How much does a root canal cost?

Also known as endodontic treatment, root canal treatment is a procedure that removes inflamed or infected tissue from inside a tooth. Once the tissue has been removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.²

Some common signs you may need root canal treatment include:³ 

• Constant tooth sensitivity, especially to heat or cold 
  
• Deep tooth decay  
• Cracked chipped teeth  
• Pain when chewing or biting 
• Dark, painful or swollen gums 
• Pimples on the gums

According to the American Dental Association 2020 Survey of Dental Fees, root canals can cost anywhere between $470–$1,500.⁴ The price can vary for many reasons, including:

• Your dental plan 
• Where you live 
• The dentist or oral surgeon you use 
• Location of the tooth
• Extent of the damage 

To avoid surprises in cost, be sure to get a detailed estimate before the surgery. 

Most dental insurance plans cover root canals if they’re medically necessary. However, this can depend on the type of root canal you need, your dental plan and level of coverage. If the root canal is covered, your plan might only pay a certain percentage of the cost.

Treatment 

Root canal treatment can be performed in 1 or 2 visits and involves these steps:

1. Preparing the tooth—The dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding gums. A small protective sheet called a “dental dam” is then used to isolate the tooth and keep it free from saliva during the procedure. 
   
2. Cleaning out the tooth—An access hole is drilled into the top of the tooth. Tiny instruments are used to clean out the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals before shaping the space for filling. 
3. Filling the tooth—A biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, is used to fill the empty root canals. An adhesive cement is added to help seal the canals shut, and a temporary filling is commonly used to close the opening. 
4. Capping the tooth—The temporary filling is removed and a crown or filling is placed on the tooth. Teeth toward the back of the mouth used for chewing (molars and premolars) are capped more often than teeth toward the front of the mouth.

Recovery

Since most people are given anesthesia, the area of the root canal may be numb for 2–4 hours after the procedure. Some swelling, sensitivity and inflammation may also occur for the first few days.²

However, a root canal isn’t more painful than a regular dental procedure. Most people can go back to work or school after the surgery, and over-the-counter or prescription medications can help relieve any discomfort.

If you need root canal treatment, Humana can help. We offer a broad range of dental plans with varying levels of coverage, many with affordable monthly premiums. Some of our plans also feature no waiting periods, which means you could get covered in about 5 days. To see plans and prices in your area, check out our Humana dental insurance page.