Has your dentist recently told you that you need root canal therapy? If so, you might be tempted to put off scheduling the procedure. This is not only due to fear that it will hurt, but also that it will be expensive. Thanks to modern anesthetic techniques, your root canal shouldn’t be painful. But should you be worried about root canal cost? Not at all! Continue reading to learn some of the factors that influence how much root canals cost, and how this treatment could actually save you money in the long run.
Factors That Affect Root Canal Cost
Root canal therapy is a complex treatment, so the price can vary quite a bit from person to person. Here are three of the main variables that come into play:
- Location of the tooth – Getting a root canal on a tooth toward the front of your mouth will typically cost less than one on a back tooth. Front teeth only have one root that needs to be disinfected, while molars can have up to three. This results in more work for your dentist, and therefore, a higher price.
- Severity of the infection – Similarly, the cost of a root canal will increase depending on how far the infection has advanced, as it requires greater skill and precision from your dentist.
- Whether it’s a retreatment – If the tooth has already had a root canal, you might end up paying more. For example, if the tooth only had a filling placed after your last root canal, you may need a crown this time, which costs more than a filling.
How a Root Canal Can Save You Money
Waiting too long to get a root canal will cause the tooth’s condition to worsen. After all, damaged teeth cannot heal themselves on their own. The longer you wait, the less likely the tooth can be saved with root canal therapy. It might end up needing to be extracted entirely.
If you just look at the initial price tags, it might seem like it’s cheaper to just have the tooth pulled. However, it’s important to consider the long-term consequences of losing one of your natural teeth. Your surrounding teeth might shift out of alignment, resulting in difficulty eating and general discomfort. The only way to prevent this would be to replace the tooth with a dental implant or bridge, both of which cost money. In the end, it’s more cost-effective to preserve your natural tooth with a root canal than it is to replace it later on.
Don’t Delay the Care Your Smile Needs!
Every smile is unique, but they all have one thing in common: neglect makes treatment more expensive. If worries about cost are keeping you from scheduling your root canal, talk to your dentist about their payment options. Even if you’re uninsured, many dentists offer third-party financing. That way, you can save your natural pearly whites without breaking the bank!
About the Author
Dr. Spiro Saati has been serving the dental needs of the Peabody, MA community for more than 25 years. With his advanced training and experience, he’s able to perform expert root canals that preserve natural teeth. His practice also accepts dental insurance and offers low-interest financing through CareCredit. To find out how much your root canal will cost, contact Dr. Saati at 978-531-2185.