How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

Getting dental care doesn't just help you maintain a bright smile. It's important to your overall health. When left untreated, minor issues can progress to severe problems. For example, cavities, chips, or cracks in teeth can lead to tooth infections when unfilled. Root canals fix this problem, removing infected tissue to minimize damage and help you get back to good health. Below, we'll explain how root canals work and cover some factors that can impact this procedure's cost.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected pulp, the innermost tooth layer, from the tooth's interior. Here is how the procedure works:¹

• Pre-procedure testing: The dentist may perform several tests to determine if the tooth is infected. This can involve tapping on the tooth to test for sensitivity, performing electric pulp tests (EPTs) to see if the pulp reacts, and examining gums for swelling.


• Root canal scheduling: You'll schedule a separate appointment if a root canal is needed.


• Appling anesthesia: Your provider applies local anesthesia to numb surrounding gums and teeth, minimizing discomfort. Medications are available for patients with dental anxiety.


• Dental dam: Thin pieces of flexible rubber will be placed over surrounding teeth and gums to keep them dry during the procedure.


• Removing the pulp: The dentist drills a small hole in the tooth crown. They'll use small instruments to remove the pulp's blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues. Next, it's time to clean and disinfect the pulp and root canals within your tooth.


• Filling the inner tooth and placing the temporary filling: The dentist places a rubbery dental material in the root canals and pulp chamber. Then, they'll guard the inner tooth against bacteria with a temporary filling.


• Placing the dental crown: The dentist places a crown on the tooth to protect the inner layer and restore normal function.

How much is a root canal treatment?

Root canal costs can vary widely, generally between $700 and $2,100. Generally speaking, average costs increase the further back in your mouth the tooth is. Here are some average costs for teeth in different mouth sections:²

Does dental insurance cover root canals?

Dental insurance typically helps cover root canals since these procedures are medically necessary. Most plans cover 40% to 80% of the cost of root canal procedures, potentially subject to annual maximums.³ You may also have to meet a deductible or pay copays or coinsurance. Plans with more coverage tend to charge higher premiums. Some plans may have waiting periods, meaning you may have to wait a specified number of months after getting the policy before your coverage is active.

Factors that can affect the cost of a root canal

The cost of a root canal varies widely based on several factors:⁴

The tooth's location

Root canal costs increase the further back in your mouth the tooth is, since teeth that are further back can complicate the procedure.² Molars cost the most, followed by bicuspid teeth. Front teeth cost the least since they are the easiest to access.

Type of dental specialist

Endodontists are dentists who specialize in the tooth's pulp. They have additional schooling and experience in this area of dentistry. So, endodontists may charge more for root canals than general dentists. However, the extra reassurance of receiving specialist treatment may be worth the additional costs for some patients.

Emergency vs. scheduled root canal

Emergency root canals, designed to address more severe pain or infections, generally cost more than one scheduled beforehand for a few reasons:

• Complexity: Emergency root canals may have more advanced problems, requiring more extensive and complicated treatment.


• Lack of prep time: The dentist does not have a chance to perform preparatory work, such as pre-root-canal tests. This may cause the procedure to go longer, resulting in higher fees.


• Immediacy: Accommodating emergency appointments can be more challenging for providers, so they may have to charge more.


• After-hours: You may pay additional fees if the procedure happens outside the office's business hours.

Meanwhile, scheduled root canals may cost less since the dentist can prepare adequately and book you at a regular time.

Your dental insurance policy

Your dental insurance policy can substantially impact the coverage you get for root canals and the amount you pay out of pocket. For instance, comprehensive plans with higher premiums may cover most costs, requiring you to make up only a small portion plus any deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Meanwhile, lower-cost plans, such as dental discount plans, may only cover a small portion. These plans cost less to maintain but won't cover as much of the root canal's cost.

Your location

Dentists may charge more if they operate in areas with high living costs, such as urban areas, to stay in business. This means you may pay more for the same level of care in a city compared to a more rural area. However, urban areas may have more providers nearby, so you essentially pay for access to more options.

Local laws and regulations related to business operations, dental care, and insurance can also impact your costs. States with tighter regulations and higher standards may result in more expensive root canal procedures.