One of the first questions patients ask when they learn they need a root canal is: “How much will this cost?” If you don’t have dental insurance, that question carries even more weight.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what root canal treatment actually costs, what factors affect pricing, and how to make it affordable.
Root Canal Cost Overview
At an endodontist’s office, root canal treatment typically costs between $1,300 and $2,000 per tooth. The exact price depends on several factors we’ll cover below.
For context, here’s how this compares to your alternatives:
| Treatment | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Root canal (endodontist) | $1,300–$2,000 |
| Extraction + implant | $4,000–$6,000+ |
| Extraction + bridge | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Extraction only | $200–$600 |
An extraction alone is cheaper upfront, but a missing tooth creates long-term problems—shifting teeth, bone loss, and difficulty chewing. Most patients eventually need a replacement, and that’s where costs add up significantly.
Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is almost always the most cost-effective long-term option.
What Affects Root Canal Pricing
1. Which tooth needs treatment
The biggest factor in cost is the tooth’s location:
- Front teeth (incisors, canines): These have one root canal and are the simplest to treat. They fall on the lower end of the price range.
- Premolars: These typically have one or two canals. Mid-range pricing.
- Molars: These have three or four canals (sometimes more), require more time, and are the most complex. They fall on the higher end.
2. Complexity of the case
Some teeth present challenges that require additional expertise:
- Calcified canals that are difficult to locate
- Curved or unusually shaped roots
- Previously treated teeth needing retreatment
- Cracked teeth requiring careful evaluation
Complex cases take more time and skill, which can affect the fee.
3. Endodontist vs. general dentist
General dentists may charge less for a root canal—often $800 to $1,200. However, there’s an important distinction:
- Endodontists complete 2–3 additional years of specialized training beyond dental school
- We use surgical operating microscopes for every procedure (most general dentists don’t have them)
- Endodontists have higher success rates, especially on complex cases
- Retreating a failed root canal costs more than getting it done right the first time
The slightly higher fee reflects specialized training, advanced equipment, and better outcomes.
4. Diagnostic imaging
A thorough diagnosis requires imaging. At our office, every consultation includes CBCT 3D imaging, which provides far more detail than standard X-rays. This is included in the consultation fee ($375–$475) and helps us diagnose accurately and plan treatment precisely.
How to Afford a Root Canal Without Insurance
Not having insurance doesn’t mean you can’t get the care you need. Here are realistic options:
CareCredit financing
CareCredit offers 0% interest plans for qualified applicants. This lets you break the cost into manageable monthly payments without paying extra. We help patients apply in our office.
HSA and FSA accounts
If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account through your employer, root canal treatment is an eligible expense. These accounts use pre-tax dollars, effectively giving you a discount equal to your tax rate.
Payment arrangements
We work with uninsured patients on flexible payment arrangements. Talk to our team about your situation—we’d rather help you save your tooth now than have you delay treatment until the problem gets worse and more expensive.
Dental discount plans
These aren’t insurance, but membership programs that offer reduced fees at participating dentists. Plans like DentalPlans.com or Careington typically cost $100–$200 per year and offer 15–50% off procedures.
The Real Cost of Waiting
Early treatment is almost always less expensive than delayed treatment. When patients delay root canal treatment because of cost concerns, the problem doesn’t stay the same—it gets worse.
Here’s what typically happens:
The Infection Spreads
What could have been treated with a standard root canal may now require surgery (apicoectomy) or retreatment, adding cost.
The Tooth Becomes Unsaveable
If too much tooth structure is destroyed, extraction becomes the only option. Now you're looking at implant costs ($4,000–$6,000+).
Emergency Visits
Severe infections can lead to ER visits, antibiotics, and emergency dental appointments — none of which solve the underlying problem, but all of which add to the total bill.
What’s Included in the Cost
When comparing prices, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. At Phan Endodontic Partners, the root canal fee includes:
- The complete root canal procedure
- All necessary X-rays during treatment
- Local anesthesia
- Temporary filling
- Follow-up appointments as needed
Not included (and handled by your general dentist):
- The initial consultation and CBCT imaging (separate fee)
- The permanent crown or restoration after the root canal—this is done by your regular dentist and typically costs $800–$1,500
Make sure to factor in the crown cost when budgeting for the total treatment.
Questions to Ask When Comparing Prices
If you’re calling around for quotes, here are questions that will help you compare fairly:
- Is the provider a specialist (endodontist) or a general dentist?
- What imaging is included? (3D CBCT vs. standard X-ray)
- What’s the quoted fee include? (Some offices quote the root canal alone; others bundle the consultation)
- What’s the practice’s success rate?
- Is a microscope used for every procedure?
- What happens if retreatment is needed?
The lowest price isn’t always the best value. A root canal that fails and needs retreatment or extraction costs far more in the end.
Ready to Get a Clear Treatment Plan?
If you need a root canal and want to know exactly what it will cost for your specific situation, schedule a consultation. We’ll take 3D images, diagnose the problem, and give you a clear treatment plan with pricing before any work begins. No surprises.
We also verify insurance benefits for patients who do have coverage, so you’ll know your out-of-pocket cost upfront.
Call (310) 378-8342 to schedule your consultation.