What should a root canal cost, and will insurance pay?

We don't list prices here, because they vary too much to be useful. If your dentist is in network with your plan, the fee is set by your plan's contract with the dentist. If they're out of network, they set their own fee. The best way to know your cost is to ask the office for it in writing before treatment. If the cost is higher than you expected, it's reasonable to ask why, or to get a second opinion or a quote from another office.

• Which tooth: front tooth (D3310), premolar (D3320), or molar (D3330). Each step back usually means more canals, more time, and a higher fee.
• How tricky it is: curved or narrow canals, or redoing an old root canal (D3346–D3348), take more time and usually cost more.
• Who does it: a root canal specialist (endodontist) often charges more than a general dentist, but may be the better choice for a difficult tooth. Being referred to a specialist for a tricky tooth is common, not a red flag.
• Where you live: fees tend to run higher in areas with a higher cost of living.

A root canal is rarely the only charge for that tooth. Expect some combination of:

• An exam and X-rays
• Sometimes an emergency visit to relieve pain first
• The root canal itself
• A buildup, or a post and core, if a lot of the tooth is missing
• A crown, almost always on back teeth. See Do I need a crown afterward?

Ask for the whole plan for that tooth priced out, not just the root canal.

Most plans include coverage for root canals. Plans differ on whether they count it as a basic or a major service, which changes your share, so check your plan's summary of benefits. The usual limits apply:

• Your deductible and coinsurance
• Your annual maximum. A root canal plus a crown can use up much of it, so ask how much you have left.
• Waiting periods, if your coverage is new

If your dentist is out of network, they can charge their own fee and bill you for whatever the plan doesn't pay. Out-of-network offices often collect the full fee up front. You can still send the claim to your plan, and it pays you back whatever benefits it covers.

If your plan covers root canals, one will rarely be denied for not meeting criteria. Plans usually want X-rays showing the tooth, and some ask for one taken after treatment. The crown that follows nearly always meets criteria once the root canal is done. If you want to know more about how criteria reviews work, see My treatment didn't meet the plan's criteria.

• Ask for a predetermination covering the root canal and the crown together, so you see the full picture.
• Ask whether the office offers a payment plan.
• Dental school clinics often charge less, though visits take longer.
• Don't put off the crown to save money. A root-canal-treated back tooth without one can crack.