How much is a root canal?
Without insurance, a root canal typically costs $700 to $1,200 for a front tooth and $1,200 to $2,000 for a molar. Adding the crown that usually follows brings the all-in total to roughly $1,500 to $4,000 per tooth.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front (anterior) tooth | $700 - $1,200 | Simplest anatomy, usually one canal. |
| Premolar (bicuspid) | $720 - $1,300 | One or two canals; mid-range cost. |
| Molar | $1,200 - $2,000 | Three to four canals; most expensive and time-consuming. |
| Crown (usually added after) | $800 - $2,000 | Often needed to protect the treated tooth. |
| Root canal + crown (all-in) | $1,500 - $4,000 | Realistic total per tooth without insurance. |
| With dental insurance | $400 - $1,200 out of pocket | After deductible; plans cover 50-80%. |
Cost by tooth type
Root canal pricing depends heavily on which tooth is treated, because the cost tracks how many canals must be cleaned, shaped, and sealed. A front tooth usually has a single straight canal and runs $700 to $1,200, while a premolar with one or two canals lands around $720 to $1,300.
Molars are the most expensive at roughly $1,200 to $2,000 because they sit at the back of the mouth and have three or four canals that are often curved and harder to reach. More canals mean more chair time, which is the main reason the molar line item is always the highest.
The crown and the real total
A root canal removes the infected pulp, but the remaining tooth becomes brittle and usually needs a crown to protect it from cracking. That crown typically adds $800 to $2,000 on top of the root canal itself, so the realistic all-in cost for a tooth that needs both is commonly $1,500 to $4,000.
Some cases require extra steps that raise the price further, such as a post and core buildup to anchor the crown, retreatment of a previously treated tooth, or referral to an endodontist (a root canal specialist), who generally charges more than a general dentist for the same procedure.
Insurance and reducing the cost
Most dental plans classify a root canal as a major or basic restorative procedure and cover 50 to 80 percent after the annual deductible is met. With insurance, many patients pay $400 to $1,200 out of pocket, though annual maximums can cap how much the plan pays in a given year.
Without insurance, ask about dental discount plans, in-house membership plans, or payment financing, and consider a dental school clinic where supervised students perform treatment at reduced rates. Treating the tooth promptly also matters, since delaying can lead to extraction and an implant, which usually costs far more than the root canal.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does a molar root canal cost more than a front tooth?
- Molars have three or four canals that are often curved and located at the back of the mouth, requiring more time and skill to clean and seal. A front tooth typically has just one straight canal, so it is quicker and cheaper.
- Do I always need a crown after a root canal?
- Not always, but it is common, especially for back teeth that absorb heavy chewing force. The treated tooth becomes brittle, and a crown protects it from fracturing. Front teeth sometimes need only a filling instead.
- How much does a root canal cost with insurance?
- Most plans cover 50 to 80 percent after the deductible, leaving patients paying roughly $400 to $1,200 out of pocket. Your annual maximum and the crown can affect the final amount.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.