Table of contents
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is a treatment designed to eliminate infection and inflammation from the innermost part of the tooth, known as the dental pulp.
The pulp is right in the center of the tooth, containing nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels. When a tooth has a deep cavity or is subject to trauma, the pulp can become infected or inflamed.
During treatment, the dental pulp and root canals in the tooth are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the tooth is permanently sealed and restored, typically with a dental crown.
If you need root canal therapy, cost is likely a factor in deciding whether to have this treatment.
This guide discusses the factors that affect the cost of treatment and outlines the benefits of saving natural teeth whenever possible.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Root Canal Therapy
Several factors can affect the cost of treatment, including the following.
- Tooth location.Typically, root canal treatment on a large molar will be more expensive than root canal therapy for a front tooth. This is because molars have more roots that must be cleaned, reshaped, and filled compared to front teeth, which only have one root. Molar tooth roots can be curved and more difficult to clean, and because the tooth is located at the back of the mouth, it can be more challenging to treat.
- Type of root canal therapy. If this is the first time the tooth has been treated, the price will likely be less compared with root canal retreatment. Redoing a root canal is a more complex and therefore more expensive procedure.
- Dentists’ experience.The experience of your dentist will affect the cost. For example, if you see an endodontist, a dental specialist, they will charge more due to their advanced training and expertise. They may also use advanced technologies, such as microscopic dentistry, which are costly to purchase and maintain.
- Tooth restoration.Most teeth require a dental crown after root canal therapy to protect them and restore their shape, size, and strength. The cost of the crown can vary depending on the type of material used to fabricate it.
- Dental insurance.Many dental insurance policies will cover at least part of the cost of treatment, but the percentage of coverage can vary and may depend on your choice of dental crown.
Your Custom Treatment Plan Provides a Complete Breakdown of All the Predicted Costs
Remember, after your initial consultation, you will receive a comprehensive treatment plan detailing the cost of further visits to complete your treatment.
Our friendly dental team can explain these prices in detail, step by step, ensuring you understand why a procedure is necessary and how it will benefit your dental health. We can also discuss the price of suitable restorations, explain the difference between specific crowns, and show you examples of each.
Why Root Canal Treatment Is Worth the Price
Root canal treatment may seem expensive, but there are several reasons why it can be a worthwhile investment.
Preserving Your Tooth
The most important reason for this treatment is to save a natural tooth from extraction. Root canal therapy has a high success rate. Afterward, your tooth could last for years or a lifetime.
Relieving Toothache
We realize there is little worse than a nasty toothache. Root canal therapy will quickly provide pain relief, allowing you to resume enjoying everyday life again.
Preventing Further Problems
Getting rid of the tooth infection can help prevent the problem from spreading and becoming more serious, as well as more expensive and complex to treat.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096