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The Cost of a Root Canal

Two of the most painful words in the English language are "root canal." Advances in dentistry, however, have taken the pain out of the procedure. Unfortunately, the pain in the pocketbook remains. How much you have to pay depends on the location of the tooth, the location of the patient and the severity of the problem.

  1. Which Tooth Matters

    • Root canals for front teeth range from $350 to $700 and up to $1,000 for molars. Front teeth are easier to access and have only one canal that needs to be treated. Molars have three or more canals, some of which can be difficult to locate.

    Going to a Specialist

    • If your condition is not too severe, your own dentist may be able to perform the root canal. However, if the infection is particularly serious or the site of the problem is difficult to access, the dentist may recommend that you see an endodontist, who may charge 30 to 50 percent more. The extra fee could save you money in the long run, as you will be less likely to require further treatment to catch problems that should have been resolved the first time around.

    Where You Live

    • Fees can vary widely, even by as much as 30 percent in the same area. As a rule of thumb, costs are higher in major metropolitan areas than in rural communities. They also correspond to the general cost of living, so would be higher in, say, California and New York than in Iowa and Mississippi.

    Insurance

    • Dental insurance could save you 30 percent or more on the cost of a root canal. Check plans for premiums, deductibles, extent of coverage, restrictions for preexisting conditions and participating doctors. If you are not eligible for an employee dental plan, you can compare companies online at such sites as dentalplans.com and dentalinsurancesavings.com.

    Discounted Dental Care

    • Check with your state's dental society about options for discounted care (see Resources). You may also obtain cheaper treatment at a dental college (also see Resources).

    Additional Costs

    • In addition to a root canal, you may need to have the tooth itself capped (or crowned). The cost of that procedure can run from $500 to $3,000. Be sure to ask your dentist about all the costs that could be associated with the root canal procedure and which ones may be covered by insurance.

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