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How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

Much like buying a car or home, there are many, many variables. We can give you a national average for the different types of teeth involved and an overall range then we can address those variables that contribute to the different cost expectations.

National Averages for a Root Canal

The very first variable we’ll address to get to our averages is the type of tooth. A front tooth has only one root, therefore the national average is $762. The premolar can average about $879 per tooth and the molar, which can have between two and three roots will average around $1,111. Those averages come from a range of $500 to $1,500. The region in which you live will contribute to the cost as well. If you live on either coast you can expect to pay more than the Midwest.

What is a Root Canal and Why?

Under that tough white enamel you have another hard material called dentin. At the center of the tooth, from crown to root is soft tissue called pulp. This pulp is full of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue that provide nutrition for that tooth. If you crack that tooth or that tooth gets a cavity
the bacteria will find its way to the pulp and create an infection. The infection will result in a painful abyss on the root. If you do not address the tooth at that time it will inevitably result in that tooth being extracted. Millions of root canals are performed annually. It is much better to have a root canal and keep that natural tooth. It maintains a natural smile, efficient chewing, normal biting and it helps the surrounding teeth as well so they can’t shift.

The Factors in Varying Costs

Root canal therapy starts first with the administration of a local anesthetic and then the drilling a hole to get access to the pulp. The infected soft tissue is removed, the chamber and root areas cleaned and then a rubbery type material called gutta-percha is used to fill those areas. The hole in the tooth is then sealed with a cement. Now let’s walk through the variables for each procedure. We already introduced the type of tooth, front, premolar or molar, and the number of roots involved. There is the condition of the tooth and the extent of the infection to be removed. We also mentioned your region and even your specific endodontist performing the procedure. Based on the condition of the tooth and the extent of drilling necessary it may be wisely suggested to introduce a crown over the tooth to protect it. So there are many variables, from tooth to tooth and patient to patient. It is much easier to take the prevention route. The health industries all agree you should brush well twice a day and floss at least once a day. With good oral hygiene you can prevent cavities and eliminate excessive bacteria. But it the tooth suffers from an unavoidable accident be advised that a root canal is relatively painless and a good next step.

More About Root Canals : How painful is a root canal?