Root canal cost guide

How much does a root canal cost in 2026?

Updated April 8, 2026 8–10 min read Sources: ADA · AAO

Bottom line: A root canal costs $700–$1,800 for the procedure itself, plus $1,000–$3,500 for the crown that typically follows. Front teeth are less expensive ($700–$1,000) than molars ($1,200–$1,800) because molars have more roots. Insurance usually covers 50–80% of the root canal but only 50% of the crown.

Root canal cost by tooth type

Tooth type	Number of roots	Specialist vs. general	Cost range
Front tooth (incisor/canine)	1 root	General dentist	$700–$1,000
Premolar (bicuspid)	1–2 roots	General dentist	$800–$1,200
Molar	3–4 roots	Endodontist (specialist)	$1,200–$1,800
Crown after root canal	N/A	General dentist	$1,000–$3,500
Total (molar + crown)	N/A	Combined	$2,200–$5,300

Do you always need a crown after a root canal?

For back teeth (premolars and molars), yes — almost always. The root canal procedure removes the pulp and nerves that kept the tooth alive, leaving it brittle. Without a crown, the tooth is highly susceptible to cracking. For front teeth, a crown is recommended but occasionally a filling alone is sufficient if the tooth structure is mostly intact.

Does insurance cover root canals?

Root canals are classified as "basic" or "major" restorative work depending on your plan. Most insurance covers 50–80% of the root canal procedure. The crown that follows is typically covered at 50% as a major restorative procedure. Combined out-of-pocket cost for a molar root canal plus crown with insurance is often $1,200–$2,500.

Root canal vs. tooth extraction: which is cheaper?

A simple tooth extraction costs $150–$400, making it appear far cheaper than a root canal. However, extracting a tooth without replacing it leads to bone loss and shifting of adjacent teeth. A dental implant to replace the extracted tooth costs $3,000–$5,000 — making root canal + crown the more cost-effective long-term choice for most patients.

See our full dental implant cost guide for a complete comparison.

Frequently asked questions

How painful is a root canal? +

Modern root canals are no more painful than getting a filling. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Most patients report that the pain before the root canal (from the infected tooth) is far worse than the procedure itself.

How long does a root canal take? +

A front tooth root canal takes 60–90 minutes in a single visit. Molars with multiple canals may require 90–150 minutes and sometimes two appointments. A crown appointment follows 2–3 weeks later after the permanent crown is fabricated.

Can I wait on a root canal? +

No — a tooth infection will not resolve on its own. Waiting causes the infection to spread to the jawbone, other teeth, and potentially the bloodstream. Delaying also increases the chance the tooth cannot be saved and must be extracted.

Sources: American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute; American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) 2025 Consumer Survey; National Center for Health Statistics. All costs reflect 2026 US national averages and are estimates only. Individual prices vary by provider, location, and insurance plan.