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The endodontist will take X-rays (possibly a 3D scan) and test the tooth's vitality with cold or electric stimulation. They will explain whether a root canal can save the tooth and what the procedure involves. The root canal itself is typically completed in one visit lasting 60 to 90 minutes under local anesthesia.
See an endodontist for persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to heat that lingers, a darkened tooth, swelling or tenderness near a tooth, or pain when biting down. Your general dentist may refer you if a tooth needs root canal therapy, especially for molars or teeth with complicated root structures.
Root canal (front tooth): $600-900 · Root canal (molar): $900-1,400 · Retreatment: $900-1,600
When decay or damage reaches the nerve inside a tooth, a root canal saves the tooth by removing the infected tissue. Endodontists perform this procedure regularly and use advanced techniques to make it comfortable.
A tooth that continues to ache after a filling or crown may have an issue deeper in the root. Endodontists use microscopes and specialized imaging to find and treat problems other providers might miss.
Cracks in teeth are notoriously difficult to detect on standard X-rays. Endodontists specialize in diagnosing cracks that cause intermittent pain, especially when biting.
An abscess is a pocket of infection at the root of a tooth that can cause severe pain and swelling. Endodontists drain the infection and perform root canal therapy to save the tooth when possible.
A small percentage of root canals do not heal properly or develop new issues years later. Endodontists can re-treat these teeth or perform apicoectomy surgery to resolve persistent infections.
Root canals are generally covered under dental insurance as a major procedure, typically at 50-80% of the allowed amount. A front tooth root canal costs less than a molar. Your plan may require prior authorization. You will still need a crown from your general dentist afterward, which is billed separately.