Having a toothache can also be a painful experience for your wallet. Going for a dental checkup during an emergency is an expensive job. So, the best way to keep off those oral issues and hefty bills is going to your dentist twice a year for regular checkups. But if your tooth hurts and it needs a root canal, don’t leave yourself in pain. Keep reading to learn how much does a root canal costs and why the cost differs based on certain factors.
Location – The Main Factor
The expense of a root canal can vary greatly. But does the price differ too much? According to the American Association of Endodontists, a major deciding factor of cost is the location of the damaged tooth. Fixing a front tooth can be less expensive because they have a single root. The molars can have up to 3 roots. The load of work for your dentist increases with the number of roots, hence the price. The national average costs for root canal procedures are as follows:
- Front tooth: $762
- Premolars: $879
- Molar: $1,111
Moreover, the location of your dentist can also influence the cost of a root canal procedure. Those living closer to coastal areas can expect to pay a higher price.
The Extent of Damage
Another aspect that determines the cost of a root canal is the severity of the cavity and the procedure to fix the tooth. If you went for a checkup right after experiencing sensitivity, the infection might not have progressed too much, and your dentist can easily dig out the cavity and place the filling.
But, if you waited long before visiting your dentist, the infection may have spread. Something that just needed a filling for repair now requires a dental crown. And a crown can be expensive. If the damage is unrepairable, you’ll need an extraction, with will cost you the most. This is because your total bill will include the cost of extraction, repair, and dental restoration (probably a bridge or an implant.)
Retreating Past Root Canals
Having an infection in the tooth that previously had a root canal, can lengthen the procedure. For instance, you had a filling on your tooth, and now it’s infected, your dentist will drill the tooth to remove the infection, and you’ll also need a crown afterward. This can increase your bill. If you don’t want such troubles, keep your mouth clean by adopting good oral hygiene habits. This includes regularly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once.
If you have dental insurance, the process can be easy on your pocket and mind. But, if you don’t have a dental provider covering your expenses, discuss this with your dentist. Your doctor may come up with a special discount or offer an alternate payment method for your ease.
Here at Friendswood Smiles in Friendswood, we accept most PPO Insurance so you can get the required treatment. Call us at (832) 895 1905 and talk to our representatives for more details.