Counting the Costs: How Much Is a Root Canal?

Are you facing the possibility of needing a root canal? Though it’s a common treatment, the thought of it can be daunting. This isn’t just because of the procedure itself, but also the associated costs. Before undergoing a root canal, it’s important to understand the financial aspects so you’re not caught off-guard. If you want to learn about the factors influencing root canal costs, continue reading. You’ll learn all about the procedure and what you can expect in terms of financing so you can budget for your treatment.

What Happens in a Root Canal?

The innermost layer of your tooth is called the pulp and it contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. If a tooth becomes decayed or damaged, bacteria can enter this area causing pain and infection. During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection.

What Factors Effect the Cost?

Several things can influence the cost of a root canal, including:

• Tooth Location: The tooth’s location in the mouth can affect the complexity of the procedure. Front teeth typically have fewer roots and are easier to access, making them less expensive to treat than molars, which have multiple roots and rest near the back of your mouth.
• Extent of Damage: The severity of the tooth damage or infection can also affect the cost of your treatment. Teeth with extensive decay or complications may require more time and resources to treat, resulting in higher costs.
• The Dentist: The experience and training of the dentist performing the procedure can influence the cost of the procedure. Specialists that focus on root canal treatments, for example, may charge higher fees than general dentists.
• Retreatment: If a previously treated tooth has been reinfected, retreatment can increase the cost. This is because your dentist will need to remove their previous work and look for the source of the new infection.

Covering the Costs

The cost of a root canal can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1600 per tooth. However, there are ways to reduce this cost such as in-house membership plans, and dental insurance benefits.

Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost of a root canal procedure, depending on your plan’s coverage and limitations. It’s important to review your policy and understand your benefits, including any copayments, deductibles, or annual maximums. The staff at your dental office will often help you go through your policy and even file claims for you!

When considering the cost of a root canal, remember that your treatment is an investment. It will always pay off in your long-term comfort, function, and quality of life. If you’re still worried about any aspect of a root canal treatment, call your dentist. They can walk you through the treatment and work with you to ensure that you get the treatment you need.

About the Author

Dr. Bita Kamali is a bright and skilled dentist with decades of experience. She earned her dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry. Since then, she has been active in seeking out continuing education opportunities to better serve her patients. Call (972) 818-1300 to schedule a root canal consultation at Parkway Vista Dental, or visit the website to discover other treatments and services.