The idea of root canal surgery may scare some people. However, the cost of dental care may be more worrying, especially for those who need root canal treatment without insurance.
If your dentist recommends root canal treatment, you must receive treatment. If left untreated, the infection on the teeth can spread to other parts of the body. If it spreads to one of your vital organs, this condition may be life-threatening.
Fortunately, whether you have dental insurance or not, there are many ways to pay for root canal treatment.
Here are several reasons why you need root canal treatment:
- Severe tooth decay
- Teeth with large cavities
- Teeth fragments or cracks
- Severe gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Tooth trauma and injury
- Other serious tooth or gum infections
1. How much does an uninsured root canal treatment cost?
The average cost of an uninsured root canal treatment is:
- Front teeth-$700 to $1100
- Bicuspid teeth (middle of the mouth)-US$800 to US$1,200
- Mole (molar)-US$1200 to US$1800 (approximately RMB 1280 to 1280)
2. How much does an insured root canal treatment cost?
The average cost of root canal treatment includes:
- Front teeth-$200 to $1100
- Double fangs (in the mouth)-$200 to $1200
- Moore (molar)-$300 to $1500
3. Root canal treatment cost factors
The cost of root canal treatment depends on several factors, including:
Type and location of teeth
Grinding is the most difficult tooth to treat, so it costs the most. Incisors are usually the cheapest, and the price of bicuspids (in the mouth) is somewhere in between.
General dentist or endodontist
Some general dentists will perform root canal treatment, while others will recommend you to see a root canal doctor. The cost of root canal treatment is higher than the cost of treatment in a general dentist’s office.
Difficulties in root canal treatment
Generally speaking, the more difficult the operation, the higher the cost. Your general dentist may only recommend a specialist if the surgery cannot be done by them. This will cost you more.
Additional cost
X-rays or crowns required to complete the entire dental procedure may be charged separately.
The area where you live
The average cost of root canals varies from region to region and individual dental clinic.
4. Does the insurance cover root canal treatment?
Most dental insurance will cover at least part of your root canal. The insurance coverage depends on your specific insurance plan.
Many medical insurances cover 100% of routine surgery, but only partially invasive surgery. Generally, insurance companies cover 30% to 50% of root canals.
Health plans usually have limits, out-of-pockets, deductibles, and waiting periods, which can cost you a lot of money, and if you have a toothache, it can also make you feel painful.
Getting a root canal for less money
The easiest way to save money on root canal treatment is to participate in the dental discount program.
These projects have established a network of dentists to provide cardholders with lower prices for oral care. Once you purchase a dental savings card, you can enjoy these discounts.
5. FAQs about Root Canal Treatment
Here are some common question for root canal treatment:
How much does the root canal cost?
In general dentists, the cost of root canal treatment for an anterior or middle tooth is 700 to 1,200 US dollars, and the cost of root canal treatment for a molar tooth is 1,200 to 1,800 US dollars. The endodontist will charge an additional fee of up to 50%.
Is root canal treatment and tooth extraction cheaper?
Tooth extraction is cheaper than root canal treatment. However, if you need an implant to fill the gap, or other follow-up surgery, it may cost you more money in the long run.
What if I can’t pay for root canal treatment?
Unfortunately, infected teeth will not heal on their own. If left untreated, the infection may spread to your jaw, brain, blood or entire body. You will have to treat the tooth at some point, either to spend money on root canal treatment or to extract the tooth.
Is the root canal painful?
Before the operation, your teeth and surrounding area will be anesthetized, so there will be no pain. There will be some pain and additional sensitivity in the few days after the operation. But in general, the root canal will protect you from the pain of the tooth.
