Should a dentist pay for a failed root canal?
Asked by: Nikita Hessel Jr. | Last update: August 3, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (25 votes)
Who is financially responsible for a failed root canal?
A viable dental negligence claim essentially means that the dentist, endodontist, or other medical professional can be held liable for the injured patient's injuries and resulting damages, like medical bills and pain and suffering.
Can you get a refund for a failed root canal?
You might be able to claim compensation for a failed root canal treatment if you were left with additional dental problems or if your dentist failed to remove the harmful bacteria properly.
Do dentists charge for a failed root canal?
Getting treatment for a failed root canal may indeed cost more than the initial procedure.
Will insurance pay for a failed root canal?
While dental insurance may cover part or all the cost for retreatment, some policies limit coverage to a single procedure on a tooth in each period of time.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: What’s the Right Choice?
Can I sue dentist for 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 need a root canal and can't afford it?
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.
Is a failed root canal my fault?
Three primary causes contribute to root canal treatment failure. Either the tooth was not properly cleaned prior to filling the canal, an infected crack exists, or the seal between the restoration and tooth was violated so that bacterial infiltrated the tooth's canal once again.
How much should a root canal cost 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.
How much can you sue a dentist for nerve damage?
The average settlement amount in dental malpractice cases is $65,000, but victims may qualify for more in certain instances. By calculating the damages and collecting evidence to support their claims, victims of dental malpractice may be able to recover full compensation for the damages they sustain.
How urgent is a failed root canal?
Facing a root canal can seem scary, but it's crucial not to delay treatment — especially if your first procedure fails. Without care, you can lose your tooth, and the infection could spread to other teeth or your jawbone.
Can I ask my money back from a dentist?
How Can You Ask for a Refund? You ask for a refund from your dentist with a direct verbal request. Remember, refunds from patients' verbal requests do not require dentists to notify the NPDB.
Do dentists warranty root canals?
Root Canals
If you lose your tooth within three years due to failure of the root canal, we will apply the root canal fee as a credit towards a replacement tooth. NOTE: If the tooth breaks because you did not have it properly restored following the root canal procedure, the warranty will not apply.
What is the average payout for dental negligence?
What is the average payout for dental negligence? Quick Answer. According to the most recent 2024 data, the average payout for dental negligence is $133,000. It can vary significantly based on injury severity and associated costs.
How do you get paid for a root canal?
Most dental insurance plans cover root canals if they're medically necessary. However, this can depend on the type of root canal you need, your dental plan and level of coverage. If the root canal is covered, your plan might only pay a certain percentage of the cost.
Can a dentist go too deep in a root canal?
However, one of the most serious complications can occur if the dentist drills too deep during the procedure. Drilling too deep during a root canal is not only a potential case of dental malpractice but can also lead to severe consequences, such as nerve damage and infection.
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.
Why is my root canal so expensive?
That's because front teeth only have one root. Molars can have up to three. More than one root means more work for your dentist and, ultimately, a higher cost. Your geographic location also plays a role in root canal treatment costs.
Who is to blame for a failed root canal?
Your dentist may be responsible for a bad root canal treatment. It ultimately depends on why your root canal failed. If your dentist did not provide an acceptable standard of treatment or live up to their duty-of-care mandate, you might incur unnecessary pain and suffering with root canal complications.
Who should pay for a failed root canal?
If you have suffered a failed root canal treatment that you believe was a direct result of the negligence of your dentist, you could be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced and the costs of any further corrective treatment you have endured.
Can you sue a dentist for messing up a root canal?
If you are still experiencing pain, we advise that you call a different medical professional to evaluate your mouth. If you have been a victim of dental malpractice, you can sue the dentist and have expensive follow up treatment bills paid for by the offending dentist.
Why is my root canal not covered by insurance?
If your tooth was already damaged or infected before you purchased your dental insurance, your plan may not cover the root canal. Insurance companies may deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, so it's important to check the details of your policy.
Do dentists do payment plans?
Dentists may have various payment options, including zero-interest plans, extended payment terms, or third-party financing arrangements. Understanding the available options will help you choose the best plan for your needs.
How long can a root canal go untreated?
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.