63% of US adults visit the dentist's office at least once every year. But if you do not attend your regular cleanings, you can end up with a lot of bacteria building up in your mouth.
Bacteria wreaks havoc on our teeth. And if left untreated, you may end up needing a root canal. Root canals are among the more expensive dental treatments out there. But exactly what does a root canal cost?
We are addressing that question in this root canal guide. Keep reading to learn more about root canals, including symptoms of needing this treatment and how much your treatment could cost.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a type of dental treatment. Dentists typically order root canals to treat a tooth or teeth with infected or otherwise damaged pulp. Dental pulp is the nerve tissue that lives beneath the outer layer of your teeth.
Tooth pulp is important because it helps provide nutrients to your teeth. Nutrients like fibrinogen and albumin are essential for strong and healthy teeth. And without pulp, your teeth can not obtain these nutrients.
Pulp infections and damage can occur due to many reasons. Traumatic mouth injuries, cracked teeth, abscesses, and tooth decay can all lead to compromised tooth pulp.
Symptoms of Needing a Root Canal
One of the most common symptoms leading people to the dentist's office and an ultimate root canal is pain. People may experience severe pain while biting or chewing, and this is often a sign of infected tooth pulp.
What other symptoms indicate that you need a root canal ASAP? We are talking about five of them next.
Pimples on the Gums
Pimples on the gums are often a sign of gum disease, tooth decay, and, in rare cases, oral cancer. They pop up when bacteria infect the gum tissue due to improper dental hygiene.
If you have pimples on your gums, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. It is important to rule out oral cancer. Then, it is important to address the underlying cause of the bump before the infection spreads.
Swollen Gums
Swelling happens due to inflammation. And inflammation is a tool the immune system uses to treat infections. So when your gums are swollen, this is also an early sign of gum disease and, in some cases, tooth decay.
Swollen gums may appear red and puffy. They might bleed easily upon flossing or brushing. If the swelling is due to an underlying injection of the tooth pulp, a root canal can help prevent further damage.
Darkened Gums
Infections can also cause the gums to change colors. Black or greying gum tissue is often a sign of a bacterial infection. However, keep in mind that some people with more melanin in their skin may have darker gum tissue naturally.
Extreme Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Sometimes, temperature sensitivity may mean that you have a cavity. It is important to get that cavity taken care of before it infects the underlying tooth pulp.
When sensitivity to hot and cold is severe and lingers after the stimulus is gone, you may be dealing with a more serious issue. This type of extreme sensitivity is often a sign of infected tooth pulp needing a root canal treatment.
Cracked Teeth
Infections are not the only reason your dentist might recommend a root canal. If you have one or more cracked teeth, your dentist can use a root canal to save the tooth and prevent you from having to get an expensive implant.
What Does a Root Canal Cost?
Without insurance, a root canal can cost you up to $2,100. The exact cost depends on a few factors, including the tooth needing repair, whether or not you have received a root canal previously, and procedural costs.
Molars are the most expensive teeth when it comes to root canals. Getting a root canal for your molars will cost about $1,300 per tooth. Remember that this is only the average, meaning some molar root canals cost more and others cost less.
Bicuspids (the teeth between your canines and morals) cost an average of $1,100 per tooth to root canal. And your front teeth cost about $1,000 per tooth to perform a root canal.
If you have to get a second root canal because the first one fails, these per-tooth costs go up. Molars, bicuspid, and front teeth cost an average of $1,200, $1,350, and $1,550, respectively, to perform a root canal retreatment.
The higher cost of retreatments is why one of our biggest root canal tips is to catch pulp infections early.
In addition to the actual cost of the root canal, you will have to pay for ancillary services. You may need a dental exam, x-rays, and nitrous oxide to complete your root canal. These services add hundreds of dollars to the total cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
As you can see, the root canal cost is high. But the good news is that most dental insurance companies offer coverage for this type of treatment. The exact percentage your insurance company will pay depends on your plan.
In general, though, you can expect your insurer to cover anywhere from 50%–80% of the total cost. Keep in mind that you will have to meet your deductible to receive coverage if you are on a high-deductible health plan.
Call the number on your dental insurance card and ask your provider about root canal coverage. That is the only way to know for sure whether or not your treatment will be covered.
Searching for a 'Root Canal Near Me'?
So, what does a root canal cost? It depends on the tooth and whether or not your dental insurance covers root canals. The most you can expect to pay, though, is $2,100 for a molar root canal retreatment.
Are you looking for a root canal dentist in Rock Hill, South Carolina? A Healthy Smile offers all the dental services you need in one convenient place. Schedule your appointment online today!
