The short answer
A root canal usually costs about $600 to $1,500 for the treatment, depending on the tooth. Front teeth cost the least and molars cost the most. A crown, which most root canal teeth need, is billed on top.
Delta Dental's out-of-network averages are about $1,200 for a front tooth, $1,300 for a premolar and $1,500 for a molar. Consumer Reports, citing a 2020 dental association survey, listed $620 to $1,472. These are published ranges, not quotes.
Why the price depends on the tooth, and what it may not include
A front tooth usually has one root, and it is simple to reach. A premolar often has one or two roots. A molar has several roots with narrow, curved canals, so the work takes more time and skill. That is why molars cost more.
The tooth you need treated is only one piece. Other things can change the bill: how infected the tooth is, whether it has been treated before, the office's fees and your area. Retreatment, which is doing a root canal again on a tooth that was treated before, usually costs more than the first time, according to the sources we found.
Many people are surprised by the second bill. The root canal cleans out the inside of the tooth and seals it. The tooth then needs a proper restoration. At a minimum, it needs a filling, and often a crown is the best choice, because a tooth without a nerve can be more brittle.
Ask for both prices up front: the root canal and the final restoration. You should also ask about the exam, the X-rays and any medicine you may need. Some offices bundle these, and some bill them separately. A written plan avoids surprises.
What insurance usually pays, with an example
Plans group root canals differently. Some call them basic care. Others call them major care. MetLife's guide puts root canals in the basic group. Under a common pattern, basic care is paid at 80%, and major care at 50%, after your deductible.
Two limits matter. First, a waiting period: Humana's standard listing shows six months for basic services and 12 months for major services. Second, the yearly maximum. Consumer Reports says the middle yearly maximum is about $1,500, so a root canal and crown can use up much of a year.
Ask your plan what it pays for the root canal, for the build-up and for the crown. These can be paid at different percents.
Say you need a root canal on a molar. A typical published average is $1,500 for the root canal. Add a build-up for $300 and a crown for $1,300, for a total of $3,100. These numbers are an example, not a quote.
Now say your plan pays 80% of the root canal and 50% of the build-up and crown, and your yearly maximum is $1,500. The plan's share would be $1,200 for the root canal plus $800 for the other two, or $2,000. But the plan stops at $1,500, so you would pay $1,600. Without the yearly limit, you would pay $1,100.
The lesson is that your yearly maximum can matter as much as the percent. If your dentist says it is safe, spreading the work across two plan years could help. Ask before you decide.
Root canal vs pulling the tooth, and whether it hurts
When a tooth has deep decay or infection, you may think pulling it is cheaper. In the short term it might be. An extraction costs less than a root canal and crown. But the gap is smaller than it looks if you replace the tooth.
A missing tooth can let nearby teeth drift and make chewing harder. Replacing it with a bridge or an implant adds cost. So when you compare, add up the full path: the extraction, the replacement and any follow-up care. Then compare that to the root canal and crown. Your dentist can help you see which is better for your tooth and your health.
Fear of pain keeps many people from care. A root canal treats the cause of the pain, which is an infected or damaged nerve inside the tooth. Your dentist numbs the area first. You may feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain. Soreness for a few days afterward is common and often eased with over-the-counter pain relievers, if your dentist says they are safe for you.
If the pain gets worse, or if you have swelling, fever or trouble swallowing, call your dentist right away.
Who does the root canal, and how to plan for the cost
Many general dentists do root canals, especially on simpler teeth. An endodontist is a dentist who has extra training in root canal work, and is often chosen for hard cases, like a tooth with curved canals or a retreatment. Specialists may charge more, and your plan may treat the visit differently.
Ask your dentist who they recommend for your tooth and why. If you are sent to a specialist, ask for the price before the visit, and ask if the specialist takes your plan. A clear answer helps you avoid a surprise bill.
Treat the root canal and crown as one project. Here are some practical steps:
- Get a written estimate for the root canal, the build-up and the crown.
- Ask your plan for an estimate before you start.
- Check how much of your yearly maximum is left.
- Ask if the work can be split across two plan years, if your dentist says that is safe.
- Ask about financing or a payment plan.
- Ask if a general dentist or a specialist will do the work, and how that changes the price.
Do not wait when a tooth is infected
Price is a real worry, but waiting is risky. An infected tooth does not heal on its own. The pain may go away for a while, but the infection can remain and spread. Signs to watch for include a toothache that lingers, pain with hot or cold, a swollen gum or a bad taste.
If you have swelling in your face or neck, a fever or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room. For other tooth pain, see a dentist soon.
Root canal care at KDA
At Kendall Dental Associates (KDA), we offer root canal therapy and emergency care 24/7. We examine the tooth, take X-rays and explain your choices and the cost before treatment. We accept most dental insurance plans, and financing is available.
Call 305-271-1421 or visit 8833 SW 107th Ave, Miami, in the Kendall Mall. Our regular hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you have severe pain after hours, call and ask about our emergency care.
Common questions
Is a root canal covered by insurance?
Most dental plans cover part of it, often 50% to 80% after your deductible. Waiting periods and yearly maximums can change what you pay.
How much is a root canal on a front tooth?
Delta Dental's out-of-network average is about $1,200. Consumer Reports, citing 2020 survey data, lists $620 to $1,472 across all tooth types. Ask for a written quote.
Why does a root canal cost more on a molar?
Molars have more roots and narrow canals, so the treatment takes more time and skill.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Often yes, especially on back teeth. Your dentist will tell you what your tooth needs.
Is it cheaper to pull the tooth?
The extraction costs less, but replacing the tooth costs more. Compare the whole path before you decide.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Your dentist will confirm what is right for you at your exam. General information checked against: aae.org, deltadental.com, consumerreports.org, consumerreports.org, humana.com, metlife.com.