When faced with the need for a root canal, patients often have many concerns, with cost being one of the primary considerations. As a leader in root canal treatment, we believe in providing our patients with clear and detailed information to help them navigate their dental care decisions. In this blog, we’ll explore the cost of a root canal in Florida, including financing options for those who can’t afford treatment, and the longevity of a root canal procedure. If you have dental insurance, jump to how insurance affects the cost.
How Much is a Root Canal in Florida Without Insurance?
The cost of a root canal can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of tooth and the complexity of the procedure. The main ones are:
- Which tooth is treated. Front teeth usually have one canal. Premolars often have one or two, and molars typically have three or more. More canals take more time and work.
- How complex the canals are. Curved, narrow or calcified canals take longer to clean and seal.
- First treatment or retreatment. Retreating a tooth that already had a root canal involves removing the old filling material first, so it usually costs more than a first-time root canal.
- The final restoration. Most back teeth need a crown afterward, placed by your general dentist and billed separately.
Because these factors change from tooth to tooth, an exact price needs an exam and imaging. Our guide to why root canal costs vary from case to case explains what we look at during that evaluation.
It is important to understand that individual cases may differ based on specific circumstances determined by the endodontist during the consultation appointment and discussed before treatment.
How Much Is a Root Canal With Insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of root canal treatment. How much you pay depends on your plan:
- Your deductible. Many plans require you to meet a yearly deductible before coverage starts.
- How your plan classifies the procedure. Some plans list root canals as a basic service and others as a major service, and the two are often covered at different levels.
- Your annual maximum. Once your plan has paid its yearly limit, the rest is out of pocket. If you also need a crown, both may count toward the same limit.
- Network status. Coverage can differ depending on whether the provider is in-network for your plan.
At Elite Endodontics, we verify your benefits before your visit if you send us your insurance information, and we give you an estimate of your benefits and your share of the cost at your consultation. Payment is due at the time of service. We accept CareCredit, Cherry Financing and most major credit cards, and we are happy to discuss financing options at your consultation.
What Happens if You Need a Root Canal but Can’t Afford It?
If you need a root canal but are concerned about the cost, there are several financial strategies you can consider. Many qualified dental care providers, including Elite Endodontics, offer these options and work to maximize your insurance benefits so the cost of care does not prevent you from getting root canal treatment.
- Payment Plans — Some offices offer flexible payment plans that allow you to spread out the cost of treatment over time.
- Dental Discount Plans — These plans provide discounted rates on dental procedures for an annual fee and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
- Credit Options — Healthcare financing companies like CareCredit and Cherry Financing let you spread the cost of treatment into payments. Elite Endodontics accepts both, along with most major credit cards.
Delaying necessary dental treatment can lead to more severe health issues and higher costs in the future, so it’s important to seek the advice of a qualified dental professional as soon as possible to discuss your treatment options.
Does Medicaid Pay for a Root Canal in Florida?
Medicaid coverage for dental procedures, including root canals, varies by state. In Florida, Medicaid typically covers dental services for children under 21 through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. Coverage for adults, however, is more limited. While routine exams and extractions are often covered, more complex procedures like root canals may not be included.
It’s important to check with your specific Medicaid plan or contact the Florida Medicaid office to get detailed information on what dental services are covered and any requirements you must meet.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last?
A root canal is designed to be a permanent solution to save your natural tooth and alleviate pain and infection. With proper dental care, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. Longevity depends on several factors:
- Oral Hygiene — Maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help reduce the chances of future infection.
- Restoration Quality — The quality of the dental crown or filling used to restore the tooth after the root canal will affect its durability.
- Follow-Up Care — Regular cleanings and exams with your dentist will help monitor the state of the treated tooth and help determine if others become infected.
Most patients experience significant relief and long-term success following a root canal, allowing them to preserve their natural smile and avoid the need for more invasive procedures like tooth extraction and replacement.
Understanding the cost of a root canal in Florida, including the cost of a root canal and a crown, and exploring your options for managing expenses is essential for maintaining your oral health. At Elite Endodontics, we are committed to providing high-quality care to all our patients and working with them to make it affordable. If you have any concerns or need to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help you achieve a healthy, pain-free smile.
Root Canal Cost FAQ
What is the average cost of a root canal?
There is no single average that fits every patient. The price depends mainly on which tooth is treated (front teeth, premolars and molars have different numbers of canals), how complex the canals are, and whether it is a first treatment or a retreatment. An exam and imaging are needed for an accurate estimate.
Does dental insurance cover a root canal?
Most dental plans cover part of the cost of a root canal. What you pay depends on your deductible, whether your plan treats root canals as a basic or major service, your annual maximum, and whether the provider is in-network. Elite Endodontics verifies benefits before your visit and gives you an estimate at your consultation.
Why does a molar root canal cost more than a front tooth?
Molars usually have three or more canals, while front teeth usually have one. Each canal has to be located, cleaned, shaped and sealed, so a molar takes more time and work.
Is a crown included in the cost of a root canal?
No. The root canal is done by the endodontist, and the crown is usually placed afterward by your general dentist and billed separately. Most back teeth need a crown after a root canal to protect them from breaking.