Do you need a root canal? Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures. It is actually considered to be an endodontic procedure because it restores the health of the tooth from the inside.
If you’re in need of a root canal, you may be wondering how much it costs. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a typical root canal in Massachusetts.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that is named for the part of the tooth that it treats. The root canal is the inner chamber inside each tooth that contains the dental pulp, soft tissue made up of blood vessels and nerves. When the dental pulp becomes infected or may be at risk, a root canal procedure is the process of removing the dental pulp and filling the tooth with replacement material that is resistant to infection.
Average Cost of a Root Canal
The cost of a root canal can range anywhere from $1,100-$1,900 per tooth. A typical root canal averages around $1,600 before insurance. The exact cost of a root canal for an individual depends on the specifics of your procedure and other factors.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Root Canal
There are a variety of factors that may affect the cost of your root canal, such as:
- The size of the tooth. The larger the tooth, the longer it may take to clear out all of the dental pulp and fill the tooth, which can increase the total cost of the procedure.
- The location of the tooth. The more difficult the tooth is to access, the higher the cost of the procedure may be.
- The complexity of the root structure. A tooth with a complex root structure may require a longer procedure and the use of advanced technology to ensure that the root canal is thorough. Such a procedure will be at the higher end of the cost range.
- Whether or not you are getting a crown. In most cases a crown is placed over the tooth after a root canal, which is an additional cost.
- Your insurance. If you have dental insurance that covers part of the cost of a root canal, your out of pocket balance will be lower.
- The geographic location of the dental practice. Geographic location plays a part in the cost of dental services. In larger cities with a higher cost of living you may find that a root canal costs more than it would in a smaller town.
Is a Root Canal Worth the Cost?
A root canal is worth the cost in almost every situation. When the natural tooth can be restored with a root canal procedure and remain in place, you avoid more costly treatments such as replacing the tooth with a dental prosthetic. And your pain is literally eliminated as the nerves are removed from the tooth. Yet the tooth itself remains in place, fully functional and preserving your natural smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Why do I need a root canal?
A root canal may be recommended to treat an infected tooth or to prevent an at-risk tooth from becoming infected. Severe decay, a cracked tooth, or dental trauma could result in the need for a root canal. In many cases a root canal can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted and replaced.
Does insurance cover root canals?
Most dental insurance plans cover root canals to some extent. It may be a certain percentage of the total cost and there may be a deductible that has to be met first. Contact your insurance provider or refer to your benefits guide for more information about your plan.
Schedule Root Canal Treatment Today
If you have one or more teeth in need of a root canal, schedule a consultation with Emerson Dental today. We can restore your dental health and ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.