What Is a Root Canal and Why Is It Needed?

Endodontic therapy, or root canal treatment, is a dental procedure used to remove an infection from the pulp — the hollow tooth part that includes blood vessels, nerve tissue, and other cells. It nourishes the tooth and moisturizes the surrounding material. 

You need root canal treatment when bacteria — oral cavity inhabitants — cause an infection at the tooth center. It can happen due to several factors:

• worn-out fillings;
• tooth decay;
• dental trauma.

You might have heard the procedure is very painful but it’s a mere myth. Actually, this treatment is pain-relieving and often compared to a regular tooth filling as a dentist needs one or several sessions to complete it. 

Root canal therapy is performed in 3 steps:

1. Root canal cleaning. The dentist drills a tiny hole in the tooth surface and thoroughly cleans the diseased and dead pulp tissue inside the hollow area. As you are under local anesthesia, the discomfort is minimal.

2. Filling the root canal. The dentist fills the tooth with a specialized rubber-like material and seals the canals with an adhesive cement. Since now the tooth lacks nerve tissue, you’ll no longer feel any pain in it.

3. Adding a filling or crown. The doctor protects the tooth with a crown or filling. You can use it as before, but keep in mind it has become more fragile.

If you notice one of the symptoms of potential infection, such as tooth pain, swollen or red gums, a darkened tooth, or a visible hole in the tooth, don’t postpone your dental appointment for too long. A skilled doctor can save your pearly white just in time to help you avoid tooth extraction.

4 Factors That Influence Cost of Root Canals

Endodontist prices vary but are generally considered less expensive than dental bridges or crowns. Several factors affect root canal price:

1. The bad tooth type. Root canal front tooth price, as well as premolar root canal cost, is usually lower, between $1050 and $1200. The reason is these teeth have fewer roots and are easier to access. Molars have larger root structures, so they are more complex to treat. Wonder “How much is a molar root canal price?” Between $1200 – $1600 per tooth!

2. The infection severity. If you want extra motivation to rush for endodontic therapy, here it is. The earlier you address your dentist, the lower the root canal procedure price! The procedure complexity worsens when you wait for longer, hence the higher tooth root canal cost.

3. The dental crown type. After the dentist cleans the diseased pulp tissue inside your tooth, they may offer you a crown to efficiently protect your white sufferer. Some crowns are more affordable, and others — pricier. This depends on the material and the desired level of aesthetics.

4. Pre- and post-procedure expenditures. Before you sit in a dental chair, keep in mind that the payment plan for a root canal usually additionally includes consultation fees, anesthesia, X-rays, and more, so you won’t have to cover additional expenses. A complex approach will help you drive the infection of your mouth and restore your tooth.

Does Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?

Common dental insurance plans cover part of the dentist root canal cost, but you should always check the specifics of your insurance plan. Many providers cover 50–80% of the treatment, meaning your final expenditures will range from $200 to $1,000 per tooth.

Even if your insurance doesn’t cover the major share, the root canal no insurance cost is still incomparable to the possibility of losing the entire tooth. You can always contact a dental clinic and ask whether they can provide a suitable financing plan for you.

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Cost Comparison

While weighing root canal extraction costs, keep in mind that endodontic therapy and tooth extraction differ in treatment approach and impact your budget. Always prioritize your long-term oral health over dry numbers.

Aspects for consideration/Dental treatment	Root Canal	Tooth Extraction
Entire cost	$ – $ per tooth	$ – $ per tooth
Factors that impact the price	Tooth location;procedure complexity;doctor’s specialization (a general dentist or an endodontist);geographic location (you’ll typically have to pay more in urban areas than in rural regions).	Procedure complexity;impacted tooth condition;need for additional surgery (for example, a wisdom tooth);measures to be taken after a tooth removal (dental implants cost nearly $ per implant, bridges range from $ to $ per replaced tooth, and dentures start from $).
Dental insurance	Usually covers a portion of the procedure cost.	Frequently covers a portion of the extraction cost.
Benefits/implications	Natural tooth preservation;preserves your bite structure;prevents teeth from shifting;pain-free;high success rate (over 90%).	Tooth extraction without further replacement can result in:shifting teeth; bite misalignment;jawbone loss;changes in facial appearance;worse oral function.

It’s evident that preserving your natural tooth with the help of root canal treatment brings long-term benefits to your oral health and helps you save on further tooth replacement options. Paying the initial cost outperforms the aftermath of tooth extraction, which is another reason to visit a dentist as soon as you notice signs of acute tooth pain or gum swelling.

How to Save Money on Root Canal Treatment 

To help you reduce the financial burden and avoid over-expensive procedures, we’ve collected several actionable cost-saving strategies and tips:

1. Maintain thorough oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth daily to prevent tooth decay and infections.
2. Routine dental examinations. Regular dental checkups can help you keep abreast of your oral health.
3. Well-balanced diet. Sugary foods and drinks can promote cavities and gum disease, so cutting off their consumption can help avoid tooth infections.
4. Flexible payment plans. Don’t skimp on the treatment quality. Address a reputable dental office for a flexible payment plan so that you can pay for a root canal procedure over time. 
5. Dig for the best price. Before deciding, address several dental offices and clarify, “How much does RCT cost?” Prices can drastically vary, but ensure you choose a respectable clinic with highly qualified doctors.

Don’t Let Your Tooth Go

Endodontic treatment might seem scary at first glance, but since you are now aware of the long-term benefits of saving your natural tooth, the question of how much for root canal treatment should play a secondary role. Our actionable tips and practical strategies can help you save up a bit and maintain your natural smile. At VIP Dental Care – Dental Office in Forest Hills, our dentists offer years of professional expertise, so you can get the care you need and prolong the lifespan of your rescued tooth.

Additional Resources

• As far as you can answer “How much does it cost for a root canal?”, let’s see what the infected pulp tissue looks like. Here is the image of a root canal from the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).
• We have already discussed the symptoms of a root canal, but you might want to dig deeper. Healthline has an article about 7 telltale symptoms.