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A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat infection inside your tooth, helping relieve pain and preserve your natural smile. If your dentist recommends this treatment, you may wonder, "How expensive is a root canal?" While the average root canal cost is cited around $1,165, your dental bill depends on several factors.1 In this article, we break down what factors may affect root canal costs and how dental insurance may help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Table of Contents
A root canal is a dental procedure that treats infection or damage inside your tooth. During the procedure, your dentist removes infected tissue, cleans the area and seals it to help prevent future infection.
You may need a root canal if:2
Root canal treatment may sound intimidating, but it can help ease your pain and save your natural tooth. To minimize discomfort, your dentist may administer local anesthesia during the procedure.
Without insurance, root canal costs are often estimated to range between approximately $500 and $1800.1 To get a better idea of your expected costs, ask your dentist for a detailed estimate before treatment.
Root canals can be expensive because they’re complex procedures. They often involve X-rays, anesthesia and specialized tools. Your root canal treatment plan may also require additional restorative work, such as a dental crown or filling.
Several variables can affect the total cost of treatment:
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedPutting off a root canal can allow the infection or damage inside your tooth to worsen over time, potentially leading to:
If your dentist can’t save your damaged tooth, you may need additional procedures like an extraction, a dental bridge or an implant to restore your smile. Prompt treatment may help you avoid these extra services and reduce your overall dental bill.
While root canals can be expensive, these three strategies may help make the cost more manageable:
If you have dental insurance, your plan may help cover part of your root canal treatment. Since coverage levels vary, it’s helpful to review your benefits before treatment and confirm whether your dentist is in network. Choosing an in-network provider may help lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Even if you have dental insurance, you may still owe some out-of-pocket costs, such as your plan’s deductible, coinsurance and any expenses that exceed your annual maximum. That’s where supplemental dental insurance can help provide extra financial support. This coverage from Aflac pays you cash benefits, unless otherwise assigned, to use toward eligible costs your primary plan may not cover.
Many dental offices offer payment plans or third-party financing. If you’re unable to pay for your root canal upfront, ask whether you can split the bill into monthly payments and whether interest or financing fees apply.
Dental insurance plans often help pay for certain medically necessary procedures, which may include root canals. However, coverage depends on the specific plan and may include:
Reviewing these details can help you estimate your potential financial responsibility.
When treated early, a root canal may help preserve your natural tooth and avoid more costly procedures down the line. Understanding the costs involved can help you plan for this essential dental treatment.
Aflac dental insurance can help with out-of-pocket costs for many dental treatments. You may also consider our supplemental dental insurance to help cover eligible costs your primary plan may not cover or our DVH insurance to enjoy dental, vision and hearing coverage under one convenient plan.
Chat with an Aflac agent today to explore your coverage options and get a quote.
Get Started
Learn about dental insurance vs. dental discount plans and how Aflac dental insurance can help you save money at the dentist.
Understanding how in-network vs. out-of-network dental care works can help save you money and pick the best plan for your needs.
Learn about dental insurance vs. dental discount plans and how Aflac dental insurance can help you save money at the dentist.
Understanding how in-network vs. out-of-network dental care works can help save you money and pick the best plan for your needs.
1 Care Credit - How Much Does a Root Canal Cost? Price and Procedure Explained. Updated on November 15, 2024. https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/what-is-a-root-canal/. Accessed on May 10, 2026.
2 Mayo Clinic - Root canal treatment. Updated on September 5, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/in-depth/root-canal/art-20585454. Accessed on May 10, 2026.
3 GoodRX - How Much Does a Root Canal Cost? Updated on August 26, 2025. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/oral/root-canal-cost?. Accessed on May 10, 2026.
4 Health - What Is an Endodontist? Updated on March 22, 2026. https://www.health.com/endodontist-8697730. Accessed on May 10, 2026.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent/producer.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Dental: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA. Not available in MA, NM, NV, PR, or RI.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Not available in GU, NJ., NY, NM, PR or VA. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Coverage/plan levels may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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