The average cost of a root canal treatment in the US is roughly $1,165 but tends to vary between $500 to roughly $1,800. Continue reading to find out what other ranges you may fall in, as well as how this procedure manifests.
The phrase ”root canal” is either imagined as something exceedingly painful or associated with an unbearable dental check-up. In reality, endodontic therapy is one of the most effective methods used to save a patient’s natural tooth, and it is almost always the recommended treatment for an infected or decayed tooth. Without the root canal treatment, the gum tissue and bone surrounding the tooth can get infected and pose serious medical risks.
Table of Contents
What Happens During A Root Canal?
There exists a nerve in a tooth found within the pulp chamber that is further embedded with branches or canals. These canals extend into the roots of the teeth and consist of nerves, connective tissue as well as blood vessels that help support the growth of the tooth.
The procedure involves the removal of the infected nerve tissue, followed by cleaning, medicating, and finally sealing the pulp chamber. The tooth in question is frequently capped with a crown for protection and to improve its strength.
What Do Root Canals Cost?
On average, a root canal is estimated to cost $1,165 in the United States. The range of expenses can vary from $500 to $1,800.1. It is important to note that root canal procedures and their expenses differ based on the difficulty of the processes involved. Endodontic procedures, in dental insurance, will be included in part. The typical range is from 30 percent to 50 percent.
The cost for a root canal procedure varies depending on but is not limited to, the particular tooth, the location of the patient, and the doctor performing the work. As an example, root canals performed by an endodontist may be charged at an increased rate of about 50%.
The Average Cost of Root Canals by Tooth Type Per Region
Tooth Average Cost Range
Front tooth $776 to 1,911
Bicuspid $757 to 1,798
Molar $1,030 to 2,471
Average Cost of Root Canals Per Region
The table above shows the average prices in the country and its states in root canal treatments. The average prices can be as low as $800 and go up as high as $1500 depending on the setting Complexity of the case, along with the location of the dental practice, will determine how much these charges will vary.
The average cost of a root canal treatment varies across the United States, with prices typically ranging from $800 to $1,500, depending on the state. For example, in Alabama, the average cost is $1,123, while in Alaska, it’s $981. Arizona’s average is $1,327, and Arkansas has an average of $1,059. In California, it costs about $1,046, and in Colorado, it’s $1,296. Connecticut’s average is $1,061, and Delaware comes in at $1,083. In Washington D.C., the average is $1,238, and Florida’s is $1,194. Georgia’s average cost is $1,227, while in Hawaii, it’s $1,111. Idaho has an average of $1,282, and Illinois costs $992. Indiana’s average is $1,429, and Iowa’s is $1,135. Kansas has an average of $1,173, while Kentucky is $1,202. Louisiana’s average cost is $1,203, and Maine’s is $1,234. Maryland has an average of $1,083, and Massachusetts costs $1,199. Michigan’s average is $1,164, while Minnesota’s is $1,219. Mississippi’s average is $1,241, and Missouri’s is $1,224. In Montana, the cost is $1,016, and in Nebraska, it’s $1,146. Nevada’s average is $1,125, and New Hampshire’s is $1,164. New Jersey averages $1,205, and New Mexico costs $1,056. New York has one of the higher averages at $1,347, while North Carolina is $1,245. North Dakota averages $1,159, and Ohio’s cost is $1,197. Oklahoma’s average is $1,154, while Oregon costs $1,163. Pennsylvania’s average is $1,114, and Rhode Island’s is $1,117. South Carolina has an average cost of $1,211, and South Dakota is at $989. Tennessee’s average is $1,207, while Texas is $1,206. Utah has an average of $1,128, and Vermont’s is $1,375. Virginia’s average is $1,151, and Washington’s is $1,254. West Virginia’s average is $1,001, and Wisconsin costs $1,237. Finally, Wyoming has an average of $1,045. These prices do not include consultation fees, maintenance, repairs, or insurance coverage, which could increase the overall cost of the procedure.
How Much does a Root Canal Treatment Cost
Bear in mind that this is an estimation, and the actual costs may differ. Some of the factors affecting the costs of a root canal treatment may include:
- Tooth location: Molars are more expensive to treat than front teeth due to the fact that molars are more difficult to access and have more roots.
- Endodontist vs. general dentist: Endodontists are specialists who focus on root canal procedures and might charge more for their professional services.
- Geographic location: The costs of treatments like root canals vary widely for different locations. The price range is higher in urban areas when compared to rural locations.
- Dental insurance: Some dental insurance policies may cover procedures such as root canals. If you have dental insurance, your out-of-pocket costs may be considerably lower.
- First dental crown: A dental root canal is sometimes followed by the need for a crown, which can increase the overall cost as well.
Is the price of a same day root canal different?
The price of same-day procedures is not very different than that of traditional root canal procedures.
The phrase “same-day root canal” is often used to refer to performing the entire root canal procedure in a single appointment, as opposed to the more common practice of scheduling several appointments for the procedure.
Whether a root canal procedure can be done in a single day or over several sittings is determined by the nature of the case and by the particular clinician or practitioner providing the treatment.
How Much Is the Average Root Canal Cost with Insurance?
Different dental insurance plans can have varying levels of coverage, patients’ copayments, and deductibles, so it is useful to look into your coverage further to know the percentage of the cost that is covered.
