If your dentist has recently informed you that you’re going to need a root canal, you might feel a little apathetic about the procedure. But this is nothing you need to worry about and certainly something that you shouldn’t put off; not only are root canals an incredibly viable and relatively pain-free option for salvaging a tooth, but they’re also not as expensive as you might think. Keep reading to learn about some of the factors that influence the cost of root canal therapy and why you shouldn’t wait to go through with it.
What Affects the Cost of Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy isn’t always cut and dry, and the price can vary depending on the patient’s individual needs. Here are three of the main factors that affect the total cost of treatment:
- Location – Root canals that are performed on teeth towards the front of your mouth are usually going to run a little cheaper than ones performed on molars. This is because front teeth only have one root that needs to be disinfected and treated, whereas molars can have up to three. That equates to more work for your dentist, and a higher cost for you.
- Severity – The cost will also depend on the severity of the situation. If the infection has advanced, you might require additional treatment like a bridge or crown, which will add more to the total bill. If the tooth requires extraction, that’ll be even more expensive once you calculate the cost of replacing it.
- Retreatment – If the affected tooth has already received root canal therapy, you might end up paying even more this time around, especially if you need something like a crown to replace a failed filling. Recurring problems will always result in an increasing price tag!
Can a Root Canal Save Me Money?
One of the worst things you can do if you need a root canal is prolonging treatment, as it increases the likelihood of additional problems developing. That said, receiving treatment when you need it won’t just save your smile—it will save you a lot of money down the road!
Something like tooth extraction might seem like a cheaper and better alternative to root canal therapy, but consider the risks associated with missing teeth. Things like difficulty eating, a gap-filled smile, and the likelihood to lose more teeth are simply not worth it—meaning those teeth will need to be replaced, which can be quite an expensive ordeal. Dentists also take a conservative approach with their treatment, meaning that extraction is also only used as a last resort when root canal therapy cannot save the compromised tooth.
Root canal therapy isn’t just a viable treatment option; it’s a cost-effective one, too! Knowing the factors that influence its cost and how it can also save you trouble and money in the future certainly makes it a worthwhile endeavor.
About the Practice
Nu Dental Brick is pleased to serve the dental needs of the Brick Township area under the leadership of Dr. Admasu Gizachew! Dr. Gizachew, affectionately called “Dr. G.” by his patients, completed his dental doctorate at New York University and is a member of many professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His practice is proud to offer a wide range of available services including root canal therapy! If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit, please reach out online or by phone: (732) 475-7535.