Is a Root Canal Going to Break the Bank? Let’s Talk Costs & Savings!
If you’ve been told you need a root canal, one of the first things that comes to mind is: “How much is this going to cost me?” The truth is, root canals are notoriously expensive, and even with dental insurance, they can still leave you with a hefty bill.
So, how much does a root canal cost with insurance?
And more importantly, how can you save money—whether you have insurance or not?
Let’s break it all down so you can get the treatment you need without draining your wallet.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost With Insurance?
The cost of a root canal depends on several factors, including:
✅ The location of the tooth (front teeth are cheaper than molars)
✅ Your dentist’s pricing and location (big cities tend to be pricier)
✅ Your insurance coverage (some plans cover more than others)
On average, with insurance, you can expect to pay:
- Front Tooth (Incisor) – $200 to $700 out-of-pocket
- Premolar – $300 to $900
- Molar (back tooth) – $500 to $1,500
These numbers assume your insurance covers 50-80% of the cost, which is standard for major dental procedures.
BUT BEWARE! Even with insurance, many plans have:
❌ Deductibles you must pay before coverage kicks in
❌ Annual maximums that limit how much they’ll pay per year
❌ Waiting periods before major procedures are covered
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost Without Insurance?
If you don’t have dental insurance, root canal costs can be shocking:
- Front tooth: $600 – $1,200
- Premolar: $700 – $1,400
- Molar: $1,000 – $2,500
Plus, these costs don’t include the crown, which adds another $500 – $3,000 to your total bill!
❌ No insurance? Don’t panic! There are still ways to save—keep reading.
How to Save on Root Canals & Other Dental Costs (With or Without Insurance)
Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs for a root canal can still be painful. But don’t worry—there are several ways to save big on your dental care.
✅ 1. Join a Dental Membership Plan (Huge Savings Without Insurance)
One of the BEST ways to save money on dental care (with or without insurance) is through an in-office membership plan.
These affordable monthly or annual plans provide:
✔️ Discounted procedures (including root canals, crowns, and cleanings)
✔️ Transparent pricing (so you know exactly what to expect)
✔️ No insurance hassles (no deductibles, waiting periods, or yearly maximums!)
Many dentists offer their own membership plans for $20-$50 per month—saving patients hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.
Find a dentist offering a membership plan on The Patient Marketplace
✅ 2. Use an HSA or FSA (Pre-Tax Savings!)
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use those pre-tax dollars to pay for a root canal, saving you 20-30% instantly.
✅ 3. Shop Around & Compare Prices
Not all dentists charge the same fees! Some charge double what others do for the exact same procedure.
How to find affordable dental care:
- Call multiple dental offices and ask for self-pay prices
- Use The Patient Marketplace to compare local dentists & find deals
- Check if dental schools near you offer discounted treatment
✅ 4. Ask About Payment Plans
Many dental offices offer interest-free payment plans, allowing you to spread out the cost of treatment over several months.
Pro Tip: Some dentists offer a discount if you pay in cash upfront.
✅ 5. Look for Discount Dental Plans
Discount dental plans aren’t insurance but can cut costs by 10-60% at participating providers.
Popular discount plans include:
✅ Careington Dental
✅ Aetna Dental Access
✅ 1Dental
Real-Life Example: How a Patient Saved 60% on Their Root Canal
Meet Sarah, a busy mom who needed a molar root canal but didn’t have dental insurance. The first dentist quoted her $2,000—a cost she couldn’t afford.
Instead of giving up, Sarah:
✅ Joined a dentist’s membership plan for $29/month
✅ Used an in-network provider who offered a discount
✅ Paid with her FSA to save on taxes
Total cost: $800 instead of $2,000—a 60% savings!
You can do the same! Find a budget-friendly dentist at The Patient Marketplace.
Take Action: Get the Best Price on Your Root Canal Today!
✅ Compare dentists & find deals on The Patient Marketplace Click Here
✅ Ask about in-office membership plans to slash your dental costs
✅ Check if you qualify for payment plans or HSAs/FSAs
Don’t overpay for your root canal! Use these strategies to cut your costs and get the care you need.