- Coverage Percentage: This amount can vary depending on the insurance company, but most plans will cover a root canal’s cost by a certain percentage of the procedure, usually between 50% and 80%. However, it varies with every plan.
- Annual Maximum: There is also a maximum benefit a dental insurance plan will offer in a year, which is the cap amount the dental coverage can provide for dental work done in a single year. If the annual cap is reached, you will be liable to pay for further treatments.
- Deductible: In order for your dental insurance to cover dental expenses, you may first be required to pay the deductible. A deductible is a fixed sum of money that you will be required to pay out of pocket before your insurance can cover other expenses.
- Network vs. Out of Network: A dental insurance policy is usually sponsored by a certain network of providers. Therefore, visiting a dentist or an endodontist within this network may warrant greater coverage. On the other hand, visiting a dentist outside the network tends to be more expensive.
- Pre-Authorization: Some policies require pre-authorization before carrying out certain dental procedures like root canals. A patient should always check with their policy if they are eligible for a given dental service.
- Waiting Periods: Some dental insurance policies will outline a case waiting period for specific dental services such as root canals, limiting coverage to after a specified waiting period.
Example of a Patient with Dental Coverage
- Insurance coverage- the patient has insurance coverage with the following conditions.
- Coverage percentage, 80%
- Annual maximum benefit: 1,000 USD
- Deductible, 50 USD
- In-network Provider
Root Canal treatment. The patient is scheduled to get a molar root canal, which costs a total of USD 1,000.
Step 1: Patients’ out-of-pocket expenditure. The qualified patient pays an annual deductible of 50 USD from their pocket.
Step 2: Cost of Procedure: The insurance plan pays 80% of the procedure cost as the patient is receiving treatment from an in-network provider.
- Procedure cost: $1,000
- Insurance covers 80% of $1,000, which is equal to $800.
Step 3: Patients are responsible for the remaining 20% out-of-pocket after insurance coverage for the procedure cost:
- Patient’s share: 20% of $1,000, which is equal to $200.
How a Root Canal Procedure Works
In an endodontist’s or a dentist’s office, a root canal is an outpatient dental procedure. This procedure usually takes about 60-90 minutes, although it may take longer than that if the case is complex. Generally, one to two appointments are needed to finish the surgery. The average root canal consists of seven distinct phases:
Take dental X-rays and Anesthetic
Your dental professional will most likely take X-rays to see if the bone or tissue around the tooth is infected or not. The reason why a root canal is not painful is because a numbing agent is applied to the damaged area first and then the dentist injects local anesthetic in the gums around the infected tooth.
Positioning of the Dam
A rubber dental dam is usually mounted within the vicinity of the tooth in order to keep it dry from saliva. The rubber dam is first placed to prevent any tools from entering the throat of the patient.
Extraction of dental pulp
To the selected tooth, a hole is created, and from the centre of the tooth, diseased pulp, bacteria, and decaying nerve tissue are extracted.
Scrubbing and packing the tooth cavity
The specific area is cleaned and shaped with root canal files and rinsed with water mixed with sodium hypochlorite.
Capping the tooth
A tooth can be temporarily filled with a filling material to keep saliva and food from entering the mouth until the subsequent appointment after the area is cleaned.
Filling the tooth
The root canal inside the tooth is filled with a compound known as “gutta percha”. The hole opened at the start of the treatment will be blocked with a filling. If there is an abscess or infection, your doctor may need to medicate you and then seal it up after a week. Some dentists may decide to fill the tooth at the same time sealing it.
Permanent filling and placing of the crown
In this last step, repair of additional parts of the tooth may be done. Root canals are sometimes done to a tooth that has a large filling or one that has a lot of decay, and for which further treatment will be needed to avoid future problems. You may require a crown and/or post and other restoration.
Root Canals Can Be Categorized as Follows
Conventional or non-operative root canal treatment
This is the most common root canal treatment where the decayed part of the dental pulp or nervous tissue is removed, the cavity is disinfected and then the tooth is filled.
Apicoectomy
This is treatment done when a standard root canal has failed, sometimes referred to as a microsurgical root canal. The inflammation or infection could still exist in the tooth structure or jaw bone. Local anaesthesia is utilized while the infected tip of the root is removed and the root canal is filled.
Pulpotomy or pulpectomy
These procedures are undertaken on primary teeth with the goal of retaining the child’s natural tooth. A pulpotomy removes the affected parts of the tooth pulp yet leaves healthy portions of the tooth pulp intact in a child’s tooth roots. A pulpectomy procedure involves removing all of the pulp followed by filling the cavity with filler material.
Root Canal Recovery post-procedure
Following the root canal treatment, the mouth’s numbness may last for a couple of hours. Patients feel capable of attending to daily activities on the proceeding day after the surgery. However, it is recommended they wait till the numbness has subsided before eating.
Slight soreness or sensitivity is normal and may last from a couple of days to weeks, primarily if the procedure was preceded by pain from infected tissue. Pain can be alleviated through over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen.
Until a permanent filling or crown has been set in place and the procedure fully completed, chewing with the affected tooth ought to be avoided. The area should be maintained clean through brushing and flossing as well as rinsed out using an antiseptic mouthwash. Root canals have a 95% chance of success in preserving the affected tooth and can be beneficial for a lifetime.
Learn more about:-
1 thought on “How Much is a Root Canal Without Insurance”