A root canal is a common dental procedure that can often save a tooth with extensive damage or an infection. Root canal treatment revitalizes a tooth, making it stronger and healthier so that it can remain in place for natural function and appearance.
Do you have a tooth that needs a root canal? If so, you may be wondering how much it will cost in your area. Here’s what you can expect to pay for root canal treatment in Lexington and Belmont, Massachusetts.
What is a Root Canal?
The root canal is the inner chamber of a tooth that contains the dental pulp, soft tissue made up of blood vessels and nerves. If bacteria invades the root canal, such as through a cavity or a crack in the enamel, the dental pulp can become infected. The purpose of root canal treatment is to treat or prevent an infection.
During a root canal procedure a small hole is made in the tooth to access the dental pulp, which is completely removed. The root canal is thoroughly cleaned out and disinfected, then filled with replacement material that fortifies the tooth and is resistant to infection. The final step is to place a dental crown over the tooth to protect it from further infection.
Average Cost of a Root Canal
A root canal may range anywhere from $500-$1,500 on average. The exact cost of your root canal procedure will depend on a variety of factors.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Root Canal Treatment
The cost of a root canal may vary due to any of the following factors:
- Insurance. If you have dental insurance that covers root canal treatment, your out of pocket cost will be much less than if you didn’t have insurance.
- Size and type of tooth. The type of tooth and the larger it is, the more complex the root canal structure inside the tooth. A root canal may cost more for a molar in the back of your mouth than an incisor in the front.
- Location of the tooth. A tooth that is more difficult to access, such as a back molar, may cost more to treat with a root canal than a tooth at or near the front of your mouth.
- Geographic location of the practice. Dental services and procedures are affected by the cost of living in the area where the practice is located. You may be quoted a higher price for a root canal in a larger city than in a smaller town.
- Severity of the infection. The more the infection has progressed the more treatment the tooth and surrounding tissues may require. This can add to the total cost of the procedure. A root canal being performed proactively to prevent an infection may be the most affordable option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Does it cost more to get a root canal than to pull a tooth?
A root canal may cost more up front than a tooth extraction, but the benefit of preserving the natural tooth outweighs the cost difference. Extracting a tooth leaves a gap in your mouth that allows your other teeth to shift out of place. Replacing a tooth with a bridge or a dental implant costs more than a root canal in most cases.
Is a root canal painful?
The root canal procedure is done with local anesthesia to numb the area being treated so that you won’t feel any pain. If you are feeling nervous or anxious about the procedure, sedation is available to help you relax.
Get a Root Canal Estimate Today
If you have a tooth that needs a root canal, Eagle Endodontics can provide you with an estimate. We can assess the cost with or without insurance to help you make the most of your benefits.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.