In this Article

• Why does the pulp need to be removed?
• What damages a tooth's nerve and pulp in the first place?
• What are the symptoms and signs that a root canal is needed?
• What happens during the procedure?
• How painful is the procedure?
• How successful are root canals?
• Complications of a root canal
• Cost of a root canal
• Root canal prevention
• Patient Discussions: Root Canal - Describe Your Experience
• Root Canal Index

Cost of a Root Canal

The cost varies depending on how severe the problem is and the tooth affected. Many dental insurance policies cover endodontic treatment. A ballpark estimate for the root canal treatment itself (not including a dental restoration following the procedure) performed by a general dentist could range from $350 to $540 for an incisor and $520 to $800 for a molar. The fees charged by endodontists could be up to 50% higher.

Saving your natural teeth is the very best option, if possible. Your natural teeth allow you to eat a wide variety of foods necessary to maintain proper nutrition. The root canal procedure is the treatment of choice.

The only alternative to a root canal procedure is having the tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge, implant, or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These alternatives not only are more expensive than a root canal procedure but require more treatment time and additional procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.

Root Canal Prevention

Since some of the reasons why the nerve of a tooth and its pulp become inflamed and infected are due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth and/or large fillings, following good oral hygiene practices (brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and scheduling regular dental visits) may reduce the need for a root canal procedure. Trauma resulting from a sports-related injury can be reduced by wearing a mouth guard.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry.

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD, on November 12, 2007.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005

Root Canal - Describe Your Experience

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