There are very few things that are worse than a toothache. If you have a severe toothache, you may need an emergency dentist. Dr. Mehrad Safavian at Avery Dental Center can diagnose and treat your condition.
Many times, a severe toothache is an indication that there is an infection in the tooth. In this case, root canal treatment will be recommended. While it may seem like an expensive procedure at first glance, it’s actually much less expensive than having the tooth extracted and replaced.
In this article, we’ll explore the cost of root canal treatment and the factors that influence it.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that involves the removal of an infected dental pulp. The dental pulp is the center of the tooth, where the nerves and blood vessels are located. Once the infection is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned/disinfected, and the tooth is sealed with a dental filling.
What is the Average Cost of Root Canal Treatment?
On average, root canal treatment ranges from around $1,000 to $1,500 depending on a few different factors. Dental insurance coverage may bring the cost down significantly, as many providers cover 50% to 80% after you have met your deductible.
Treatment Length
Invisalign
As short as 6 months, with an average of 12 to 18
Braces
Average of 12 to 24 or more, depending on the type and severity of malocclusion
Can treatment be expedited?
Invisalign
Wear aligners for 20+hours a day, keep teeth and aligners clean, visit the dentist regularly to monitor progress
Braces
Visit the clinic as directed for adjustments, keep teeth and brackets/wires clean and free of plaque, avoid habits that could increase treatment time
Cleaning
Invisalign
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to gently scrub aligners
Braces
Use an interdental toothbrush and water flosser to remove plaque and bacteria from around brackets and wires
Maintenance
Invisalign
Keep teeth and aligners clean for best results
Braces
Keep teeth and brackets/wires clean for best results
Removable?
Invisalign
Yes, aligners are designed to be removed while eating/drinking and while brushing/flossing teeth
Braces
No, traditional braces cannot be removed until treatment is complete, and the dentist is the only one that should remove them
Visits to dental clinic
Invisalign
Periodically, you need to visit the dental clinic to monitor your progress
Braces
Yes, you will need to visit the clinic every few weeks as teeth shift for adjustments
How much does it cost?
Invisalign
Starts at approximately $1,500 for up to 5 aligners and goes up to around $8,000 for unlimited aligners
Braces
Costs an average of $3,000 to $5,000+, depending on several factors
Benefits
Invisalign
Virtually invisible
Comfortable
Convenient
Braces
Does not require compliance- once braces are attached, they are not removable except by the dentist upon completion of treatment
Ideal for
Invisalign
Mild to moderate malocclusions, can be used for more severe along with attachments, depending on the type of malocclusion
Braces
Mild to severe malocclusions
Factors Impacting the Cost of Root Canal Treatment
There are several factors that impact the cost of root canal treatment, including:
Type/Location of Tooth
The front teeth are the least expensive because they are the easiest to access and usually only have a single root. Molars, on the other hand, are the most expensive because they are located in the back of the mouth and usually have multiple roots. Treatment on a bicuspid is higher than a front tooth but lower than a molar because of their location and they usually have 2 roots.
Complexity of the Procedure
The more complex the procedure, the higher the cost will be. Cost also often increases depending on the condition of the tooth. If the tooth is cracked/chipped, there is an active infection, or the gums are swollen, the procedure will be more expensive because the other conditions must be addressed first. Severe infection often increases the number of sessions you may need.
Experience/Expertise of the Dentist
While some general dentists have the ability to perform root canal treatment, many will refer you to an endodontist. An endodontist usually charges higher fees than a general dentist because they have advanced training and equipment.
Location of the Clinic
The location of the clinic can also have an impact on the cost of treatment. Typically, a dental clinic in a larger city will charge higher fees than one located in a smaller, rural community.
Additional Expenses and Considerations
There are some other factors involved in the cost of root canal treatment, including:
Additional procedures such as temporary fillings, dental crowns, core build-up, and follow-up treatments.
Many times, x-rays and other diagnostic testing are included in the base cost of root canal treatment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Many dental insurance providers will 50% to 80% of the cost of root canal treatment once you have met your deductible. Some will cover a portion of the cost of a dental crown. Our office staff will work with your provider to determine your coverage and provide you with a quote before the work is started.
Financing and Payment Options for Root Canal Treatment
If you do not have dental insurance or if your insurance provider does not cover root canal treatment, we offer financing options. These will allow you to split the cost up into easier-to-manage payments over several months instead of having to pay for it all upfront.
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment? Schedule Your Visit to Avery Dental Center Today!
If you have a tooth that is severely infected, you may need root canal treatment. Schedule your consultation with the team at Avery Dental Center in Dublin today. We treat our patients like family and will work with you to ensure your oral and overall health.
Root Canal Treatment FAQs
If you have any questions or concerns about root canal treatment, the team at Avery Dental Center can help. Our goal is to make sure that our patients are comfortable with their treatment options.
How long does a root canal last?
According to research, approximately 86% of root canals last 10 years or more. There are several things that impact this including the patient’s age, timing of treatment, timing/quality of restoration, and the location of the tooth.
What is done during a root canal?
During root canal treatment, the practitioner will drill a hole in the affected tooth to allow the dental pulp to be removed. Once the infected pulp has been removed, the tooth will be disinfected. The tooth will be filled with a biocompatible material to support it from the inside and then sealed with a dental filling. While not required, it is recommended to get a dental crown on the tooth to protect it from further damage.
They fit snugly against your teeth, which gradually shifts them into their appropriate position.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal procedure?
Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a couple of days. However, it may take up to a week for full recovery. If you are still having pain/discomfort or other symptoms after a week, contact the dentist for an evaluation.
Can I get a filling instead of a root canal?
No, a dental filling is not an alternative to root canal treatment. If you have a severely infected tooth, it is important to address the infection. If left untreated, an infection can spread to other areas of your body including your heart and brain.
What are the risks of a root canal?
The primary reason that root canal treatment is recommended is to salvage the structure of the natural tooth. Unfortunately, sometimes the damage is too extensive, or the tooth is too fragile, which can lead to the loss of the tooth. In some cases, the dentist may inadvertently leave behind some of the infection, which can lead to the development of an abscess near the root of the tooth.
If the potential risks make you nervous about root canal treatment, you can discuss extraction and replacement options with your dentist.
