How Much Does Root Canal Cost in 2026?With & Without Insurance
Root Canal costs between $700 and $1,800 without insurance. A typical all-in cash-pay visit runs about $1,100.
Root canal costs range from $700-$1,800 without insurance, depending on the tooth. Front teeth cost $700-$1,500 and molars cost $900-$1,800, plus you'll need a crown ($800-$1,500). Learn how to save on root canal treatment.
Quick Price Summary
Cash-Pay Price Range
$700-$1,800
Typical all-in estimate: $1,100Covers the full visit. The verified benchmark below prices the primary billing code on its own.
With Insurance
$200-$600
After deductible
Based on published hospital and provider price-transparency disclosures, cash-pay benchmarks, and public fee schedules.
Free to search, no account needed: see nearby providers and sample estimates. FairPass ($29/mo) unlocks every provider's price, phone and address.
What is Root Canal?
A root canal (endodontic therapy) is a dental procedure that saves a severely infected or damaged tooth by removing the infected pulp tissue inside the tooth's root canals. The dentist or endodontist removes the nerve and pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, then fills and seals them. After a root canal, the tooth typically needs a crown for protection and structural support. Root canals have a 95%+ success rate and can save teeth that would otherwise need extraction. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
What Affects Root Canal Cost?
- Tooth location: Front teeth ($700-$1,500) have fewer canals than premolars ($800-$1,500) and molars ($900-$1,800).
- Provider type: Endodontists (specialists) usually charge more than general dentists but have higher success rates on complex cases.
- Crown requirement: Nearly all root canal teeth need a crown ($800-$1,500), which is billed separately.
- Complexity: Calcified canals, curved roots, or retreatments of previously failed root canals cost more.
- Geographic location: Root canal prices vary 25-40% between regions, with urban areas typically higher.
- X-rays and diagnostics: Digital X-rays and CBCT 3D scans may add $50-$200 to the total cost.
How to choose where to get Root Canal
The cash-pay range on this page is $700-$1,800. Before you book, use these steps to find out which setting a quote comes from and what it includes.
Step by step
- Ask for a written treatment plan that lists each procedure with its dental procedure (CDT) code and price, so you can compare offices line by line.
- Ask whether the practice offers its own self-pay membership plan, and what it includes.
- Compare a dental school clinic. Dental schools often run clinics where supervised students provide care at a reduced cost. Source: NIDCR, finding dental care
- If your income is limited, check a federally funded community health center. Health centers offer a sliding fee discount based on your income and family size. Source: HRSA, find a health center
- Ask for a Good Faith Estimate. Dental providers are generally required to give one to uninsured and self-pay patients who schedule at least 3 business days ahead, or who ask. Source: CMS, medical bill rights
- Keep every estimate. If a provider or facility bills you at least $400 more than its Good Faith Estimate, you can start the federal patient-provider dispute process for a bill dated within the last 120 days. The fee is $25. Source: CMS, dispute a bill
Care settings compared
| Setting | How it typically bills | What to ask for | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| General dentist | A fee per procedure, listed by CDT code. | A written treatment plan with codes and prices. | Cleanings, fillings and many crowns. |
| Dental specialist | A fee per procedure. Sedation and X-rays may be separate lines. | Whether sedation and X-rays are in the quote. | Complex root canals, surgical extractions, implants and orthodontics. |
| Dental school clinic | Reduced fees for care from supervised students. | Wait times for new patients, and which procedures they accept. | When you can be flexible about scheduling. |
| Community health center | A sliding fee discount based on income and family size. | Which documents they need to set your discount, and whether they offer this service. | When your income is limited. Services vary by center. |
General information, not medical advice. Your clinician decides which setting is safe for you.
How to Save on Root Canal
Get quotes from both a general dentist and an endodontist - general dentists are often less expensive for straightforward cases.
Ask about package pricing that includes the root canal, buildup, and crown together.
Check dental schools near you; supervised student clinics often charge less than private practices.
Ask your dentist about payment plans - many offer 0% financing through CareCredit or in-house installment plans.
Don't delay treatment to save money - infected teeth can lead to abscesses and much costlier emergency care.
Use FairVisitHealth to compare root canal and dental prices from providers in your area.
Root Canal Cost by City
Local self-pay prices for root canal in 36 cities, from providers in each metro area.
These are averages. Get your exact local answer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a root canal cost without insurance?
A root canal without insurance costs $700-$1,500 for front teeth and $900-$1,800 for molars. This is for the root canal procedure itself; you'll also need a crown afterward, which adds $800-$1,500. Total out-of-pocket for root canal plus crown: $1,500-$3,300.
Why are molar root canals more expensive?
Molars have 3-4 root canals compared to 1-2 in front teeth, making them more complex and time-consuming. Molar root canals require more X-rays, longer appointments, and greater technical skill. An endodontist (root canal specialist) may charge more than a general dentist but has higher success rates on molars.
Is it cheaper to pull a tooth than get a root canal?
An extraction costs $150-$400, much less than a root canal ($700-$1,800). However, replacing the missing tooth with an implant ($3,000-$5,000) or bridge ($2,000-$5,000) makes extraction more expensive long-term. Root canals preserve your natural tooth, which is usually the best option for dental health.
Should I go to an endodontist or general dentist?
Endodontists (root canal specialists) usually charge more but have higher success rates, especially for complex cases like molars or retreatments. General dentists can handle straightforward front-tooth root canals well. For molars, calcified canals, or retreatments, an endodontist is recommended.
Does dental insurance cover root canals?
Most dental insurance covers 50-80% of root canal costs after deductible, though many plans have annual maximums of $1,000-$2,000. With insurance, your out-of-pocket for a root canal may be $200-$600. Check if the crown is classified as a major procedure with lower coverage percentage.
What if I can't afford a root canal?
Options include dental schools (usually lower prices), community health centers (sliding-scale fees), dental financing through CareCredit or Lending Club (0% APR for 6-18 months), and negotiating a cash discount with your dentist. Some endodontists offer payment plans without interest for 3-6 months.
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Related Procedure Costs
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pricing information is based on publicly reported data and may not reflect your actual costs.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions. Prices shown are estimates for self-pay patients and may vary by provider, location, and individual circumstances.