If you have an infected tooth, then you may be well aware of the pain that it can cause. You might be fed up with the discomfort, and a root canal can give you the relief you need. However, you might be worried about the cost of this procedure. While the price can be tricky to pinpoint without talking to your dentist, here are factors that can affect it and ways to make it more affordable.
So, What Can Affect the Cost of a Root Canal?
A root canal isn’t one set price, as many variables will need to be considered, such as:
- The location of the tooth. These dental structures have more roots the further back they are in your mouth, so they will incur a higher cost compared to the front ones.
- How many teeth need treatment, as the infection can be severe and affect multiple at once.
- The expert performing the service. Complex cases may need to be seen by a specialist, who often have a greater rate because of their knowledge and expertise.
- Whether you need additional treatment, such as a crown afterward, to get back the look and function of the affected tooth, can also add to the final price.
Is There a Way to Make a Root Canal Affordable?
With all that said, it’s understandable to be worried about the cost of your root canal. The good news is that there are ways you can make it more affordable. Here are several ways you should keep in mind:
- Dental Insurance: If you have this, then many plans often cover a portion of the treatment, but the exact amount depends on your benefits. By talking to your provider directly or with your dentist’s front desk team, you can learn more.
- Third-Party Financing: CareCredit is another option that many offices take. It helps break down the overall price into monthly installments with little to no interest.
- In-House Membership: If you don’t have dental insurance, then this option can be great, as it often includes discounts on certain services. You can talk to your dentist to find out about what they offer at their practice.
- Cheaper in the Long Run: When compared to getting an extraction and tooth replacement, a root canal can save you much more in the end.
Regardless, it’s still normal to be anxious about the price. The good news is that your dentist is here to help. Simply talk to them, and you can learn more about how much it’ll be for your unique case and ways to feel more comfortable about it all in the end.
About the Author
Dr. A. Faris Waheed earned his dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He has over 15 years of experience that he uses to give the Jacksonville community the high-quality care they deserve. While root canals can be stressful for many patients, Dr. Waheed works to make it comfortable and efficient with same-day urgent visits and state-of-the-art technology. If you want to learn how you can make this service more affordable, schedule an appointment or call his office at (904) 748-4900.