What is the Average Price of a Root Canal?
There are many benefits to root canal therapy in maintaining your oral health.
A root canal can effectively eliminate tooth pain, remove an infection, or save your tooth from further damage.
Though root canals are a standard procedure, the cost of dental surgery in the US continues to rise. And an unexpected visit to the dentist’s office can leave some worried about unforeseen expenses.
The last thing you want is to have to choose between your teeth or your savings.
Keep reading to learn about the factors that can affect the price of a root canal so that you can find the best deal around.
What Is a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is a dental treatment designed to preserve your tooth after the root has become infected. Root canals can be necessary for several reasons, including:
- Cavities
- Tooth cracks or chips
- Gum disease
- Dental Injuries
- Faulty crowns
An exam and x-ray are first needed to determine if a root canal is necessary.
The dentist will begin the procedure using a small file to remove the infected “pulp” of the tooth’s interior. Afterward, this area is cleaned and disinfected before a filler is inserted and the tooth sealed.
The Average Price of a Root Canal
Root canals are an essential procedure, and no matter the cost, you should not avoid having them done if necessary. Early action can prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your mouth and body.
If left untreated, a simple tooth infection could turn into a life-threatening matter. The are several factors that determine the price of a root canal, including:
- Amount of work needed
- Location of the infected tooth
- Whether you go to a dentist or endodontist
- Dental insurance
When weighing the cost of a root canal, you’ll first want to consider if your insurance covers the procedure. The amount of coverage will vary depending on the insurance provider.
Root Canals With Insurance
Dental insurance can sometimes lessen the cost of a root canal by 50% or more. Rates also depend on the type of tooth and are grouped into the following: front tooth, bicuspid, or molar.
A front tooth root canal is the least costly of the three, as this is the most accessible location. A bicuspid root canal will be slighter higher in price, leaving the molar root canal the most expensive of all.
Let’s take a look at the average rates for root canals with insurance:
- Front tooth – $200 to $1000
- Bicuspid – $300 to $1200
- Molar – $300 to $1500
Root Canals Without Insurance
When paying out of pocket for a root canal, the average low of prices can increase substantially.
- Front tooth – $700 to $1100
- Bicuspid – $800 to $1200
- Molar – $1200 to $1800
Whether you are shopping with or without dental insurance, it’s essential to find the best dentist to perform your treatment. Doing so will save you from unnecessary future repairs and money in the long run.
The Root of the Cost
The price of a root canal can be affected by factors such as the extense of work needed and the dental provider.
Finding a great dentist is just as important as finding the best deal. Some dentists’ offices offer free quotes and consultations. So be sure to make your dental health a priority and take early action on the root of the cause.
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