How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in 2026?

Root canal treatment costs between $700 and $1,500 for a front tooth and $800 to $1,800 for a molar when performed by an endodontist, though prices vary by location and case complexity. Understanding these costs before your appointment helps you plan ahead and explore payment options.

4 min readMedically reviewed contentLast updated March 26, 2026

Key Takeaways

Front tooth root canals typically cost $700 to $1,500, while molar root canals cost $800 to $1,800.
Endodontists (root canal specialists) generally charge more than general dentists, but they handle complex cases more efficiently.
A dental crown after root canal treatment adds $800 to $2,000 to the total cost.
Most dental insurance plans cover 50% to 80% of root canal costs after the deductible is met.
Without insurance, payment plans and dental financing can spread the cost over 6 to 24 months.
Delaying a needed root canal often leads to more expensive treatment, including extraction and tooth replacement.

Root Canal Cost by Tooth Type

The cost of a root canal depends largely on which tooth needs treatment. Teeth in the front of the mouth have one or two root canals, making the procedure simpler. Premolars have one to two canals. Molars (back teeth) have three to four canals and require more time and skill to treat.

Front teeth (incisors and canines) typically cost $700 to $1,500 for root canal treatment. Premolars (bicuspids) range from $800 to $1,500. Molars cost $800 to $1,800 or more due to their complexity. These ranges reflect fees charged by endodontists. General dentists may charge 10% to 20% less for straightforward cases.

Endodontist vs General Dentist Pricing

Endodontists are specialists who focus exclusively on root canal treatment and typically charge more than general dentists. The higher fee reflects their additional training (two to three years beyond dental school), specialized equipment (dental operating microscopes, advanced imaging), and experience with complex cases.

For straightforward front tooth cases, a general dentist may be a cost-effective option. For molars, curved canals, retreatment of a failed root canal, or cases where the tooth anatomy is unusual, an endodontist's expertise often leads to better outcomes and fewer complications that could add costs later.

Additional Costs Beyond the Root Canal

The root canal procedure itself is only part of the total cost. Additional expenses typically include a consultation and diagnostic exam ($50 to $200), dental X-rays or a CBCT scan ($25 to $250), the buildup or post placed inside the treated tooth ($200 to $500), and the dental crown placed over the tooth ($800 to $2,000). The crown is usually placed by a general dentist or prosthodontist, not the endodontist, so it is billed separately.

In some cases, you may also need antibiotics ($10 to $50 with insurance, $30 to $100 without) or a temporary filling ($50 to $100) if the crown is not placed immediately.

Insurance Coverage for Root Canals

Most dental insurance plans classify root canals as a "major" procedure and cover 50% to 80% of the cost after you meet your annual deductible. Some plans have a waiting period of 6 to 12 months for major procedures. Annual maximum benefits (typically $1,000 to $2,000) may limit how much the plan pays in a given year.

If you need both a root canal and a crown, the combined cost may exceed your annual maximum. In that case, some patients schedule the root canal in one calendar year and the crown in the next to use two years of benefits. Ask your insurance company for a pre-treatment estimate before proceeding.

Paying for a Root Canal Without Insurance

If you do not have dental insurance, several options can help manage the cost. Many endodontists and general dentists offer in-house payment plans that spread the cost over several months. Third-party financing through CareCredit or similar companies provides 0% interest promotional periods of 6 to 24 months.

Dental school clinics offer root canal treatment performed by endodontic residents under faculty supervision at fees that are typically 30% to 50% lower than private practice rates. Community health centers (federally qualified health centers) provide dental services on a sliding-scale fee basis based on income. Dental discount plans offer 15% to 30% off procedures at participating providers for an annual membership fee.

The Cost of Delaying a Root Canal

Postponing a needed root canal usually leads to higher costs. An untreated infected tooth can develop an abscess, which may require emergency treatment ($200 to $800). If the infection spreads or the tooth deteriorates beyond saving, extraction becomes necessary ($150 to $600), followed by tooth replacement with a bridge ($2,000 to $5,000) or implant ($3,000 to $5,000).

A root canal that saves the natural tooth is almost always less expensive than extracting and replacing it. The American Association of Endodontists reports that root canal-treated teeth can last a lifetime with proper care and a well-fitting crown.

Find an Endodontist Near You

An endodontist can provide a specific cost estimate based on your individual case. Search by location on My Specialty Dentist to find endodontists in your area and request a consultation.

Search Endodontists in Your Area

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are root canals so expensive?

Root canal treatment requires specialized training, precision instruments, and often multiple appointments. Molars are especially complex because they have three to four canals that must each be cleaned, shaped, and sealed. Endodontists use dental microscopes and advanced imaging to locate and treat every canal. The materials, equipment, and expertise involved drive the cost.

Is a root canal cheaper than an extraction?

The root canal itself costs more than an extraction. However, after extraction you typically need a replacement tooth (bridge at $2,000 to $5,000 or implant at $3,000 to $5,000). When you include the replacement cost, saving the tooth with a root canal and crown is usually comparable or less expensive overall.

Does insurance cover the full cost of a root canal?

Most dental insurance covers 50% to 80% of root canal costs after the deductible. You are responsible for the remaining balance. Annual maximums (typically $1,000 to $2,000) may limit total coverage. Request a pre-treatment estimate from your insurance to know your exact out-of-pocket cost.

How much does a root canal cost at a dental school?

Dental school clinics typically charge 30% to 50% less than private practice rates. A molar root canal that costs $1,200 in private practice might cost $600 to $840 at a dental school. Treatment is provided by endodontic residents under faculty supervision.

Do I need a crown after a root canal and how much does it cost?

Most teeth need a crown after root canal treatment, especially molars and premolars. The crown protects the treated tooth from fracturing during chewing. Crowns cost $800 to $2,000 depending on the material and location. Front teeth may sometimes be restored with a filling instead of a crown if enough tooth structure remains.

Can I negotiate the price of a root canal?

Some providers offer a discount for paying in full at the time of service, typically 5% to 10%. You can also ask about payment plans, dental discount memberships, or whether the practice accepts patients on a sliding fee scale. Comparing fees from two or three providers in your area gives you leverage to find the best value.