How much does a root canal cost?

Root canals can cost $1,000 on average without insurance. The procedure tends to cost less if done on the front teeth. The further back in your mouth the target tooth is, the more it will likely cost.

Will dental insurance cover root canal procedures?

Dental insurance policies generally cover 40% to 80% of the cost of a root canal. However, coverage eligibility and amounts can vary by insurer and the amount of coverage you select. Aflac dental insurance policies help cover the cost of root canals after your policy’s waiting period ends.

Dental Insurance Coverage for Root Canal Treatments

Q: How does dental insurance work?

Dental insurance is a form of supplemental insurance that can cover a range of dental care treatments and lower the cost a patient has to pay. With this type of insurance, you can maintain your coverage in exchange for monthly premiums. When you file a claim, you’ll pay the relevant deductible before insurance covers the rest.

Dental insurance policies can help patients reduce costs for dental procedures and treatments, including root canals. However, policies may offer different coverage levels, so it’s important to review yours carefully to understand how much of the cost may be covered. Read on to learn how dental insurance works and how it can help reduce the cost of root canal procedures.

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Key Takeaways

Without insurance, a root canal may cost between $700 and $2,100, depending on factors like the tooth’s location.¹
Dental insurance policies typically cover between 40% and 80% of a root canal procedure.²
Aflac offers primary and supplemental dental insurance (additional coverage for dental care expenses that may not be covered by your primary insurance plan) that can help cover the out-of-pocket expenses for dental care.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected pulp, the innermost tooth layer, from the tooth’s interior. When you arrive for an appointment, here’s how the procedure is typically done:³

Applying anesthesia: Your dentist or oral surgeon usually applies a local anesthesia to numb the surrounding gums and teeth to help minimize discomfort.
Removing the pulp: The dentist drills a small hole in the tooth crown and uses small instruments to help remove the pulp’s blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues.
Filling the inner tooth and placing a temporary filling: The dentist cleans and disinfects the pulp and root canals within your tooth before sealing it with a temporary filling.
Placing the dental crown: The dentist places a crown on the tooth to help protect the inner layer and restore normal function. This may occur during a separate appointment and may come at a separate cost from the root canal procedure.

How much is a root canal treatment without insurance?

Root canal costs can vary widely. In general, they can cost between $700 and $2,100 without insurance. The average costs can increase the further back in your mouth the tooth is. Here are some average costs for teeth in different sections of the mouth:¹

Tooth Location	Average Price Range (without insurance)	Average Cost (without insurance)
Anterior	$700 - $1,700	$1,000
Bicuspid (between canines and molars)	$800 - $1,800	$1,100
Molars	$850 - $2,100	$1,300

How much is a root canal treatment with insurance?

By contrast, if you have a dental policy, here are the average costs for a root canal procedure:²

Tooth Location	Average Price Range (with insurance)	Average Cost (with insurance)
Anterior	$700 - $1,700	$1,000
Bicuspid (between canines and molars)	$800 - $1,800	$1,100
Molars	$850 - $2,100	$1,300

What factors impact the cost of a root canal?

The cost of a root canal can also vary based on several factors, including:

The tooth's location: Teeth that are further back can be more complicated to operate on, making them more expensive.¹
Type of dental specialist: Endodontists are dentists who specialize in the tooth’s pulp. These specialists may charge more for root canals than general dentists.
Emergency vs. scheduled procedures: Emergency root canals usually cost more than scheduled ones due to the lack of prep time for the dentist and immediacy required for the service.
Crown: Covering a tooth that’s had a root canal with a crown can greatly increase your bill. In fact, the average crown can cost $1,142 on top of the root canal procedure.²
Original procedure failure: If, for some reason, your original procedure fails, you may need another root canal. That would require additional costs.¹

How does dental insurance work?

Dental insurance can provide coverage for care related to your teeth and gums. Typically, you’ll pay a monthly premium and your policy will cover certain costs up to an annual limit. Preventative care is often covered 100% while other things may be covered up to a percentage of the total costs.

Aflac’s primary dental insurance for individuals can help cover the cost for dental care, including root canals. With this type of insurance, you can help lower your out-of-pocket costs for dental services as long as you pay your monthly premiums. You can choose from a variety of coverage levels based on your needs. Additionally, we typically offer the option to add vision and hearing insurance with our Dental, Vision and Hearing Insurance plans.

Aflac can also offer supplemental dental insurance for individuals that help provide additional coverage for dental care expenses not covered by your primary insurance. You can receive cash benefits paid directly to you, unless otherwise assigned.

Does dental insurance cover root canals?

Dental insurance can often help cover root canals. Most plans cover 40% to 80% of the cost of a root canal procedure, potentially subject to annual maximums.² You may also have to meet a deductible or pay copays or coinsurance. Plans with more coverage tend to charge higher premiums.

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How to tell if you need a root canal

A patient may need a root canal if dental X-rays discover that a tooth’s pulp has been infected by bacteria.⁴ A tooth pulp infection can happen when the pulp is exposed, which may be caused by the following:⁵

Cracked tooth from injury
Deep cavities
Problems from previous fillings
Genetics

Early detection of this infection can be critical to help minimize damage and maximize success rate. It also can help reduce the potential need for more invasive procedures. Therefore, you should prioritize scheduling regular dental check-ups so your dental professional can check your teeth and identify the need for a root canal early. With that in mind, if you experience the following signs and symptoms, you may need a root canal:

Persistent pain⁶
Hot and cold sensitivity⁶
Swollen gums⁶
Chipped or cracked teeth⁶
Discoloration of teeth⁶
Tooth movement³

Speak to a dental professional if you experience any of the above and are concerned about a tooth pulp infection.

Dental insurance can typically help cover root canals

Aflac’s dental insurance policies can typically help with out-of-pocket expenses, so you can maintain a healthy smile. Our primary dental insurance plans for individuals have a range of coverage options that may fit your budget, and there’s typically no waiting period for preventative care, such as regular cleanings. You can also obtain a supplemental dental insurance policy directly from Aflac to receive cash benefits for dental care expenses. Chat with an agent to learn more about our dental insurance options and get a quote today.

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