Learning you need a root canal may cause multiple questions to come to mind, one of which is the price. Attempting to budget for this type of treatment may leave you wondering what to expect when it comes to your out-of-pocket expenses. The good news is that your procedure is unlikely to cost the same as someone else’s, which is why your dentist can explain the importance of an initial consultation and which factors they consider when determining the overall price for treatment.
What is Included in the Price of a Root Canal?
When preparing the cost estimate for your root canal, there are general factors that are necessary to consider, such as:
- The severity of the infected or damaged tooth
- Whether you require a dental crown after the root canal is complete (most patients do)
- The location of the tooth inside your mouth, as molars can require more time to treat, making them costlier
Apart from these three standard components, you may find that your estimate also includes everything from the initial consultation fee to X-rays, whether it is your dentist or a specialist (endodontist) performing the procedure, anesthesia and medications, and how much your dental insurance carrier will pay if you’re planning to use it.
Will Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of a Root Canal?
In short, most companies do provide partial coverage for root canals. This is not true for all, but you can check with your insurer to determine how much they will agree to pay.
It is not uncommon to find out that your policy offers up to 50% coverage for root canals since many companies categorize them as major restorative services. This agreement on behalf of your insurance carrier does help to lower your out-of-pocket costs, but you can expect they will consider how much of your annual maximum remains available before paying their portion.
How Much Will a Root Canal Cost if I Don’t Have Insurance?
Without dental insurance, the cost of a root canal can be higher if you are planning to pay out of pocket. However, many dentists offer financing options that can help lower the amount you are required to pay upfront. This option makes it possible to stress less about pursuing necessary treatment because of your ability to pay off the cost of your care over time.
Moving forward with root canal treatment doesn’t have to leave you emptying your savings. Instead, learning about the various factors and evaluating your payment options can make the process easier to understand so that you feel more prepared to obtain a healthier, pain-free smile.
About the Authors
Dr. Aaron Swingdorf and Dr. Luke Viall are trusted dentists who lead the team at Chaska Dental Center. Serving area families for more than 70 years, they provide a level of care that focuses on the overall health and well-being of each patient. One way this is accomplished is by offering root canal treatment as a way to eliminate painful infections and restore smiles that last for decades. If you believe you have a toothache that requires invasive treatment, call us at (952) 448-4151 or visit our website to learn more.
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