Are you curious how much a root canal will cost without dental insurance? Root canals cost more than fillings, crowns, and tooth extractions in most cases. However, this treatment is not as expensive as one might think. If you are taking on the cost of a root canal without insurance, here is what you can expect.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a treatment that saves the natural tooth and prevents reinfection. According to the American Association of Endodontists, this restorative care eliminates bacteria from the infected root canal. 

According to AAE, root canals can be performed in one or two appointments, depending on the severity of the issue. They are similar to regular fillings and nowhere near as painful as you might be picturing because of anesthesia.  

The big difference between a root canal and more invasive treatments is the preservation of the natural tooth. According to AAE, the advantages of saving the tooth include:

  • Efficient chewing
  • Regular biting force
  • Natural appearance
  • Protects other teeth from wear 

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Why would someone need a root canal?

A root canal is often necessary to treat a damaged or diseased tooth. Root canals can eliminate pain and save your damaged tooth. Instead of having to remove anything, you can save your natural tooth and prevent future diseases.

Root canals are common. More than 15 million root canals are performed annually in the United States. 

Some reasons a root canal might be necessary include:

  • Traumatic injury
  • Tooth decay
  • Tooth chips
  • Tooth cracks
  • Severe gum disease
  • Severe gum infections
  • Large cavity fillings
  • Nerve death

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What factors affect the cost of root canals?

Root canals cost more than tooth extractions because they preserve the actual tooth. Severe cases that require a root canal may need to be performed by an endodontist or root canal specialist. Endodontists deal with challenging situations, such as infected or dying nerves. They charge 30% to 50% more than general dentists. 

Many factors affect the price of root canals, including:

  • Where you live
  • If you see a dentist or endodontist
  • What tooth needs the root canal
  • X-ray
  • Difficulty of procedure
  • Anesthesia
  • Patient’s age

There could be additional costs depending on the situation. In some cases, root canals are considered emergencies. These require an additional fee of $50 to $100. Crowns are occasionally necessary following a root canal and can cost around $1,500 more.

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How much does a root canal cost without insurance?

The cost of root canals varies depending on the factors listed above. In some cases, the damage is severe and requires more work and more money. According to CostHelper, root canals typically cost between $300 to $2,000.

According to CostHelper, root canals cost:

  • $300-$1,500 for front teeth
  • $400-$1,800 for bicuspid teeth
  • $500-$2,000 for molars

Dental insurance might cover 40% to 80% of root canal costs depending on your policy. In some cases, insurance policies have a set amount they are willing to pay for dental care each year. This amount could be $1,000 or $1,500. While insurance can help, it by no means will take care of the entire cost of a root canal. 

CostHelper readers who do not have insurance report paying between $500 and $1,583. They typically pay $1,184.

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Is it possible to lower the cost of a root canal?

Dental procedures can seem daunting to those without insurance. However, if you are experiencing tooth pain, it may be necessary. If your dentist suggests this procedure, it is probably best to go through with this treatment. Thankfully, there are ways to save money on a root canal.

  • Ask about payment plans: Most dental offices understand how difficult it can be to cover the cost of this necessary care. Many of them offer payment plans. These plans will not take away from the cost of your care, but they will make payment easier to handle. Typically you get between 6 months and an entire year to take care of the cost of your dental procedure, which makes things more simple. 
  • Join a dental discount plan: Jumping on board with this affordable alternative to dental insurance can benefit you greatly. These plans are also called dental savings plans. They are more flexible than insurance plans. Within these plans, you will regularly receive unique discounts. According to DentalPlans.com, you will save 10% to 60% on dental care. 
  • Seek out care from a dental school: Dental schools need patients like you to practice on. Students are supervised, so it does not have to be a scary venture. Dental schools are a low-cost option, and it should not be difficult to find a dental school near you. 
  • Have your tooth extracted: While this may be a last resort, if you do not want to take on the cost of a root canal, you can likely request a tooth extraction instead. This will still cost a few hundred dollars, but that is much easier to pay for than the potential thousands you could spend on a root canal. This could bring about more costs in the future, but as long as you understand the risk, the choice is yours. 

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), you should be able to use those funds to pay for your root canal. 

Tooth pain can get in the way of living a normal life. If a root canal seems to be the best way to eliminate this pain, you should go for it. The cost of a root canal without insurance can lead many people to avoid care, but that is not in your best interest. Take advantage of these ways to lower the cost of a root canal, so you do not hold yourself back any longer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are root canals painful?

Root canals may sound like a scary treatment that might hurt, but root canals are often pretty painless. Dentists use local anesthesia, which numbs the area before the procedure. You should feel very little pain during this process. You will feel discomfort and soreness following the procedure, but this pain is unlikely to restrict you from everyday tasks. 

Can you put off getting a root canal?

While you might be able to wait a little while before receiving your root canal, holding off too long before having this necessary treatment can be harmful. Waiting too long before having a root canal will likely make future treatment more expensive. 

What are the risks of not getting a root canal? 

If a dentist or endodontist has recommended a root canal, you should listen to their advice. The infection will not disappear on its own; it will get worse. If you do not have this treatment done, the infection can spread throughout your face. It can also infect the brain in some cases. It is possible you will need to have the tooth completely removed if you put off this treatment. 

What happens during a root canal?

The area receiving the treatment will get local anesthesia. After an opening is created at the top of the tooth, the dentist or endodontist will remove the infected pulp. After the chamber is disinfected, the canal is filled and sealed.

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