Root Canal
Expect to pay $25-$2,100 for root canal at a typical dental office, or $25-$545 through discount programs and dental schools.
Root canal treatment removes infected pulp from inside a tooth to save it from extraction.
Sources: CDT benchmark database, state Medicaid fee schedules, and providers’ published rates. Re-verified monthly. Nothing on this page is a quote.
Typical Price Range
$25-$2,100
Based on CDT code database
Discount Programs & Dental Schools
$25-$545
FTC Pricing Disclaimer: Prices shown are estimated ranges based on dental_cdt_prices database (127 CDT codes), ADA fee surveys, FAIR Health. Actual prices vary by location, dentist, and complexity. Always verify pricing before scheduling.
Detailed Price Comparison by CDT Code
Prices from 12 related CDT codes in our database.
| CDT Code | Procedure | Cash Price | Insurer Allowed* | Dental School | FQHC Range | Medicaid (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D0460 | Pulp Vitality Test | $25-$110 | $45-$75 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D3110 | Pulp Cap - Direct | $55-$225 | $98-$155 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D3230 | Pulpal Therapy - Primary Anterior | $88-$300 | $135-$215 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D3220 | Pulpotomy - Therapeutic | $90-$350 | $155-$245 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D3240 | Pulpal Therapy - Primary Posterior | $90-$350 | $155-$245 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D3310 | Root Canal - Anterior Tooth | $375-$1,250 | $580-$910 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D3320 | Root Canal - Premolar Tooth | $450-$1,500 | $700-$1,095 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D3346 | Retreatment - Anterior | $450-$1,500 | $700-$1,095 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D3410 | Apicoectomy - Anterior | $475-$1,600 | $738-$1,155 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D3347 | Retreatment - Premolar | $525-$1,750 | $818-$1,280 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D3330 | Root Canal - Molar Tooth | $550-$1,850 | $855-$1,340 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D3348 | Retreatment - Molar | $625-$2,100 | $972-$1,520 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
*Estimated range insurers typically allow for this procedure (50th-80th percentile), modeled from published fee-survey data. Individual plan rates vary. Medicaid rates come from published state fee schedules and generally apply only to enrolled Medicaid members at participating providers.
Paying With Insurance vs. Paying Cash
Dental insurance works differently from medical insurance. Knowing how plans actually pay for root canal helps you pick the cheaper route.
If you have insurance
Insurer-allowed amount*
Your plan negotiates the fee down to the allowed amount, then typically pays 50-80% of basic work and 50% of major work, until you hit your annual maximum (usually $1,000-$2,000). You pay the rest.
If you pay cash
Negotiable cash price
Many offices discount 10-30% for payment in full at time of service, but you have to ask. Dental schools and FQHC clinics go lower. No waiting periods, no annual maximum.
Third option
Dental savings plan
Not insurance: an annual fee ($80-$200) buys access to pre-negotiated discounts of 15-40% at network dentists. No waiting periods or maximums, often the best fit for major work.
Rule of thumb: for cleanings and checkups, cash is often cheaper than carrying a plan. For a single big procedure, a plan’s $1,000-$2,000 annual maximum usually covers only part of the bill. Compare the insurer-allowed column against a negotiated cash or dental-school price before assuming insurance wins. Watch for 6-12 month waiting periods on new plans.
What's Included
- Pulp Removal
- Canal Cleaning
- Filling
- Crown (separate)
Recovery Time
2-3 days mild discomfort
Root Canal FAQs
How much does a root canal cost without insurance?
A root canal costs $700-$1,500 depending on the tooth. Front teeth cost less ($700-$1,000) than molars ($1,000-$1,500) because they have fewer canals. A crown ($800-$1,700) is usually needed afterward but is billed separately. General dentists charge 20-40% less than endodontists for simpler cases.
Is a root canal painful?
Modern root canals are no more painful than getting a filling, thanks to local anesthesia. Most patients report the procedure itself is painless. You may have mild soreness for 2-3 days afterward, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Is it cheaper to extract a tooth or get a root canal?
Extraction ($150-$650) is cheaper upfront, but you may need an implant ($3,000-$6,000) or bridge ($1,500-$3,000) to replace the missing tooth. A root canal plus crown ($1,500-$3,200 total) preserves your natural tooth and is often more cost-effective long-term.
Where to Get Root Canal for Less
Dental Schools
50-70% savings at 66 accredited schools
Community Clinics
Sliding-scale fees at FQHCs
Compare All Prices
CDT codes, Medicaid, discount plans
Plain-English answer: how to negotiate a dental bill
Step-by-step playbook with JAMA 2023 success rates and IRS 501(r) charity-care rules.