This guide provides general education, not a diagnosis or personal treatment recommendation. Costs and coverage vary; ask a licensed dental professional and your benefit plan about your situation.
The short answer
Root canal pricing varies by tooth, complexity, region, provider, and insurance. Molars generally cost more than front teeth because they have more roots and can require more time. Your complete estimate may include the exam, X-rays, root canal treatment, core buildup, and a crown.
What changes the price
Retreatment, difficult anatomy, infection, or referral to an endodontist can change the estimate. A lower procedure quote may not include the restoration needed to protect the tooth afterward.
- Which fees are included in this estimate?
- Will this tooth need a crown, and who will place it?
- What does my plan cover, and is there a waiting period or annual maximum?
How to compare options
Ask for a written treatment plan with procedure codes and alternatives. Extraction may cost less initially, but replacing the missing tooth can change the long-term comparison. A clinician should explain whether preserving the tooth is predictable in your situation.