How much does a root canal cost?

Root canal cost by tooth

The tooth decides most of the price. Front teeth (incisors and canines) cost the least, and molars, which have multiple canals and are harder to reach, cost the most.^[3]

The per-tooth prices in the table above are national averages from the American Dental Association survey of dental fees, which covers more than 1,000 dentists, and the insurance figures use common dental plan copayments.^[1] Ask your dentist for the tooth number on the estimate so you can compare quotes like for like.

Root canal cost with and without insurance

Without insurance you pay the dentist’s full fee, about $1,067 on average across all teeth.^[1] Many dental insurance plans pay part of the cost of a root canal, and some require pre-authorization before treatment starts.^[3] Call your plan with the procedure and tooth number to get your exact share.

Root canal and crown cost

Back teeth generally need a crown after a root canal; front teeth may only need a filling.^[5] The crown or permanent filling is a separate procedure with its own fee, so a molar root canal and crown together cost roughly twice the root canal alone.^[1][4] See crown cost after a root canal for prices by crown material.

Other charges on the bill

Ask whether the quote includes the exam, X-rays and numbing. Average prices for items that can appear on a root canal bill:^[1]

• X-ray: $143
• Local anesthesia: $65
• Filling: $272
• Antibiotics: $10 to $20

At the OHSU School of Dentistry, the evaluation before a root canal costs $76 to $152 in the student clinic and $107 to $377, with imaging, in the specialist training clinic.^[4]

What makes a root canal cost more

• Molars: more canals and harder access.^[3]
• Curved, narrow or extra canals: these take more advanced techniques.^[3]
• Retreatment: redoing an old root canal is harder and costs more than a first root canal.^[2]
• Severe infection: this also calls for more advanced techniques.^[3]
• Where you live: cities and high cost of living areas may charge more.^[3]

Root canal cost by region and state

Average ranges by region, without insurance:^[1]

• West: $890 to $1,221
• South: $897 to $1,228
• Midwest: $912 to $1,259
• Northeast: $913 to $1,231

By state, Pearl’s averages run from $915 in Oklahoma and $925 in Louisiana to $1,285 in New York and $1,330 in Hawaii.^[2] As one local example, Humana’s pricing tool shows $900 to $1,175 for a root canal in Orlando, Florida.^[5]

Root canal success rate

Most root canals keep the tooth. In a 10-year review of 555 root canals done by dental residents at the University of Rochester’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health, 95.98% of treated teeth were kept, with a radiographic success rate of 93.3% and a clinical success rate of 91.5%.^[7] Success rates vary by study and by how success is defined, so ask your dentist about the outlook for your tooth.

Root canal vs extraction cost

Pulling the tooth often costs less up front. To remove one tooth, a simple extraction averages $260 nationally, with most between $170 and $450, based on Pearl’s ADA fee survey data.^[8] See tooth extraction cost for surgical extraction prices. A missing tooth then typically needs an implant or bridge, and those cost more and take more appointments than a root canal, according to the American Association of Endodontists.^[3] Compare the full cost of extraction plus replacement before you choose.

How to pay less for a root canal

1. Get a written estimate first. Ask for the fee for the root canal, the crown or filling, X-rays and the exam, so you can compare offices.
2. Try a dental school. At the OHSU School of Dentistry, a root canal costs $385 to $604 in the supervised student clinic and $529 to $852 in the specialist training clinic. OHSU takes 35% off student clinic fees and 25% off graduate clinic fees for patients who pay in full without insurance.^[4]
3. Use a dental discount plan. You pay a reduced fee at a participating dentist. Care Anytime’s dental discount benefit shows a sample molar root canal at a plan cost of $777 against a regular cost of $1,535, based on 2021 FAIR Health data for Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago and New York City.^[6]
4. Check pre-authorization. If you have insurance, confirm coverage before treatment so the claim is not denied.^[3]