How Much does a Root Canal Cost in Canada 2024

You're probably not looking forward to your root canal procedure, but something even more stressful than this treatment could be the price you pay for it.

In this root canal fee guide, we'll give you a rundown on how to save money on this procedure and give you all the facts you need to know before you go through with it. That way the soreness in your head after your root canal isn't accompanied by pain in your wallet too.

Let's dive in.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure performed by dentists and endodontists that is intended to deal with tooth decay by cleaning the canals inside the tooth through the tooth's inner root. The standard root canal procedure involves four steps:

1. Freezing the surroundings of the affected tooth
2. Removing the pulp
3. Cleaning the interior
4. Sealing the tooth and canal with a filling or crown.

Cost of a Root Canal By Province In Canada

The cost of a root canal in Canada can vary quite a bit, with the average ranging from $500 to $800 or more. However, this price can change depending on several important factors, like the specific tooth requiring treatment, the severity of the issue, and whether you visit a specialist or a general dentist for the procedure. Here's a province-by-province breakdown of root canal costs in Canada:

Average Root Canal Cost by Province: Ranked Highest to Lowest

These prices are guidelines based on having one root canal, so if you need multiple, you can expect to pay more.

How much will I Pay if I Need Multiple Root Canals?

These are the approximate costs associated with their respective number of root canals:

2 Root Canals: $700-$1200 or higher

3 Root Canals: $1000-$1300 or higher

4+ Root Canals: $1100-$1650 or higher

When figuring out how much multiple root canals could cost you, remember that the price of each root canal may vary for many reasons, including your provincial location, among other factors.  

What Other Factors Can Affect Root Canal Cost in Canada?

You need to consider many other factors when determining how much your root canal will cost. These are three important aspects for you to consider when planning your budget for this treatment:

1. Severity

The severity of your problem, like the amount of time your tooth has been decaying and the damage level of the tooth, directly affects your payment amount. After all, the worse your tooth's condition is, the harder it is to fix. If your tooth is damaged past the point of no return, you might want to consider booking a consultation with a dental expert to discuss if tooth extraction/removal instead would be the right choice for you, as this option can save you money and pain later on.

2. Choosing a Specialist or General Dentist

You must go with a general dentist or specialist to get a root canal done on your affected tooth.

Choosing a general dentist for your root canal is less expensive upfront, as root canals are typically right under $1000 for this option. However, you may also have to pay a consultation fee for this option, so if you later decide that you want specialist care instead, you might have to pay for another consultation fee.

To save money on consultation fees, it can be more cost-effective to go directly with a specialist's assistance. Keep in mind that specialists like endodontists are a more expensive option than a general dentist because they are more knowledgeable about the specific areas of the mouth involved in a root canal, such as the pulp and roots. The higher level of expertise and training that endodontists have, makes them better equipped than a general dentist to handle any root canal complications you might have.

3. Experience Level of the Dental Care Provider  

More experienced dental practitioners can charge 20% to 40% more for your root canal. You could choose to go with a less experienced dental practitioner with plenty of good reviews if you'd prefer a more affordable option of getting quality dental care.

How Does The Type of Tooth I Need Treatment for Affect the Price of a Root Canal?

The type of tooth you need a root canal for greatly impacts the amount of money it will cost. There are three types of root canal procedures depending on the type of tooth that needs treatment. The price you pay is affected by the difficulty of a root canal procedure on your affected tooth type.

1. Front Tooth Procedure

We can say for sure this is the least costly compared to the other types of root canal treatments. Front tooth root canals are less expensive than the other procedures because the teeth at the front of the mouth are easier to remove, given how they are more accessible and have fewer roots than other tooth varieties.

Pricing ranges from $300 to $1500, but average costs typically fall between $900 and $1100.

2. Bicuspid Procedure

This option is for medium-difficulty teeth in terms of a root canal procedure as they are more challenging than front teeth but not as tricky as molars so the pricing for this sort of treatment reflects this, as it falls in the middle of the different procedure types.

Costs range from $400 to $1800; however, you'll likely pay closer to $900 to $1100.

3. Molar Procedure

This is the most difficult and, therefore, most expensive type of root canal treatment because molars have three inner roots, which complicates matters for the dentist or endodontist involved.

Visits to your dental practitioner of choice for this type of procedure will cost you within a range of $500 to $2000, though it is reasonable to expect a price from $1000 to $1300

How Can Insurance Affect The Cost of Root Canals?

When undergoing a root canal, having the right dental insurance coverage can be a huge help in managing the associated costs. However, it's essential to clearly understand what your insurance plan covers and any limitations or out-of-pocket expenses involved. It's crucial to review the details of your insurance policy to know how much of the procedure cost will be covered.

What are Some Additional Costs Associated with Root Canals in Canada?

Regarding root canals, there are more costs to consider than just the basic procedure.

Crowns

After a root canal, you might have to go through a different treatment known as a dental crown procedure to help support the treated tooth and allow its structure to return to its original shape. A dental crown procedure is almost always needed if you've had a root canal done on a molar or any other teeth necessary for chewing. The pricing for this treatment varies widely, based on what material is used, but it typically falls into a range between $500 and $3000 in Canada.

Fillings

These can be used to help complete the root canal process, as they treat tooth decay by removing and filing damaged parts of the teeth with a material similar to a tooth. The costs associated with filings can go up for you depending on whether you choose to go with either a combination of metal and porcelain or with one of these materials. The price range of filings varies from $90-$300 in Canada.‍

Sedation

Some individuals may require sedation or anesthesia for the root canal procedure if they experience severe anxiety or have a strong gag reflex. This additional service leads to extra costs.

Post-Treatment Care‍

Following the root canal, there might be certain medications, follow-up appointments, or further treatments needed that can mean more money spent.

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Considering these additional costs when planning for a root canal treatment is essential, as they can significantly impact your budget and financial well-being.

Key Tips for Saving Money on Your Root Canal Treatment

Now that you know about all the things that could influence the costs associated with your root canal, here are some tips for you to keep in mind if you'd like to save money on your root canal procedure.

1. Prevention and early treatment

Practicing effective oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth should keep them healthy. Doing these things, in addition to scheduling dental checkups and cleanings multiple times each year and going to your dentist as soon as any trouble arises with your teeth, will help prevent these problems and save you a lot of physical and financial pain.

2. Check out the terms of payment with your dentist

Although installation plans are offered at many dental care clinics, some dentists may offer price reductions for your root canal if you pay in one payment or in cash. If you can afford this option and would like to save money, ask your dental practitioner if these options are available.  

3. Understand your insurance policy as well as its limitations

If you're covered under an individual or work dental insurance policy, it might be able to cover the cost of your root canal fully. Make sure you know how much your policy covers and how much money it could save you for your dental treatment.

There's no denying that root canals can be scary, but their prices don't have to be. If you have any questions or concerns about dental insurance policies and coverage or financial wellness, feel free to reach out to an advisor here at Dundas Life today.