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How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

dentist explains to patient about a root canal cost while working in the patient's mouth

Root canals can strike fear into people’s hearts for the pain and the cost. For starters, root canals get a bad rap for little reason. Perhaps historically, they were painful procedures. But modern root canals are neither problematic nor all that painful. People receive anesthesia before getting a root canal, so the procedure is painless. There may be some pain once the anesthesia wears off though it is usually adequately taken care of with basic pain medications like Advil or Tylenol.

Now, what about the cost, you ask? Should that still be scary? The answer is a bit more complex. Root canal cost depends on which tooth needs a root canal and whether or not your insurance covers the procedure. At the very least, understanding what the typical root canal cost is means you will go in knowing what you will be dealing with if you end up needing to get one. Reach out to Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD at 410.834.4284 to take advantage of top-notch root canal services.

Root Canal Cost

A few factors inform root canal costs. First, the cost is influenced by where the tooth is in the mouth. The front teeth are cheaper because they are easier to work on, while the back teeth come with a slightly higher cost. Here’s the range of what you are likely to pay based on the tooth in question for out-of-network or non-insured costs:

  • Front teeth will cost between $600 and $1,100
  • Premolar (side teeth) will cost between $700 and $1,300
  • Molar (back teeth) will cost between $900 and $1,500

Why the range in root canal cost? That is because every mouth is different, and every tooth is different. The amount of tooth decay present also plays into the cost. A less decayed front tooth will thus cost quite a bit less than a severely decayed molar.

The root canal cost facing you may not be nearly as high as those numbers. For starters, those numbers assume your insurance does not cover the cost. Ultimately, those numbers are the worst-case scenario when you cannot take advantage of any insurance help. In contrast, people with insurance who receive in-network treatment are likely to get at least 50% of the cost covered. Some insurance plans even cover 80% of a root canal.

If you can take advantage of insurance coverage, you are looking at a personal cost of $300 to about $700 max, based on the tooth in question and how extensive the root canal needs.

Root Canal Procedure Overview

Now that you better understand the cost of a root canal, it’s worth taking a moment to know what goes into a root canal procedure. In this instance, knowing what to expect can help alleviate any remaining nerves before getting a root canal.

Root canals are necessary when a tooth becomes infected or abscessed. A root canal removes the infected pulp at the tooth’s center, and a filling is placed in its stead. The process is somewhat similar to filling a cavity. In the case of a root canal procedure, the infected area must first be removed before the filling can be inserted. The steps for a root canal procedure are as follows:

  • Anesthesia numbs the area
  • A dental dam is placed to isolate the tooth
  • An access hole is drilled in the crown of the tooth
  • The infected pulp is removed
  • The inner tooth is cleaned and disinfected
  • The tooth receives a filling
  • A crown is placed atop the tooth to restore the look and feel of the tooth

As the introduction mentions, many people fear pain during or after a root canal procedure. The fact is that root canal procedures often relieve pain. An infected tooth is often incredibly painful. The root canal eliminates the site of infection, meaning the source of pain is gone after the procedure.

Discover our Root Canal Services at Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD

Our Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD team, is proud to offer our patients high-quality root canal services. We understand that many people can feel anxious about this procedure. Still, we want to assure you that our experienced and compassionate team will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the process. We will take the time to answer any of your questions and address your concerns.

Root canals are often necessary when the pulp inside of the tooth becomes infected. Find high-quality root canal services through Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD, when you call 410.834.4284.