How much of a root canal does insurance cover?
Asked by: Allie Olson | Last update: July 2, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (17 votes)
How much is a root canal in the US with insurance?
A lot of insurance plans cover 50-80% of the procedure after you've met your deductible. This means your out-of-pocket expenses might range from $200 to $1,000 depending on factors like which tooth is treated and the specifics of your insurance plan.
Are root canals ever covered by insurance?
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.
What happens if I can't afford a root canal?
A dental clinic
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 should I pay for a root canal?
The national average cost for a root canal is $1,165, but can range between $500-$1,800. Learn more about what you should expect to pay and how the procedure works. The term “root canal" is often associated with pain or bad dental experiences.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
Is it cheaper to pull a tooth or root canal?
While both procedures aim to address dental health issues, they vary significantly in terms of treatment approach and financial impact. A root canal usually costs between $800 and $1,500 per tooth, whereas a tooth extraction ranges from $135 to $500 or more, depending on complexity.
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.
Can I wait 3 months for a root canal?
On average, waiting more than a few weeks to address a root canal issue significantly increases the risk of infection spread. According to the American Association of Endodontists, prompt treatment is crucial, and delaying a root canal may lead to more extensive and costly interventions.
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.
Is there a cheaper alternative to a root canal?
Truthfully speaking, however, an extraction is a more uncomfortable procedure 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.
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.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover root canals?
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.
How long do root canals last?
Breaking down the root canal data
Teeth that receive a root canal, and a subsequent filling and crown last about 20 years. Teeth that receive either a filling or a crown after a root canal last around 11 years. Teeth that receive no restorative work after a root canal only last about 6.5 years.
Do most insurances cover root canals?
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.
Do they put you to sleep for a root canal?
Generally, local anesthesia is used for the procedure to keep the patient awake and comfortable for the duration. Yet, still many people have a great amount of apprehension when it comes to root canal treatment - and those with dental anxiety may require more to get through the procedure. Sedation endodontics can help.
Should a dentist pay for a failed root canal?
If your dentist's negligence has caused you harm as a result of a failed root canal procedure, you are entitled to just compensation. To receive the reasonable damages you deserve, you require the skill and determination of an excellent dental malpractice attorney.
What to do if you can't pay for 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.
How long does it take for insurance to approve a root canal?
Oral surgery, root canals , dentures and inlays/onlays/crowns are typically considered major dental procedures. For major dental procedures, most dental insurers typically have a waiting period of either 6 or 12 months after you enroll.
Is a root canal considered basic or major?
Root Canal Treatment. Obtaining root canal treatment can be a basic or major restorative procedure depending on the patient. For most people, it is a relatively minor surgery with very little downtime after the procedure. It helps keep one's physical tooth intact by removing the infected pulp.
How do people afford root canals?
Many dental offices will allow you to finance your root canal or pay the cost in installments through a payment plan. Contact your dental practitioner's office to find out if they offer these options, or to see what other payment alternatives may be available.
How urgent is a root canal?
A Root Canal Counts As An Emergency Dental Treatment
In rare cases, a tooth infection could even cause sepsis, a blood infection that can be life-threatening. To prevent these complications, a root canal should be used to treat the infection as soon as possible.
How soon do I need a crown after a root canal?
This means that after having a root canal treatment, it's important for you to wait for at least four weeks before getting a crown. A crown should be placed within a few months of the root canal, but it can take up to a year for your tooth's nerves to heal completely.
What if I can't afford a crown after a root canal?
If you are unable to get a crown after a root canal, there are non-crown options that can be considered for the long-term. These options include using an inlay or onlay to cover the tooth, which can provide similar protection as a crown.
How bad does a root canal hurt at 1/10?
While a root canal may have a reputation for being painful, modern dental techniques have made the procedure much more comfortable than it used to be. On a scale of 1 to 10, most patients report minimal pain during the procedure and mild discomfort afterward.