over charged" because she is a cash customer |
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| Posted by: Jay Michael in Livon, MI. | Posted: April 15th, 2017 08:04AM |
| Which Tooth: Not Sure | Practitioner: |
Mom has no dental insurance, so pays "cash" to her dentist for each visit. She recently had to have a root canal re-done...and as a "Cash Payor" here bill was $1100. Just wondering what the total allowed cost would have been, had she had insurance. Normally Ins Companies make the dentist accept what they will pay. Just wondering if my Mom is being "over charged" because she is a cash customer |
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| Posted by: Sherry Powell in Marietta, GA. | Posted: April 7th, 2017 05:04AM |
| Which Tooth: 41 (bottom rt molar | Practitioner: coastal dental |
to Dentist, had xrays, not digital told I needed root canal. Was quoted 2300 for root canal. Was in considerable pain. Referred to their endodonist, but couldn't get to me for 10 days. Dentist gave me 10 pills of Tramadol. No antibiotics. Waiting 10 days so long in pain, I asked if anyone could see me sooner. No, but they called another they sometime worked with, & they couldn't see me any sooner except for a consult of $125.00 I could get the next day, but no root canal work any sooner then 10 days!. So, I left dentist with less $ in my pocket with only 10 pain pills & left to find another endodonist. No follow-thru for their patient, but they were paid for what service they did provide. I am now out trying to get quickly to an endodonist. |
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| Posted by: Jandy in Port Saint Lucie, FL. | Posted: February 21st, 2017 12:02PM |
| Which Tooth: Upper bicuspid | Practitioner: Endodontist and DMD |
Referred by my DMD to an edodontist who charged me $1100. Left with a temporary filling. Returned to DMD to change temp. to permanent. DMD charged me another $195. Why?!
Dental repair is outrageously costly. Whatever happened to senior discounts, fairness to those who struggle. A statement, not a question. |
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| Posted by: Robert Fox in Brentwood, TN. | Posted: February 10th, 2017 03:02PM |
| Which Tooth: Bicuspid | Practitioner: Dr. Hicks |
Very professional. Took about 45 minutes. Some pain as he approached root but additional aenesthetic took care of it.. seems very expensive to me. Took about 45 minutes.. he must make a boatload of $$! |
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| Posted by: Kammy in Anchorage, AK. | Posted: January 13th, 2017 10:01AM |
| Which Tooth: bottom back tooth | Practitioner: Glacier Dental, Anchorage, AK |
I was in the Army and they give me a filling on the top of the cavities. 3 years later my tooth started to hurts. Went to Glacier Dental got a root canal and Dentist found cavities under the tooth, of course. Luckily I had 2 insurance. I end up paying $67 out of pocket. The staff is so nice. I was there about 2 1/2 hours on January 2017. |
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| Posted by: a user in Scottsdale, AZ. | Posted: August 1st, 2016 11:08AM |
| Which Tooth: 20 | Practitioner: Sid Stevens |
First started with a check up at another dentist who reported a cavity. Had that filled for $285.00. Within a few days started to pain. Was not satisfied with practitioner so went to Dr. Stevens who performed root canal $699 with crown and build up $1335. Not happy about the prior dentist's findings or this outcome since no cavity on #20 reported a few months prior at a cleaning. The dental industry is way out of control in pricing. In an industry where persons should want to help people have a good bite in order to sustain eating and a healthy smile, this is often not the case. Kudos to other geographic locations where pricing is reasonable. Sad to say that I have spent thousands in the past trying to save a tooth, only to lose it a few years later. Nothing like throwing money away especially when you are not a person who can afford to do that. |
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| Posted by: In pain. in Lantana, FL. | Posted: June 8th, 2016 09:06AM |
| Which Tooth: #14 | Practitioner: Healthy Smiles |
Phase 1: Root canal $800.
Phase 2: Crown buildup $150.
