A root canal can stop the tooth pain that’s making you miserable. Knowing the root canal cost is important, however, because you’ll probably have to pay at least part of it. Your out-of-pocket root canal cost depends on several factors, and your dentist or endodontist will provide the exact amount you’ll need to pay, barring any unforeseen complications. But first, let's talk about what a root canal is.
A root canal is a dental procedure done by a general dentist or a specialist known as an endodontist. It cleans out an infection of the dental pulp to try to save the natural tooth. Infections of the pulp, located in the center of the tooth, are possible if there's damage, such as cavities, to the tooth.
During a root canal, the dentist or endodontist numbs the affected area and places a dental dam, or protective sheet, on the tooth to keep the area dry. They create a pinhole at the crown of the tooth and use very small instruments to clean out the root canal. They fill the space with a special filling known as gutta-percha to prevent future infections. A permanent filling closes the pinhole after the procedure.
A root canal procedure can cause the tooth to become brittle. Placing a dental crown on the tooth helps strengthen it and prevent future problems. It also improves the appearance of the tooth. When you're fully healed from the root canal, your general dentist will fit the crown to your tooth. The cost of the crown is separate from the root canal cost.
There are several factors that can affect root canal cost. One of the primary factors is whether you have insurance coverage for it or not. You can expect to pay more if you don’t have insurance. You’ll also pay more if you need to see an endodontist to have the procedure done. Some general dentists will do root canals in the office, which can be less expensive.
Other factors that affect root canal cost include:
While it’s not a direct cost of the root canal, the type of restoration you choose will increase the overall root canal cost. A dental crown for one tooth averages $500 to $1,500 if the dentist uses a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. Metal crowns and all-porcelain crowns can be much more expensive. A metal crown that’s made of gold alloy can cost up to $2,500. An all-porcelain crown can cost upwards of $3,000.
If your insurance doesn't cover the cost of a root canal, you can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $1,600 for the procedure. The cost varies from dentist to dentist and may be more expensive in a large city compared to a small town. A front tooth is typically the least expensive, while a molar is the most expensive. This range of costs is without anything extra.
If you have insurance that covers a root canal, you will still have an out-of-pocket expense. Some dental policies charge a flat-rate co-pay for the procedure. Insurance companies will pay around 50% to 70% of the root canal cost, depending on the classification of the procedure. Most insurance companies have a maximum benefit they'll pay, which is often $1,000 to $1,500 per year for all dental work. You'll have to pay for the remaining cost and potentially a co-pay and/or a deductible. Contact your insurance company to find out what type of coverage you have and what you should expect to pay.
The only alternative to a root canal is a tooth extraction because the tooth will continue to decay without treatment. The dentist numbs the area around the tooth, loosens it with a special tool, then removes the tooth. The area will bleed for a while, and you'll need to follow your dentist's instructions about keeping a gauze pad or other material on it. Healing takes up to two weeks for a tooth extraction.
Generally, tooth extraction is less expensive than a root canal. Simple tooth extractions can cost anywhere from $75 to $200 per tooth. An impacted tooth, which means it's stuck in the gum or bone without having broken through the gum line, can cost upwards of $600.
The decision between root canal therapy and tooth extraction should be made with your dentist and based on what's best for you. A root canal saves a natural tooth, which will look as good as new once the crown is in place. Some people choose a tooth extraction because it’s less expensive. However, a missing tooth may cause the surrounding teeth to shift and cause problems later on. That's why it's best to discuss all the options and the pros and cons of each procedure with your dentist.
Regardless of which option you choose, remember you also need to factor in the cost of the restorative work you’ll need after the root canal procedure. It can increase the cost considerably, but it's crucial to preserve your beautiful smile and ensure you have a proper bite.
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