A root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp inside a tooth, saving the tooth. The price rises with the number of canals: front teeth have one, premolars one or two, molars three or four.
What’s included
The tooth is numbed, the pulp removed, the canals cleaned and shaped, then filled and sealed. A crown usually follows on back teeth.
Cost at a glance
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Without insurance | $700-$2,000 per tooth |
| Typical | about $1,100 |
| With insurance (50% coverage) | about $350-$1,000 plus deductible |
What affects the price
- Tooth type: front ($700-$1,100), premolar ($800-$1,300), molar ($1,000-$2,000).
- Specialist: an endodontist charges more than a general dentist but handles complex cases.
- The crown that usually follows adds $800-$2,500.
With dental insurance
Most plans treat this as major care and pay about 50% after your deductible (usually around $50), up to your annual maximum, so a $1,100 bill typically leaves you paying around $600. New plans often have waiting periods (6 months for basic, 12 months for major work). Run your own numbers with the dental cost estimator.
Ways to pay less
- Insurance often covers root canals at 50-80% (some plans class them as basic).
- Saving the tooth is usually cheaper long-term than extraction plus an implant.
- Dental discount plans (not insurance) typically cut fees 10-60% at participating dentists: compare with the insurance vs discount plan calculator.
- Dental schools and community health centers offer reduced-fee care. See how to afford dental work.
Cost ranges are national estimates compiled from published consumer cost guides and fee surveys (checked October 2026). Your dentist’s fees depend on your location, your mouth and their practice. This page is general information, not dental or medical advice.
What people actually paid for root canal
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Frequently asked questions
Is a root canal painful?
With modern anesthesia it usually feels like a long filling. The pain people associate with root canals is usually the infection beforehand.
Can I just pull the tooth instead?
You can, and it’s cheaper upfront, but replacing the missing tooth later usually costs more.
Questions from readers
Question about Root canal? Ask it here. We answer general questions on this page. For anything about your own teeth, ask your dentist.
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