Why Are Root Canals Expensive? Cost Factors & Dental Care

If you’ve ever been told you need a root canal, chances are your first thought (after the shock!) was: Why is it so expensive? The truth is, a root canal isn’t just any dental procedure—it’s a complex treatment that saves your natural tooth and prevents the need for an extraction or implant later on.

Here’s why root canals cost more than a simple filling:

• Specialized care: Root canals are often performed by an endodontist or a dentist with advanced training. Their expertise ensures precision and long-term results.
• Time and complexity: Treating the infected pulp inside a tooth requires careful cleaning, shaping, disinfecting, and sealing. A root canal can take much longer than a standard filling.
• Technology involved: Many dentists use advanced tools like digital imaging, rotary instruments, and microscopes to make the procedure more effective and comfortable.
• Long-term value: While the upfront cost may feel high, a root canal is actually more cost-effective than losing the tooth and later paying for a dental implant, bridge, or denture.

The actual cost of a root canal can vary depending on the tooth (molars are usually more complex than front teeth), the dentist’s expertise, and your location.