Emergency dental care is costly but left untreated, dental issues will only worsen and become more expensive to treat. If you find yourself with a toothache that is more than minor sensitivity, you may require root canal therapy to eradicate the tooth of infection. In this section, we will review some fees you may encounter along the way.
Tooth Location
Where in your mouth the tooth in question lies is a major cost factor. Front teeth are easier to get to and have only one canal and are therefore significantly cheaper to treat. A root canal in an anterior tooth can run you between $500 and $800.
Molars and premolars are less accessible and can have up to four roots and can cost between $850 and $1,300. Of course, your geographical location can also affect the cost as metropolitan areas will have higher fees than more suburban areas.
Timeframe of Receiving Treatment
As with most dental maladies, the sooner you catch something, the easier and less costly it is to fix. If you get to the dentist as soon as you notice pain and sensitivity, the extent of the infection will be less than if you had waited to see if it would subside on its own. A smaller cavity or infection is easier for your dentist to treat and can be restored with a simple composite filling whereas a more severe infection or cavity could require a root canal and crown. If you really dawdled and let the infection get to such a state that the tooth is hopeless, you will end up needing to have the tooth extracted and eventually restored with either a dental implant or a bridge.
Retreating Previous Root Canals
Sadly, having to get a previously treated tooth retreated is a real possibility. Poor oral hygiene and dental neglect can lead you to develop another infection. This time around, the tooth will very likely require a crown to restore it even if it only had a filling the last time. The structure of the tooth will be compromised since the pulp that was removed the first time was the blood source, the tooth will have become brittle over time. Using a fluoride toothpaste can help strengthen enamel and protect against cavities and help keep you from developing decay.
If you do not have dental insurance, speak with your dental care providers to see if they offer any type of in house financing. Some may also work with a third-party financing company to help alleviate some of the financial strain. Do not wait to receive treatment. Dental problems do not fix themselves, they only worsen and become more costly the longer you wait. Seek the professional help you need and discuss the financial options. The most important thing is that you receive the treatment you need.
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