For those with average insurance, root canal therapy could set you back an average of
$200 — $500 out
of pocket, but without insurance the bill is closer to $1,000 in many areas of the U.S. Cost of Root Canals Across the U.S.
How much is a typical root canal and crown?
NerdWallet estimates that national average costs for root canals are
$762 for a front tooth
, $879 for a premolar and $1,111 for a molar. The region of the country in which you live can also determine the cost.
Why you should never get a root canal?
Root canals are performed when bacteria, introduced through a cavity or crack, compromise the nerves located inside the tooth. The bacteria cause an infection, which eventually kills the nerves. But root canals can be avoided, Teitelbaum says, in cases where
the nerves are not yet infected
.
What happens if I can’t afford a root canal?
If a root canal is delayed for too long,
the bacterial infection can spread to other areas of the mouth
, putting the patient at risk for serious dental problems and other medical conditions. The infection can cause something called a dental abscess, which is a pus filled sac that requires immediate medical attention.
How much does a complete root canal cost?
NerdWallet estimates that the national average costs for root canals are
$762 for a front tooth
, $879 for a premolar, and $1,111 for a molar. The region of the country in which you live may also determine the cost. If you live closer to the coasts, expect a price tag higher than the national average, says NerdWallet.
What is the downside to a root canal?
While root canals are pretty common, there are some drawbacks to having this procedure done. One of those drawbacks is that
it might weaken the tooth
. Dentists have to drill through the tooth in order to get to the pulp, and additional decay might have to be removed.
Do dentists lie about cavities?
A cavity is a cavity and there should be no difference between two dentists, right? The
answer is not always
. Unfortunately, a cavity can be deceptive. It can hide and be obscured by old fillings, location, or just not be obvious by eye or X-ray.
How painful is a root canal?
No, root canals are usually painless because dentists now use local anesthesia before the procedure to numb the tooth and its surrounding areas. So,
you should feel no pain at all during the procedure
. However, mild pain and discomfort are normal for a few days after a root canal is conducted.
What are the signs you need a root canal?
- Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure.
- Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed)
- Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth.
- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums.
Can I just get a filling instead of a root canal?
Sometimes, a root canal might not be necessary and a patient
will only require a filling
. Fillings will be recommended if the tooth has a smaller cavity or minor tooth decay that hasn’t reached the pulp of the tooth.
Why are root canals so expensive?
The cost of root canals varies depending on the tooth and whether it is being treated by a general dentist or an endodontist.
Molars have more canals that need to be filled
, so they are more expensive, and endodontists typically charge more due to their specialty training.
Should I pull my tooth or get a root canal?
Keeping a tooth is the better option
. Proper root canal treatment will save a tooth, and with good dental hygiene, it should last a lifetime, without the need for further treatment. With the original tooth, the line of your jaw stays firm, your teeth are healthy, and you will need fewer visits to the dentist.
Why are root canals painful?
A root canal is a major procedure, so
pain after a root canal is normal
. A root canal involves deep cleaning inside the canals (the inner chamber of the root) of your tooth, which can in turn irritate surrounding nerves and gums. The pain shouldn’t last forever.
What happens if you wait too long to get a root canal?
If a root canal is delayed for too long,
the bacterial infection can spread to other areas of the mouth
, putting the patient at risk for serious dental problems and other medical conditions. The infection can cause something called a dental abscess, which is a pus filled sac that requires immediate medical attention.
How long do root canals last?
Root canal treatment is usually successful at saving the tooth and clearing the infection. Around 9 out of 10 root-treated teeth survive for
8 to 10 years
. Having a crown fitted to the tooth after root canal treatment is important for improving tooth survival rates.
Is it worth getting a root canal?
Proper root canal treatment will
save a tooth
, and with good dental hygiene, it should last a lifetime, without the need for further treatment. With the original tooth, the line of your jaw stays firm, your teeth are healthy, and you will need fewer visits to the dentist.
