How Much Does a Root Canal Cost? (2026 Guide)
March 10, 2026 · Procedure Costs · 7 min read
Nobody wants a root canal — but if you need one, the sooner you get it, the better (and cheaper). Delaying treatment can turn a saveable tooth into an extraction, which costs more in the long run. Here's what to expect financially.
A root canal costs $700–$1,500 depending on the tooth, plus $1,000–$1,800 for the crown you'll almost certainly need afterward. Total: $1,700–$3,300 without insurance.
Root Canal Cost by Tooth Type (2026)
| Tooth Type | Root Canal Cost | ADA Code |
|---|---|---|
| Front tooth (incisor/canine) | $700 – $1,100 | D3310 |
| Premolar (bicuspid) | $800 – $1,200 | D3320 |
| Molar | $900 – $1,500 | D3330 |
Costs based on dental industry fee surveys and provider rate analysis. Molars cost more because they have 3–4 root canals vs. 1–2 for front teeth.
Total Cost: Root Canal + Crown
A root canal alone isn't the full picture — nearly every root canal needs a crown to protect the weakened tooth:
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Root canal (molar) | $900 – $1,500 |
| Build-up / post | $200 – $500 |
| Crown (porcelain-fused-to-metal or ceramic) | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Total (molar root canal + crown) | $2,100 – $3,800 |
General Dentist vs. Endodontist
| Provider | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| General dentist | $700 – $1,200 | Front teeth, simple premolars |
| Endodontist | $900 – $1,500 | Molars, complex cases, retreatments |
Endodontists use microscopes and specialized equipment, resulting in higher success rates for difficult teeth. The premium is usually worth it for molars.
Root Canal vs. Extraction: True Cost Comparison
| Option | Total Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Root canal + crown | $1,700 – $3,300 | Preserves natural tooth |
| Extraction only | $150 – $400 | Leaves a gap (bone loss risk) |
| Extraction + implant | $3,000 – $5,500 | Best replacement option |
| Extraction + bridge | $2,000 – $4,500 | Requires modifying adjacent teeth |
Bottom line: A root canal is almost always more cost-effective than extraction + replacement when the tooth can be saved.
How to Save on a Root Canal
1. Don't Delay Treatment
A tooth that needs a root canal today may need extraction tomorrow. Early treatment = simpler procedure = lower cost.
2. Use a General Dentist for Simple Cases
For front teeth and premolars, a general dentist can perform the root canal at 20–40% less than an endodontist.
3. Dental Schools
Dental schools offer root canals at 50–70% below private practice rates, performed by supervised residents.
4. Maximize Insurance Strategically
If the root canal + crown exceeds your annual dental maximum, consider doing the root canal in one plan year and the crown in the next.
5. Ask About Payment Plans
Most dental offices offer interest-free financing through CareCredit or similar programs.
6. Get a Discount Dental Plan
If you don't have dental insurance, discount dental plans (not insurance) offer 20–50% off standard fees for an annual membership of $80–$200.
Frequently Asked Questions
$700–$1,500 for the root canal plus $1,000–$1,800 for the crown. Total: $1,700–$3,300.
No — modern root canals use effective local anesthesia. The procedure itself is painless. Post-procedure discomfort is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
Front teeth: 30–60 minutes. Molars: 60–90 minutes. Some complex cases require two visits.
With a proper crown, a root canal tooth can last a lifetime. Success rates are 85–97%.
The Bottom Line
A root canal costs $700–$1,500 depending on the tooth, with a crown adding $1,000–$1,800. Total: $1,700–$3,300. While it's not cheap, it's almost always more cost-effective than extraction plus a replacement tooth. Don't delay — the longer you wait, the more expensive it gets.