How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

The costs involved in having any dental procedure performed can be a bit daunting, but you should always keep in mind that the cost of avoiding having procedures performed are always costlier, not just for your bank account, but for your overall health. Avoiding issues like root canal therapy can result in far greater and far costlier issues developing, so it is important that you take the steps necessary to address this issue as quickly as possible.

The ultimate cost of having your procedure performed will be determined by a variety of factors, including the type of tooth that needs to be addressed, the severity of your case, where you are located geographically, and what, if any type of insurance you currently have.

Where is the Tooth Located?

The location of the affected tooth is one of the biggest determinants to what the final cost of your procedure will be. Generally, your front teeth are the most affordable teeth to treat, since they only have one root. Molars, which can have up to three to four roots, are generally costlier, given how much more work is involved in treating them.

As previously stated, the ultimate cost of your procedure will also be determined by where you are located and your level of insurance, but on average, root canal costs $750 for a front tooth root canal, around $900 for a premolar, and $1,100 for a molar.

How Severe is the Decay?

The severity of the decay is another important factor in determining the costs of your procedure. The greater the decay, the more likely the procedure will cost more. This is one of the primary reasons it is important to visit your dentist as soon as you begin feeling any sensitivity in your mouth, because doing so can help address an issue early, which means the less money you need to spend on correcting the issue.'

Is This Retreatment for an Old Root Canal?

Another major factor in the overall cost of your procedure is whether this is a tooth receiving its first root canal or if this is retreatment of a tooth that previously had a root canal procedure performed. The associated costs are higher to retreat a tooth that has previous ly had a root canal, because this requires the added step of reopening the filling and cleaning the canals before performing the procedure.

A root canal may fail for a variety of reasons, but the most common reasons are that the original tooth failed to heal properly, either because of a fracture or infection that developed.

Does My Insurance Cover the Costs?

The majority of dental plans cover a portion of the costs associated with a root canal, but it is important to discuss your coverage with your dentist so you know what to expect.

If you are currently not covered by dental insurance, talk to your dentist to see if they offer financing plans and/or if there are any local federally funded programs to help cover some of the costs associated.

Learn More About Root Canals : Does a Root Canal Hurt? Is there Pain?