How much does a root canal and crown cost with insurance?
Root canals might have a negative reputation, but the procedure is quite common, mostly painless, and provides substantial relief to patients suffering from an infected tooth. Root canal therapy is often accompanied with a dental crown to protect the tooth from damage and reinfection, and if you have dental insurance, the entire cost is relatively affordable.
How to know if you need a root canal
Root canal therapy is necessary when the soft tissue at the center of your tooth, called dentin, becomes infected after an injury, a deep cavity, or a failed filling. Cleaning out the infection is crucial to maintaining the health of the tooth – if the infection is left untreated, the tooth will most likely decay and have to be removed. The cost of getting a dental implant or bridge to fill the gap is much more expensive than root canal therapy, so it’s important to see your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms of infection:
- Severe pain while chewing or biting
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swollen or tender gums
- Deep decay or darkening of the gums
How to know if you need a crown with a root canal
In many cases, the best way to protect a tooth that has just undergone root canal therapy is to seal it with a crown. As the root canal procedure diminishes the amount of healthy tissue within a tooth, it can become brittle and vulnerable to cracking or breaking, especially molars that are subject to strong chewing forces. Root canal therapy can also discolor teeth, and many people choose to have crowns covering their front teeth for cosmetic reasons.
The cost of a root canal and crown in San Diego
The cost of a root canal depends on several factors, including how many teeth are being treated at once, how the teeth are being sealed and protected, and also the location of the teeth. In general, front (anterior) teeth have the cheapest root canal cost, molars are the most expensive, and bicuspid and other teeth in between fall in the middle. Average costs per tooth:
- Front teeth: $600-$900
- Bicuspid: $700-$1,000
- Molar: $1,000-$1,400
The cost of a crown in San Diego will add anywhere from $800-$1,500 to the total procedure, although it’s important to note that costs for root canals and crowns can also vary based on your location in the US and the specific dentist you use. Also, additional costs might include antibiotics and pain medication.
How insurance affects the cost of a root canal and dental crown
Dental insurance can significantly reduce the cost of a root canal and crown, as most employer-sponsored dental plans cover a large percentage of the overall costs. Depending on the policy, the percentage can range from 50-80% for a root canal because it is necessary for your overall oral health. Coverage for crowns is usually around 50% because they are mostly cosmetic, although if your dentist recommends a crown for protective reasons, you might be able to get better coverage through your insurance and lower your root canal crown cost.
Root canals and crowns in San Diego
If one of your teeth is painful, extra sensitive, or surrounded by swollen gums, you might have an infection requiring a root canal and crown. When you schedule a consultation at Smile Designers in San Diego, we’ll help determine whether root canal therapy is necessary and create an appropriate treatment plan designed to eliminate your pain, restore your oral health, and give you something to smile about. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (619) 222-6000.