What Can I Expect a Root Canal to Cost?

January 26, 2026

Scale with tooth and coins

A severe toothache can be stressful enough on its own, but worries about cost often make patients hesitate to seek care. Understanding how root canal pricing works can help you feel more prepared and confident when it’s time to treat an infected or damaged tooth.

Average Cost of a Root Canal

The cost of a root canal can vary widely depending on several factors, but most treatments fall within a general range. On average, patients may pay several hundred to over a thousand dollars for treatment. Front teeth typically cost less because they have a single root, while molars tend to be more expensive due to their multiple roots and more complex anatomy.

While these numbers can feel intimidating, it’s important to remember that pricing reflects the skill, time, and advanced technology required to remove infection and preserve the natural tooth.

What’s Included in the Price?

A root canal fee usually covers more than just the procedure itself. Treatment commonly includes diagnostic imaging, local anesthesia, removal of infected pulp, thorough cleaning of the tooth’s interior, and sealing the canals to prevent reinfection. Some cases also involve temporary fillings placed after treatment.

In certain situations, additional procedures may be necessary, such as retreatment of a previously treated tooth or care for an abscess. These extra steps can increase the overall cost.

Factors That Can Affect Your Final Cost

Several variables can influence how much you’ll ultimately pay. The location of the tooth plays a major role, as back teeth are more challenging to treat. The severity of the infection, whether the tooth has been treated before, and the need for specialized techniques can also affect pricing.

Geographic location and the expertise of the provider may contribute as well, especially when advanced tools or microscopic techniques are used to improve outcomes.

How Dental Insurance Helps

Dental insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for root canal treatment. Many plans cover a portion of endodontic care, often between 50% and 80%, depending on the policy. Coverage levels, annual maximums, deductibles, and waiting periods all influence how much insurance will pay.

Because benefits vary, it’s helpful for patients to confirm coverage details ahead of time and understand what portion of the treatment cost will be their responsibility.

Payment Options and Financing

For patients without insurance or with limited coverage, flexible payment options can make treatment more accessible. Many dental offices allow patients to pay through a secure online patient portal, making it easy to manage balances from home.

Third-party financing options like CareCredit and Cherry are also commonly offered, allowing patients to break the cost of care into manageable monthly payments, often with promotional interest-free periods for those who qualify.

Addressing dental pain promptly can prevent complications and higher costs down the road.

About the Practice

Meta Endodontics of Deerfield specializes in advanced root canal treatment with a focus on patient comfort and clinical precision. Dr. Trinha and Dr. Mehta are highly trained in diagnosing and treating complex tooth infections using modern endodontic techniques. We work with many dental insurance plans and offers convenient payment options, including online payments, CareCredit, and Cherry, to help patients access the care they need without unnecessary financial stress.

Call us at (847) 920-6382 or request an appointment online.