The cost of root canal treatment depends on a number of factors, including the tooth affected and the type of dental practice you see. Check whether your procedure is performed in a general or specialist clinic and what type of insurance (if any) you may have. (Specialists may charge more than general dentists.)
Insured root canal costs
The total cost of those with insurance depends on other factors, such as location, their specific insurance coverage and whether the dentist is an in-network provider, said Steffan Scherer, an endodontist at Full Smile Endodontics in Amarillo, Texas. In-network providers have contracted with your insurance company to provide medical services, usually at negotiated or discounted rates.
Often, root canals require multiple appointments. Ghaznia Khan, a general dentist in Fort Worth, Texas, said the length of the procedure depends on the severity of the infection.
“Usually, we can go into the tooth and clear the nerve with a series of drugs, which kills the fibers and removes infectious bacteria,” she said. “It’s a procedure with minimal drilling and minimal pressure. You really shouldn’t feel pain after the anesthesia.”
Depending on your insurance status, you may be required to pay a copay as a percentage of your total bill, depending on your insurance plan. With insurance, you can expect to pay the following rates:
- Front teeth: $200- $1,100
- Bicuspid (middle mouth): $200-$1,250
- Molars: $300-$1,472
“The total cost can range from $500 to over $1,000 depending on your situation,” said Ryan Tyng, DMD, Crossroads Family Dentistry, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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Root canal costs without insurance
If you don’t have dental insurance, you may pay more for a root canal. The cost of being uninsured varies depending on the extent of the procedure. According to the ADA Dental Cost Survey, the average cost of uninsured root canal treatment ranges from:
- Front teeth: $620 to $1,100
- Bifang (middle mouth): $705 to $1,250
- Moore: $870 to $1,472
Other factors, such as your location, may also come into play. For example, if you live in New York City, you may pay more for a root canal than someone in a rural Iowa town. Additional charges may also apply, such as X-rays or crowns needed to complete the procedure. Many root canals require a crown to protect the tooth, which adds to the overall cost.