When infection reaches the pulp portion of the tooth which has blood vessels and nerve, then root canal treatment is done. During root canal treatment, infectious portion of the tooth is removed and after cleaning and shaping of canals, filling of canals is done. Cost of root canal treatment varies on the basis of type of tooth which requires root canal treatment, location of the dentist and further varies on the basis of whether a general dentist or an endodontist performs the root canal procedure. Cost of root canal treatment done by an endodontist will be more than cost of treatment done by a general dentist.

Various factors which determine the cost of root canal treatment are:

1.    Type of Tooth to be Treated:

Cost of root canal treatment varies on the basis on whether it is a front tooth or back tooth. Front teeth have mostly single canal present and cost of front tooth root canal treatment is approximately $360 to $700. Root canal treatment of premolars or bicuspids cost around $600-$900. If infected tooth is molars, then cost of root canal treatment is $800-$1300. Cost of root canal treatment for molars is more than root canal treatment cost for front teeth as molars have three or more number of root canals present and it is more difficult and complicated to work on molars as compared to front teeth. Root canal treatment of molars is more tedious and time consuming which increases the cost.  

2.    Location of root canal treatment:

If patient gets root canal treatment done from an urban area, then treatment cost will be more as compared to cost of root canal treatment in a rural area.

3.    Whether a general dentist or an endodontist performs the procedure:

The fee charged by an endodontist will be greater than the fee charged by a general dentist. Endodontist typically treats the most difficult cases esp. root canal re-treatment cases which mostly needs some hand from expertise and root canal failure or complicated cases. The fees of an endodontist reflect a charge they take for a high level of expertise and quality services they offer. On an average an endodontist could easily charge you 30% to 50% greater fees than the fees charged by a general dentist. However in most of the cases your dentist will be confident enough to carry and does perform the procedure well and would know best when to take the advice of the specialist. Also your dentist would be more accommodating with scheduling, billing, and insurance considerations than an endodontist.

Root Canal Re-Treatment Costs

Cost of root canal re-treatment will be more than root canal treatment done for the first time. Root canal re-treatment cost will be approx 20-25% more than root canal treatment cost. Procedure for root canal re-treatment is similar to root canal procedure except the fact that filling material placed during root canal treatment is to be removed during re-root canal treatment. Root canal re-treatment is performed by an endodontist mostly.

Whether to go to a general dentist or an endodontist for root canal treatment

Challenges posed by different teeth are different. If there is severe pain before root canal procedure or in case of difficult root canal procedure, general dentist will refer the patient to an endodontist.  

Additional costs

Dental crown is given after root canal treatment to provide strength to the weak, brittle root canal treated tooth and to hide the discoloration which may occur after root canal treatment. After root canal treatment, patient can opt for metallic, porcelain fused to metal (PFM) or porcelain dental crowns. If it is a front tooth, then porcelain dental crown or PFM dental crowns are given and if it is a back tooth, then PFM or metallic dental crowns are given to the patient.  

Dental Crowns after Root Canal Treatment

If the tooth is badly mutilated, then pins and posts may also be given after root canal treatment. Pins and posts will provide strength to the badly mutilated tooth and will provide retention to the tooth.

Post and core

Cost of dental crown and pins and posts if given will be additional.

Cost of root canal treatment with dental insurance

Root canal treatment is covered by much dental insurance. A good dental insurance may cover 60 percent of cost of root canal procedure. Patient can check with his provider to find out that whether root canal procedure is covered or not.  

Root canal treatment at low cost

For root canal treatment at low cost, patient can visit a dental school where treatment is done by students under supervision of experienced dentists. Dental organization in a state may pay partially for root canal treatment cost for poor. Through American dental association, list of such organizations can be found.