What to do if you can't pay for a root canal?
Asked by: Braulio Schmitt III | Last update: November 27, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (27 votes)
What do I do if I need a root canal but can't afford it?
Public Dental Clinics
Many charge low, fixed prices or sliding fees based on how much you can afford. Most clinics offer exams, cleanings, X-rays, root canals, fillings, crowns, and surgical tooth extractions. Some may have emergency dentists on call. Some clinics charge sliding fees based on how much you can afford.
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.
What to do if your teeth are rotting and you can't afford to fix it?
Affordable options like sliding scale clinics, dental schools, and payment plans can help with costs. If your teeth are rotting and you can't afford treatment, don't ignore it. Low-cost options like government programs or community health centers can help address the issue early.
How do you get dental work if you can't afford it?
Federally Qualified Health Centers
A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) can provide dental services for you or your family, regardless of your ability to pay. Services are offered on a sliding scale based on your income.
Five Biological and Holistic Alternatives to a Root Canal: What's the Right Choice?
How long until a tooth infection kills you?
An untreated infection takes weeks to months to progress and become lethal; it does not happen quickly. Like other infections, tooth infections can advance quickly and spread to other areas of the body in people with weakened immune systems.
Can I get a free root canal?
Depending on where you live, you may have access to public clinics that are run by local or state health departments. These clinics are usually subsidized by the government, which is why they can offer dental services that are either free or on a sliding scale.
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.
Will insurance pay for 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.
How long can a tooth survive 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.
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.
Who is responsible 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.
How can I reduce the cost of a root canal?
- 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 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.
Will the er pull a tooth?
The primary role of the ER is to manage acute medical conditions and stabilize patients. While ER doctors are skilled in handling a wide range of emergencies, they typically aren't equipped to perform specialized dental procedures like extractions. However, they can provide crucial initial care.
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.
How much should a root canal cost without insurance?
Root Canal Cost for One Tooth
On the other hand, the cost of the root canal procedure for one molar tooth is around $1,000 – $1,400 while a Bicuspid tooth root canal procedure costs around $700- $1,000 The thing with root canal procedure is the higher the number of teeth, the higher the cost.
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.
What if I can't afford dental work?
Community health clinics or dental schools sometimes provide low-cost or free services. Delaying treatment for a severe infection can lead to more serious health risks. Speak to a healthcare professional immediately if you're in pain.
What to do in a dental emergency with no money?
Free or Government Clinics
Many dentists and dental professionals volunteer throughout the year to provide their services at no cost to those in need.
What will draw the infection out of a tooth?
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best home remedies to pop an infected tooth or gum abscess safely. You must use a 1:1 ratio or equal parts of peroxide and warm water to make the solution and rinse your mouth with it.
How long will a tooth hurt before the nerve dies?
The time it takes for the nerve to die can range from a few days to several weeks or even months. As the nerve begins to die, the pain may become less frequent but more throbbing.
What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection?
Clove oil is one of the strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infections. Clove oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with a tooth infection.