How Much Is a Root Canal?

When your dentist tells you that you may need a root canal, you probably aren’t too thrilled at the thought. However, in many cases a root canal treatment can be the one solution to persistent tooth pain or infection. 

Root canals are nonsurgical procedures during which a dentist removes infected pulp and bacteria from inside the tooth. The main goal is to preserve the natural tooth — that avoids extraction.

If you’re unfamiliar with root canals, you probably have lots of questions: 

• How painful is a root canal?
• How long does a root canal take?
• What’s the healing like after a root canal procedure?
• How much is a root canal?

That last question is a major one. You might think about the damage that paying for a root canal treatment could do to your wallet. 

But before you worry about the price, you have to consider a few things. While not as expensive as some dental procedures — like braces, veneers, oral surgery or dentures — root canals vary in cost depending on a variety of factors. 

In this blog, we’ll focus on the treatment area, your insurance coverage and whether you’ll also get a crown.

[Related: Your Guide to Endodontic CT Scans]

How Much Is a Root Canal on a Molar, Bicuspid or Front Tooth?

So, about how much is a root canal out of pocket?

Depending on what type of tooth your dentist treats, you could end up paying more or less. In fact, the location of the infected tooth is perhaps the greatest factor in answering that question.

Teeth in the front of your mouth are less expensive to treat with a root canal because they’re much easier for dentists to access. The further back you go, the more expensive a root canal treatment becomes. 

Authority Dental reports these average primary root canal costs for different types of teeth (as of 2023):

• Anterior tooth (front tooth): $1,000 (ranging from $700 to $1,700)
• Bicuspid tooth/premolar: $1,100 (ranging from $800 to $1,800)
• Molar tooth: $1,300 (ranging from $850 to $2,100)

If your first treatment is unsuccessful, you may have to return to your endodontist’s office for a retreatment. On average, retreatments cost $100 to $200 more than initial treatments.

How Much Is a Root Canal With Insurance?

One main factor to take into account when considering the cost of a root canal treatment is whether you have insurance — and what your insurance ultimately covers. Some insurance plans reimburse you for a portion of the cost of your dental visits, occasionally up to 80%. 

However, because dental appointments can be quite expensive, you may reach your yearly maximum on what your insurance provider covers. If that happens early in the year, you might have to pay out of pocket for the rest of your dental treatments for the following months.

Some offices accept healthcare credit providers like CareCredit. Make sure to research your endodontist ahead of time. You might call and speak with someone at your dentist’s office to see whether they work with your insurance, accept healthcare credit cards or offer any sort of payment plan. 

So, how much is a root canal out of pocket? To get a good idea, request a quote or estimate before your appointment. 

[Related: 5 Signs You May Need Endodontic Surgery]

How Much Is a Root Canal and Crown?

If the tooth your dentist treats is a molar, you may have to get an additional crown treatment. A crown, which protects the tooth’s structure from recontamination, can require an extra visit or two. 

During the first appointment, your dentist fits your tooth for a crown and sends you home with a temporary structure. At your next appointment, they fit the crown permanently to the tooth. 

This extra work for final restoration costs more — on top of the base cost of the initial root canal. According to Authority Dental, the average price of a crown (in 2023) is about $1,300 (ranging from $800 to $2,500).

Other Considerations

Here are a few other factors that might affect the final cost of your root canal:

• Whether you go in for an emergency or same-day dental appointment 
• The type of practice you visit
• Where you live

Contact Cascadia Dental Specialists Today!

Stay on top of your dental health by practicing good daily oral hygiene and getting regular exams and cleanings. 

If you’re suffering tooth pain and think you may need a root canal treatment, contact Cascadia Dental Specialists today.

We’ll give you more information on root canals, and you can contact us here to schedule an appointment!
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