Root Canal Cost
Root canal cost varies widely depending on
which tooth needs to be treated and which part of the country. The root
canal cost for a front tooth with one canal will be around $300 to $600.
For a molar, it will be $700 to $1200 or more. Low fee states like Iowa
and Mississippi will have lower costs. Fees will be higher in California
and New York. In larger cities, fees will be considerably higher than in
rural areas.
The fee is traditionally computed based on the type
of tooth, and the teeth are classified as either anterior, premolars, or
molars. A dentist or root canal specialist will ordinarily have a set fee
for each classification. Anterior teeth are the front six, premolars are
the next back and usually have two cusps, and the molars are further back.
Anterior teeth are the simplest to treat. A
root canal on a front tooth is
simpler for many reasons. There is usually only one canal, which is wide
and straight, and access to the tooth is easy. Molars are much more
difficult to reach with the long instruments required for
root canal treatment. In addition,
they will have three or four canals, which will be narrower and more
curved than those on front teeth. Premolars are between these extremes as
far as difficulty and time required for the
root canal procedure.
The fee will also vary depending on whether the
procedure is done by a general dentist or an endodontist. An endodontist
will charge more. With molars, many general dentists do not want to treat
them and will refer you to a specialist. For front teeth, since they are
so straightforward, most general dentists feel comfortable treating them.
The fee also does not include placing a
dental crown on the tooth afterward, or
filling the hole, if the tooth already has a crown. An additional item
could be a dental post inside the root to
help strengthen the tooth and help retain the crown.
These are your guidelines for root canal cost.
