How Much Do Root Canals Cost?

Even if you take perfect care of your teeth, oral accidents can happen. The cost of emergency dental services may be an expense that is not in your budget. It is good to be aware of the costs of emergency procedure, so if you do have a sore tooth and need emergency treatment, you are prepared. A good first place to start is understanding how much cary root canals cost and why this cost may vary.

Here are some factors that impact the cost of root canals:

  • Location : The cost of a root canal can vary greatly, and one of the biggest reasons why the cost can vary is the location in the mouth. A root canal to a tooth in the front of the mouth will cost less than when it is needed on a molar. The reason why is because there is typically only one root in the front teeth. Molars sometimes have up to three roots. The more roots that need to be disinfected and worked on the greater the cost. The estimated national average for the cost of a root canal ranges from $750 for a front tooth to $1,200 for a molar.
  • Your geographic location can also impact the cost of a root canal. For individuals living closer to the coasts a higher price can be expected than for individuals living in the middle of the country.
  • Timing : Another major reason why the cost of a root canal can vary is how long you wait to have the work done and how much work is needed to fix the infected tooth. If the root canal happens shortly after you noticed some discomfort, it is likely that the infection won’t be as bad, and it will be easier for the dentist to access the damaged area and remove it. On the other hand, if you waited and the infection in your tooth is more severe, the total cost of the root canal, filling, and extra work to repair may be much higher. If the damage to your tooth is so bad that a root canal is no longer to solution, it is possible you will be paying for an extraction and the implant or bridge to replace the tooth.
  • Previously damaged tooth : If by chance you need work done on a diseased tooth that has already been repaired, say with a previous root canal procedure, then more work needs to be done the second time around. A tooth that has already been drilled into will most likely need an artificial crown the second time it is repaired. The cost of a crown can increase your total cost.

If you are in need of a root canal and you do not have dental insurance to help cover the costs, the best thing you can do is to have a talk with your dentist. They may be able to offer you a special discount or a payment plan. It is important to remember that the longer you wait, the more a root canal may cost you. Be honest with your dentist up front and most likely you can work together to find a solution to help you get the root canal you need.

More on Root Canals : Root Canals & Pain Associated