Breaking Down the Root Canal Cost in 2023
Dental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and when issues arise, seeking prompt and effective treatment becomes paramount. Among the various dental procedures, root canals stand out as a common intervention to alleviate pain and preserve the natural structure of a compromised tooth.
However, as individuals consider their oral health options, an important factor that often weighs heavily on their minds is the root canal cost. Over 15 million successful root canals are performed each year in the United States. Like most dental treatments, a root canal is an investment in your smile.
This article will break down the average root canal cost to help you prepare for the appointment. Understanding these intricacies is not only crucial for individuals facing the prospect of a root canal but also for those seeking to navigate the broader landscape of dental care expenses in today’s healthcare environment.
Table of Contents
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is a way to treat a tooth that is badly damaged or even infected. Root canals are usually performed by an Endodontist, a dental specialist.
The average appointment time for root canals can be around 30-90 minutes. After the root canal, you will need a follow-up appointment to receive a permanent tooth filling or crown.
You may need a root canal if:
- You have a large, untreated cavity in the tooth that has reached the inside layer of the tooth called the pulp.
- A bad infection is present in a tooth. Signs of an infection are a pimple or abscess at the gum line, facial swelling, or swollen gums creating pressure that does not go away.
- Continual pain that gets worse and does not go away. Pain may be present when sleeping or eating.
- Your tooth starts to change color and turns grey.
To learn more about the root canal procedure, check out our Root Canal Recovery Time article.
Steps Included in the Root Canal Cost
The root canal cost can vary depending on your smile’s needs. There are several steps to a root canal that make up the total cost of the treatment. Factors that may influence the root canal cost include what tooth needs treatment, the extent of the damage, and if a specialist needs to complete it.
Most insurances will cover some if not all of the root canal cost. Your dental team can work with you to find out more information about your insurance coverage. The steps that make up the total root canal cost are listed below.
Initial Diagnosis
If you think you need a root canal, your dentist will first need to evaluate the tooth. This creates an exam cost, whether it is part of your dental cleaning checkup, a consultation/comprehensive exam, or an emergency appointment. This is especially important if you need a referral to a root canal specialist.
Most insurances will not cover the root canal cost if you do not have a proper diagnosis plan. This diagnosing exam cost can range from $70-$150.
Required Dental X-Rays
Dental radiographs are very important in treatment planning your dental health. It is the only way to see inside the tooth and the surrounding bone structure. In order to fully diagnose and see how much damage there is to a tooth, a dental x-ray is needed. Dental x-rays are also very important to see if the tooth can be saved through a root canal.
Dental x-rays are an important factor in the root canal cost. The average cost of a single x-ray is around $20-$35. There may be a need for multiple single x-rays to be taken of a tooth throughout the root canal treatment.
The Root Canal Treatment
Front teeth usually cost less than larger teeth. Larger molars cost more because molars have more roots that will need treatment. This means more supplies are needed and demand longer appointment times.
In rare cases, some teeth have unique roots or even hidden roots that aren’t uncovered until the tooth is opened up and treatment has started. The average root canal cost can vary from $800-$2000.
Final Restoration
After a root canal, a permanent restoration will be needed. The work of a root canal can make the crown of the tooth more fragile. A permanent restoration is needed to seal off the root canal and return the tooth to its full function. This is usually done by your general dentist, not the root canal specialist.
In most cases, a crown is needed, which ranges from an average of $1000-$2000. If only a permanent tooth filling is needed, then the final restoration of the root canal cost average can range from $100-$500.
Root Canal Retreatment Cost
There is a very high success rate with root canal treatments. Many people will continue on with their entire life with their root canal tooth fully functioning. In some cases, a root canal retreatment may be needed.
You may need to consider the root canal retreatment cost if:
- The tooth was reinfected with another cavity.
- Delayed placement of the final restoration after the initial root canal.
- A future fracture in the tooth occurs.
- Complicated canals went undetected during the initial root canal.
Root canal retreatments are more complex than simple root canals. The root canal retreatment cost is usually more than the initial root canal cost because it takes more work to restore the tooth to a healthy state.
To learn more about root canal infections, check out our article Diagnosing Root Canal Infections.
Root Canal Cost vs Extraction
Your dentist will determine if a root canal vs extraction is needed through the use of several diagnostic tools. Before treating the tooth, your dental team will test the tooth to find the best treatment for you.
Depending on the condition and the location of your tooth, your dentist may refer you to an Endodontist or an Oral Surgeon. Your dental specialist will help go over the root canal cost vs extraction to help make the right decision for you.
Our Root Canal vs Dental Extraction article has more information on both procedures.
Recommendations about Root Canal Cost
While the average cost of a root canal in the United States can vary, the investment in this procedure often proves to be a worthwhile endeavor, preserving natural teeth and providing relief from pain.
In navigating the complexities of root canal costs, open communication with dental professionals and insurance providers is key. Seeking cost estimates, exploring available insurance coverage, and understanding payment options can empower individuals to make informed decisions that align with their oral health priorities and financial considerations.
The best thing that you can do regarding root canal costs is the following 2 things:
- First, contact your dentist and schedule an appointment to see if a root canal is needed. If it is needed, they will be able to tell you the severity of your situation.
- Second, give your insurance company a call to see how much of the root canal cost they cover. Luckily, root canals are very common procedures and are commonly covered by dental insurance companies.
Ultimately, the pursuit of a healthy smile is not just an investment in one’s appearance but also a commitment to overall well-being. By being informed and proactive, individuals can embark on a journey toward optimal oral health, ensuring that their smiles remain bright and their financial paths remain well-managed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal cheaper than a crown?
The total root canal cost comes with a big range, being unique in every case. In most cases, a crown is needed after a root canal to protect the tooth. Crowns also come with a big cost range depending on what tooth and the material used. Contact your dentist to help find out what your tooth actually needs.
How long do root canals last?
Most root canals last a lifetime! The American Association of Endodontists states that most root canals come with an over 90% success rate. There is always a possibility that other factors might fail the tooth like cavities, trauma, infections, and fractures that aren’t related to a root canal treatment.
Can a root canal be done in 1 day?
Treating a tooth with a root canal is done in a single appointment. Depending on the needs of your tooth, another appointment is needed with your general dentist to receive a final restoration.
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