Phase 2: Crown porcelain $700. |
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| Posted by: MattM in Omaha, NE. | Posted: March 22nd, 2016 06:03AM |
| Which Tooth: Just behind upper left canine | Practitioner: |
Drilled through the crown to redo root canal due to last bit of root apparently wasn't cleared in previous root canal 10 years ago. Procedure was fine. Cost was ridiculous, then, before I could get in to get a permanent filling in the crown, the crown broke! Now I get to pay for another crown. Dental insurance maxed out with a single tooth due to earlier procedure done incorrectly and oral surgeon that broke existing crown. |
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| Posted by: root canal non performance fee question in vermont, VT. | Posted: February 20th, 2016 09:02AM |
the endondontist specialist group here has few choices. Both of them charge hefty fee $500 if after consultation the specialist declines or thinks he/she cannot complete the procedure! has anyone run into this or does it just occur to non insured people? where does this leave the patient? I was told: you can usually make an appt at an oral surgeon for an extraction, but not there of course. more money for a dentist. shouldn't this be illegal? however, general traditional dentists here do not charge a non completion fee. The dentist specialty racket should be required to post fees. Even a local garage will do that. vermont. |
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| Posted by: Ohio dude in Columbus, OH. | Posted: January 26th, 2016 10:01AM |
| Which Tooth: mid molar | Practitioner: Oak Creek Dental Ohio |
$2250 with insurance paying $750. The tooth already had one root canal but it got an infection so they want to do another one. I'm wondering if extraction would be better. I'm over 60. |
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| Posted by: BUR in West Covina, CA. | Posted: January 7th, 2016 04:01AM |
| Which Tooth: Molar | Practitioner: Newport Dentistry 2016 |
They offered no discount for paying cash. I also asked for a quote dentures , root canal and repair (cosmetically ) two front teeth . They asked for 13,000. Dentures NOT dental implants |
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| Posted by: LiSA Roy in Houston, TX. | Posted: December 11th, 2015 07:12AM |
| Which Tooth: Mid Mouth tooth | Practitioner: Endonotics |
I paid out of pocket after insurance 846.00, now I was told the bone crack completely, so I had to have emergency extractions. I was told I would receive a refund since the root canal was incomplete. How much is the average cost of an incomplete root canal |
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| Posted by: Mr. Ed in Ponta de Lagado, Other. | Posted: November 20th, 2015 03:11AM |
| Which Tooth: 30 | Practitioner: CSG dental Clinic |
Just had this done yesterday, in PDL Azores. This place is top notch.(much better than the dentists I've seen in Boston) The dentist spent 1 hour removing the roots cost including 4 or 5x-rays to make sure the entire roots were removed. I'm from Boston Massachusetts where cost would have been about $1,000. I week before ths visit, i had an initial consult and cavity filled for $55. |
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| Posted by: David Rodriguez in San Luis Obispo, CA. | Posted: November 19th, 2015 09:11PM |
| Which Tooth: #14 | Practitioner: Lloyd marcum |
Expensive for one hour of work. |
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| Posted by: nongnuj somvong in Falls Church, VA. | Posted: September 12th, 2015 06:09PM |
| Which Tooth: #15 and #19 | Practitioner: Dr. David Palmieri,Virginia |
Very expensive, they didn't want to tell you the price before start to do root canal. It took 30 mins. and cost so much. Matter of fact he had done the wrong tooth. The Universal number that referring to particular teeth doesn't mean anything if that doctor in hurry or greedy or didn't pay attention about what did he see in Ex-ray. General dentist referred to have # 15 and # 19 for root canal. I don't know what number he did but it was not the one that I have pain and General dentist told me that one must have root canal. After I had root canal , I still num all over until after 6 hours I just noticed that he had done root canal to the wrong teeth. I called doctor that had done root canal he said that was the right number. I don't care about the number but the tooth that I had problem still untouch and they didn't want to admitted that was wrong tooth they just said # 19, of course in the paper said # 19 but he actaully did root canal on another tooth. very funny and pity. |
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| Posted by: Ann H. in Santa Clarita, CA. | Posted: September 1st, 2015 01:09PM |
| Which Tooth: PreMolar Bicuspid-Upper | Practitioner: General Dentist |
Only one root on this upper tooth so fee was $798 plus $165 for the filling. It was the most simple RC type they said. (This tooth already has a crown so it was drilled into and then resealed) Insurance covered 558.60 for root canal and 115.50 for filling (filling is a separate cost). My share was 30% since this dentist is not in my PPO. He was quick, efficient, and the RC was painless including the injections. RC was performed yesterday at 5:00 p.m. and this morning I felt fantastic. (The dental office phoned me this morning to see how I was doing, and this is a new dentist.) I took 2 ibuprofen before I left the dentist office for impending soreness. Never needed the pain meds prescription they gave me. My cheek area was still numb at 9:00 p.m. yesterday. But I was still able to eat dinner and some tortilla chips! |
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| Posted by: Anxiety Gone in Manhattan Beach, CA. | Posted: August 5th, 2015 04:08PM |
| Which Tooth: #6 and #9 | Practitioner: Manhattan Dental Esthetics |
