Root Canal

Without insurance, a root canal typically costs between $600 and $2,500, depending on the tooth’s location and the extent of infection or damage. In most cases, root canal therapy is considered a medical necessity and is therefore covered by most insurance plans. However, the amount covered will depend on your specific plan, yearly maximums, and deductibles. 

A root canal procedure typically takes between 40 and 90 minutes per tooth, depending on the location of the tooth, the number of canals it has, and the extent of the infection or damage.

The success rate of the root canal is up to 98% if the procedure is performed responsibly, with the majority of treated teeth surviving more than 5 years. The success of the procedure and post-procedure tooth longevity are significantly increased if the crown is placed after the root canal to reinforce and protect the tooth.

A root canal procedure starts with your dentist administering a local anesthetic via injection in the gum. The anesthetic takes effect within a couple of minutes and completely blocks pain during the procedure. Then, your dentist accesses the inner chambers of the tooth through its crown to remove the infected pulp and clean the tooth’s canals. Then the tooth is filled with a special biocompatible material and sealed. In some cases, a crown is placed after root canal therapy to reinforce the tooth, restore its chewing function, and protect it from further damage.

Recovery after a root canal typically takes 7 to 14 days. During this time, you might experience slight soreness or swelling at the procedure site and tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. These symptoms will gradually subside as the tooth and the surrounding tissue heal after the procedure.

One of the most common alternatives to a root canal is tooth extraction. It can be opted for if treatment is delayed for too long and the tooth’s structure is too damaged to be saved with a root canal, or for personal preferences of the patient. Also, in cases when the infection is not extensive, your dentist might opt for Pulp Capping or Pulpotomy, which removes only the infected part of the pulp, leaving the rest of the tooth’s structure intact. During your exam, your dentist will be able to accurately establish the extent of the infection and offer you a correct procedure in your case.

We do offer same-day and emergency root canal treatment. If you experience a severe toothache and swelling or have chipped, cracked, or broken your tooth, do not hesitate to call us at 909-389-5699, and we will do our best to admit you as soon as possible.

The majority of dental insurance plans cover root canal therapy as it is considered a medical necessity in most cases. In general, you may expect your insurance to cover 50% to 80% of the total root canal cost. However, the coverage also depends on yearly maximums, deductibles, and other specifications of your particular plan. We recommend contacting our office before your appointment to ensure that your procedure will be covered by insurance.