HOW MUCH DOES A ROOT CANAL COST?

A root canal procedure is necessary when the center of the tooth, the root, becomes damaged or diseased. A winston salem root canal is important because the procedure can save a tooth that otherwise could be lost. Even for individuals who take perfect care of their teeth oral accidents happen. Many times, a root canal may be the solution for saving a tooth that is damaged in an accident. The cost of an emergency dental procedure is not one you may have planned for. The estimated cost of a root canal procedure ranges from an average of $750 to $1,200. Understanding how much root canals cost and why this cost varies may help you plan in advance in case of a dental emergency.

Factors that can impact the cost of a root canal:

• Location: One of the biggest reasons why the cost of a root canal varies is the location of the tooth needing treatment. A root canal to a front tooth will cost less than the treatment on a molar in the back of the mouth. The reason why molars may be more expensive to treat is because often molars have more than one root, even up to three. The more roots that need to be removed during the procedure the greater the cost.
• Geographic Location: Where you live is another factor that can impact the cost of the procedure. Those living closer to the coasts pay on average a higher price for dental procedures than those living in the middle of the country.
• Timing: The cost of a root canal can also depend on how damaged the tooth is that needs treatment. The longer someone waits to treat the tooth, the more work that may need to be done. If the root canal happens shortly after the infection or damage is identified it will be easier for the dentist to treat the damaged area. If the infection becomes more severe over time, the cost of the root canal and work to repair the tooth may be higher. In the worst-case scenario, if the damaged to the tooth becomes so severe that a root canal is no longer possible, paying for an extraction and an artificial implant may significantly increase the cost of the
  treatment.
• Previous damage: If the tooth that needs repair was previously repaired, for example with a root canal, then more work will be needed in the second procedure. A tooth that was drilled into previously will likely need an artificial crown during the second repair procedure. The total price of the second repair will increase due to the need of the extra work and the artificial crown.

Whether a root canal is needed for an emergency or a tooth has been diseased and is becoming more damaged over time, the cost can vary greatly. The best way to get an idea of the cost of a root canal for you is to have a discussion with your dentist. The biggest thing to remember is that the longer you wait to repair a damaged tooth, the more a root canal may cost in the end.

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