I had two root canals done. Each one costs $1425 (root canal $1195 and $230 for the buildup). My insurance paid 60% because the office is not part of the "network." However, I only had $744 remaining of my $1000/year insurance. I will go back in a few weeks to add more injury to my wallet when I get the crowns. The crowns for each tooth will cost $1800. That's a total of $3225 per tooth. The procedure was surprisingly painless and even pleasant. The dentist was very gentle and talked the whole time to his assistant about what he was doing next. He made sure I was completely numb before proceeding. I was happy that my veneers on the teeth were left intact. |
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| Posted by: Herb in Natick, MA. | Posted: June 6th, 2015 03:06AM |
| Which Tooth: 15 | Practitioner: Wellesley Endodontics |
Paid $1,500! for the root canal on tooth 15 and just got estimate from my dentist for another $2.000 for the Crowne which is another 2 visits + another bill for the initial X-ray. I live in Massachusetts but now may want to move to another state over oversea just to get a fair price |
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| Posted by: KaiKai's Mom in Kailua, O'ahu, HI. | Posted: June 2nd, 2015 01:06AM |
| Which Tooth: 14-Left Upper back molar | Practitioner: Dr. Aime Kim |
With insurance cost me $276 I was not happy paying it, but after reading about the other costs, guess it wasn't to bad. Procedure was long...more complex then initially thought, it was uncomfortable but bearable. Endo was personable and caring...highly touted in my area for being THE place to get quality root canals! Lol! Next is a crown...my dental office quoted around $600-$800...WITH insurance. This is new insurance and I have a year wait period which sucks for the crown. I paid about $170 for a composite (temporary) restoration to the tooth and I hope I save enough for it by then. I also need a dental implant on one of my lower molars, but I think I'll opt for the bridge...if I barely have enough for the crown, I sure won't have enough for the implant over $2000 with insurance. |
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| Posted by: Chief in Moreno Valley, CA. | Posted: March 18th, 2015 12:03PM |
| Which Tooth: #21 | Practitioner: Moreno Valley Endodontics |
Split root was a little longer than most but only took 90 mins. Painless and simple. |
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| Posted by: Little insurance in Sheldon, IA. | Posted: March 17th, 2015 11:03AM |
| Which Tooth: back molar | Practitioner: Sheldon Family Dental Clinic |
The procedure itself wasn't horrible, really no pain..took about 90 minutes. I do think the cost is a little high...don't have good insurance. $500 maximum per year and I've already had my checkout come out of that. With the crown, I'm guessing I'll easily have about $1200 out of pocket expense. My tooth wasn't infected...lost the crown with too much tooth attached. Other than pulling the tooth, you really have little choice. Wish dental procedures were included with medical insurance |
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| Posted by: Belinda in mt. kisco, NY. | Posted: February 19th, 2015 12:02PM |
| Which Tooth: 18 | Practitioner: |
I just had a root canal. Out of pocket I paid $130 for the procedure and $640 for the crown. |
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| Posted by: mimi1964 in cullman, AL. | Posted: February 16th, 2015 01:02PM |
| Which Tooth: #14 | Practitioner: |
I haven't had my root canal yet but I'm going tomorrow at 9:00a.m. As for people complaining about the high cost they have a right to complain. I believe that dentist and doctors far too often charge an outlandish price for what they do. Yes, the cost of living has gone up, while the quality of things remains the same. IE... gas is still made like it was 20 yrs. ago, however we pay far more for it. Quiet a ridiculous amount and it doesn't take any more people to produce said gas than it did 20 yrs. ago. Point taken. People raise prices to pad there pockets but the fact remains you can not take money with you when you leave this old world. It is left here to pay your bills or to your family. So case in point why drive up prices so high that insurance companies do not cover all the cost of the procedure. And yes I can say these things... I am a nurse who hasn't had a raise in over 3 yrs. quiet sad isn't it. I take care of people like you every day. |
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| Posted by: noel baratta in Naples, NJ. | Posted: January 20th, 2015 05:01PM |
| Which Tooth: #14 | Practitioner: |
4 roots were done through my crown. The crown was filled but will need to be replaced |
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| Posted by: Love the Blues in Chicago (Niles), IL. | Posted: December 29th, 2014 02:12PM |
| Which Tooth: 14 | Practitioner: Dr Brett Gilbert |
No insurance - Referred by General Dentist - three appointment process - evaluation, initial procedure (a week ago) & completion (today) after a week of antibiotics to get rid of infection. He was very competent, administered local anesthetic without even feeling the shot, minimal pain until the infection broke out day after 1st procedure but the antibiotic quickly controlleed that. I guess I paid a premium but I think it was woth it to get it done right. Now the crown and more money! |
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| Posted by: Eryn Arnold in fallbrook, CA. | Posted: December 3rd, 2014 01:12PM |
| Which Tooth: Mid molar upper right side | Practitioner: |
Right no pain, ok. I went in at 8am was done at noon. Where are you people going that they finish in 20 minutes? Wow.Insane cost 2,900.00 bucks. My "full coverage" dental insurance paid 2000.00. Hope my kids understand why they will get no gifts for Christmas. How do you wrap a tooth? |
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External Resources: | - www.mayoclinic.com/health/root-canal/DE00010
- www.aae.org/Search.aspx
- www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/popularpublications/findinglowcostdentalcare/
- www.ada.org/267.aspx
- www.mouthhealthy.org/en/find-a-dentist.aspx
- www.aae.org/Patients/Find.aspx
- www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/finding-dentist
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