How can I reduce the cost of a root canal?
Asked by: Manuela Crona | Last update: May 30, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (21 votes)
- Explore Payment Plans. ...
- Look Into Dental Discount Plans. ...
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) ...
- Consider Treatment at a Dental School. ...
- Shop Around for the Best Price.
What can I do if I cannot afford a root canal?
Community health clinics and dental charities may offer low-cost or sliding scale fees based on your income. These clinics aim to provide affordable dental care to those in need.
What is the cheapest way to get a root canal?
If someone needs a root canal but cannot afford it, there are several options to explore: Dental Schools: Many dental schools offer reduced-cost treatments provided by students under the supervision of experienced faculty. This can be a more affordable option for getting a root canal.
Is there a cheaper option than a root canal?
Getting a tooth extracted is often cheaper than a root canal treatment, but most dentists strongly advice against doing that since there are serious consequences for leaving a gap in the mouth unaddressed. It can lead to teeth shifting out of their proper alignment, jaw bone deterioration and a host of bite issues.
What makes root canals so expensive?
Complexity of the Procedure
The tooth's location significantly influences the cost of a root canal in the mouth. This variation is primarily due to the complexity and time required for treating different types of teeth.
How to Tell if You Need a Root Canal (DIY Test at Home)
How can I save money on a root canal?
Use flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA): If you have an FSA or HSA, you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for your root canal and related procedures, which could save you money in the long run.
What is the alternative to a root canal?
Direct Pulp Capping
Used to treat severe damage or decay on a tooth that exposes the pulp, this is the number one recommended alternative to root canal procedures by most doctors.
Does insurance cover root canals?
Will dental insurance cover my root canal procedure? Whether or not your insurance will cover your root canal procedure will depend on your particular plan, but it is common for dental insurance plans to cover 50% - 80% of the cost of a root canal after the deductible has been met.
How can I heal my root canal naturally?
- Prioritize Good Oral Hygiene.
- Use Warm Saltwater Rinses.
- Eat a Healing-Friendly Diet.
- Manage Discomfort Naturally.
- Stay Hydrated.
- Avoid Smoking or Tobacco Use.
How can I fix my teeth if I don't have money?
- Nonprofit clinics. Some cities have dental clinics that specifically serve people with low incomes, no insurance, or who otherwise can't afford care.
- Donated services. Some state or national charities use donated labor and materials to give free care. ...
- Private dentists.
How can I get a pain free root canal?
To ensure that root canal treatments are painless, dentists use a variety of efficient pain management strategies: Local anesthesia. A topical anesthetic is used to alleviate pain during root canal treatment. Before beginning the procedure, the dentist in Whitefield provides a local anesthetic to the affected tooth.
How much is the average root canal per person?
With just 12% of adults receiving a root canal in their lives, that means that 88% of adults will never receive a root canal. That means we can assume that the average person will have between zero and one root canal.
Why would my insurance deny a root canal?
One of the most common reasons is that the procedure is not deemed “medically necessary.” Payers may determine that a root canal is not necessary for a patient's oral health or that the patient can manage their dental issue with a less invasive and expensive treatment.
How long can I go without a root canal?
The length of time you can leave a root canal untreated varies depending on the severity of the infection and your personal pain tolerance. Some people may experience severe symptoms within days, while others may go weeks or even months without significant discomfort.
What if I have a tooth infection but no money?
Consider a dental clinic
Many communities have dental clinics or programs for people who cannot afford dental care. Search online for a local dental society and ask about a clinic or program for free care.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield dental cover root canals?
That's the Benefit of Blue®. Both our high-option and standard-option plans offer the comprehensive dental benefits you and your family need, including: in-network covered preventive care paid in full, including up to three cleanings a year. no deductible for in-network services, such as fillings and root canals.
Why is a root canal so expensive?
The primary reason why root canals are so expensive is due to the complexity and the skill required for the procedure. A highly skilled dentist or endodontist is needed. The procedure involves intricate work with a high level of precision and is typically long, often requiring multiple dental visits.
When you can't afford a root canal?
Many communities have free dental clinics for people without insurance who cannot afford care at a dental practice. Look online for a local dental society or university dental school, call them, and ask about programs for free dental care.
What can I use if I don't have money for a root canal?
Find Affordable Dental Care for Your Root Canal
A dental school, a public clinic, a government-subsidized health care plan, or a financing option can all be considered to help you pay for the procedure.
What can mimic a root canal?
Like most parts of your body, sometimes your TMJ can become inflamed and cause pain. I often see these patients in my endodontic practice, because TMJ pain can mimic root canal pain with common symptoms of a dull ache in your jaw, headaches and radiating pain.
What is cheaper than a root canal?
Before going to the dentist, you might want to get an idea about the pricing. In general, tooth extraction is less expensive than undergoing a root canal procedure.
How do I get coverage for a root canal?
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.
How much is a root canal in Mexico?
The average price of a root canal with a post in Mexico to $400. Some of the best root canal specialists in Mexico charge around $450 to $550. What top root canal specialists in Mexico will tell you: “Plan to get the dental crown right after your root canal procedure in Mexico.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Needing a crown after a root canal depends highly on the location of the tooth in the mouth—teeth towards the back of the mouth like molars and premolars are needed more for chewing, and generally require crowns, where incisors or canines which aren't needed for chewing don't always require crowns.