How Much Is a Root Canal?
Large cavities, decay, and damaged teeth often require root canal procedures to eliminate harmful bacteria beneath the gums and restore your oral health. This procedure can be critical to your overall wellness and shouldn’t be delayed. So, how much is a root canal?
The cost of a root canal will vary depending on several elements, but we can offer a general price range with and without insurance to get you started.
What factors affect the cost of a root canal?
In addition to your geographic location, a number of factors may affect the overall cost of a root canal. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Condition of the tooth
A severely infected tooth, abscess, or significant tooth decay can increase the complexity of care and make your root canal more expensive. The sooner you address tooth pain or decay, the more affordable your treatment should be.
Where the tooth is located
Performing a root canal on a tooth deeper within the mouth is often more challenging than working on a more exposed front tooth. The structural complexity of back teeth is also higher than front teeth, leading to more intricate root canal procedures and higher costs.
Number of roots treated
Larger teeth, like molars, have more roots than smaller front teeth, meaning a greater chance of infection and other complications. When additional tooth roots are affected, you can expect a higher bill at the end of your procedure.
Insurance coverage
Dental insurance can drastically impact the affordability of your root canal. Depending on your plan, your provider may cover 50% to 80% (or more!) of your treatment.
Follow-up treatments
Many root canals prepare the tooth to receive a permanent crown, which protects the tooth and gum tissue from further damage. Most of these procedures require a follow-up visit to your dentist or surgeon at a later date to receive this crown. The material used for your crown will also affect your total costs.
Additionally, teeth that have already undergone root canals will require more costly procedures down the line if new infections appear.
How much is a root canal with insurance?
On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $750 when covered by insurance. This range can vary based on several factors, including:
Insurance coverage variations
When you sign up for an insurance plan, you should receive a document outlining your benefits. This paperwork tells you the percentage the provider will cover for various dental services and procedures. Most plans cover 50% to 80% of the costs for a root canal, and you’re responsible for paying the remainder.
Location of the tooth
Here’s a general estimate for the price of a root canal with 50% insurance coverage:
Front teeth: $350 to $1,000
Premolars: $400 to $900
Molars: $500 to $1,000 or more
Policy stipulations
Before scheduling your root canal, you’ll want to ensure that your dentist, endodontist, or oral surgeon is in-network with your insurance company, as they may not reimburse out-of-network providers at all for treatment. Other policy stipulations include deductibles, annual maximums, and waiting periods for costly procedures like root canals.
How much is a root canal without insurance?
Without dental insurance, a root canal will typically cost about double what you’d pay with coverage. Let’s take a closer look at the factors affecting root canal prices.
Type of tooth being treated
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a root canal without dental insurance coverage:
Front teeth: $700 to $1,500
Premolars: $800 to $1,800
Molars: $850 to $2,000 or more
Severity of infection
The extent of your infection will also play a major role in the cost of your root canal. When a hole first appears in a tooth, a filling may be the only step necessary to resolve the issue, but an untreated cavity can expose the nerve and cause the area to become incredibly sensitive. As the infection progresses, it affects not only the tooth pulp but also the surrounding gums.
If left untreated, the infection can eat away at your jawbone, leading to eventual tooth loss. At this point, the condition is beyond restoration.
Geographic location
Dental clinics in big cities and high-cost-of-living areas generally charge more for a root canal than offices in other locations. If you’re uninsured, consider inquiring with clinics in more economical communities within driving distance.
Learn more about your root canal options at Coral Reef Dental!
A root canal is more than an aesthetic procedure to save a visible tooth. Many times, it’s a last-ditch effort to restore your oral health and preserve the integrity of your jaw. A root canal can be an emergency, and if you’re in pain, you shouldn’t put off this procedure.
At Coral Reef Dental, we’re happy to work out a payment plan that fits into your budget. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can put a smile back on your face!