When a tooth becomes severely infected or damaged, root canal treatment may be required. The procedure saves the natural tooth and is generally preferable to extraction. If a patient does not have dental insurance, root canal cost can be expensive. However, they are still far less costly than losing a tooth completely. Patients should consider options such as paying for treatment at a dental school, public clinic, government-subsidized health care plans, or financing options to make their procedure more affordable.
However, dental costs can be high. Fortunately, there are ways to lower your root canal cost, including using flexible payment plans. Other factors include the type of tooth being treated (front teeth like incisors and canines typically cost less than molars), the location of the dentist and whether you have insurance coverage.
Costs with Insurance
Dental insurance can greatly reduce the financial burden of a root canal. While dental insurance policies vary by provider and monthly cost, most dental plans cover between 50% and 80% of the cost of a root canal after a patient has met their deductible.
Having the right dental insurance plan can alleviate concerns about paying for the costs associated with a root canal, especially in a city like New York where medical and dental care can be expensive. At Fifth Avenue Endodontics, we are committed to providing patients with comprehensive information on their insurance coverage and assisting them in finding affordable ways to pay for dental treatment.
Depending on the severity of the infection, additional treatments may be needed, including tooth extraction, or even replacement, and these can add to the overall cost of the root canal. Additionally, the type of crown that is required after treatment can affect the overall cost as well. However, many dental practices offer flexible payment plans and third-party financing options that make the cost of a root canal more manageable for most patients.
Costs without Insurance
Dental insurance coverage is not uniform across all dental plans, so it’s important to understand how your specific plan works before undergoing root canal treatment. The type of dental insurance plan (HMO vs PPO) influences how much is covered, as well as whether the dentist or endodontist in your network has agreed to discounted rates with your plan.
For patients who are uninsured, a root canal typically cost between $1000 and $1600. This includes the initial visit, X-rays, and any other diagnostic tests needed before treatment begins. It also includes the subsequent visit to place a crown, as well as any other treatments like sedation or antibiotics.
Costs with a Crown
A root canal is necessary when the tissue, nerves, and blood vessels inside a tooth become infected. These tissues are called the dental pulp, and a root canal treatment cleans out the infection by drilling a hole into the infected tooth, cleaning the inside, and filling it with a material called gutta percha.
Almost every dentist will recommend that the tooth be restored with a crown after the root canal procedure. This restores the appearance and function of the tooth, and typically costs more than a simple tooth filling. The type of crown chosen also affects the cost. Crowns made of precious metal are usually more expensive than those of porcelain.
Many dental offices offer payment plans for patients without insurance coverage, allowing them to pay for the cost of a root canal in affordable monthly installments. These plans are also available through third-party financing organizations and government assistance programs like Medicaid. Patients can also use money from their Health Savings Account (HSA), which accepts pre-tax contributions for eligible medical expenses including root canal treatment.
Costs with a Bridge
Both root canal treatment and dental bridges offer a number of benefits for patients. However, both treatments require ongoing maintenance and care to ensure longevity and prevent complications. In addition, each treatment option has its own unique considerations, ensuring that the final decision is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and goals.
Dental bridges offer a fixed solution for missing teeth, promoting improved aesthetics and bite functionality. They can also help restore oral health by addressing underlying tooth decay and damage.
Despite their many benefits, bridges can be challenging to perform a root canal under. Performing a root canal under a bridge requires navigating the complexities of treating a tooth that is surrounded by a dental crown, requiring collaboration with specialists like endodontists to preserve the integrity of the bridge. Furthermore, if the root canal is unsuccessful, it may lead to complications or even the need for tooth extraction.