Implants
Root Canal or Extraction and Implant: Which Is Better?
Save the tooth or replace it? How to choose between a root canal and an implant.
3 min readBy Hiral Desai, DDS, MDS, D. ABDSM
How Much Does a Root Canal and Crown Cost Without Insurance?
If you need a root canal and don't have insurance, the first question is usually cost. The answer depends mostly on which tooth it is. Here is what changes the price and how to pay for it.
The short answer
The cost depends mainly on which tooth needs treatment: front teeth have fewer canals and cost less than molars. Most back teeth also need a crown afterwards. Ask for a written estimate, and use monthly financing or a membership plan if you don't have insurance.
Key takeaways
- Molars cost more than front teeth
- Most back teeth need a crown afterwards
- Saving a tooth usually costs less than replacing it
- Membership plans and monthly payments help without insurance
- Always ask for a written estimate
What does a root canal cost by tooth?
Front teeth usually have one canal, premolars one or two, and molars three or more. More canals mean more time, so the cost rises toward the back of the mouth.
| Tooth | Typical canals | Crown usually needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Front tooth | 1 | Sometimes |
| Premolar | 1 to 2 | Usually |
| Molar | 3 or more | Yes |
Why is a crown usually needed?
After a root canal, a back tooth is more likely to crack under chewing pressure. A crown covers and protects it. Front teeth, which take less force, sometimes only need a filling. Compare crown materials in Porcelain, Metal, Zirconia and Composite Crowns: Pros and Cons.
What changes the price?
Four things affect your total.
Tooth type
Molars cost more than front teeth because they have more canals.
Crown material
Zirconia and porcelain crowns differ in cost and strength.
Build-up or post
If a lot of tooth is missing, a build-up or post may be needed to support the crown.
Retreatment
Redoing an old root canal is usually more complex than a first treatment.
Ask for a written estimate before you start. Book an exam.
Book a consultationWhat does insurance usually cover?
Many PPO plans pay part of a root canal and part of a crown, subject to deductibles and yearly maximums. We check your benefits and explain your share before treatment. See the plans we accept.
How can I pay without insurance?
You have a few options.
Membership plan
Our Essential Care membership is $39 a month and includes 15% off other dental treatment. See how the membership works.
Third-party financing
Monthly payments through several third-party financing vendors, with plans up to 60 months and APR from 0% to 35.99% based on approval. Checking your options doesn't involve a hard credit check.
Cash payment
We also accept cash payment for your treatment.
Root canal vs extraction: the long-term cost
Pulling a tooth can look cheaper on the day. But a missing back tooth is usually replaced later with an implant or bridge, which often costs more than saving the tooth. A single implant, including the crown, is about $86 to $146 a month with financing. Read Root Canal or Extraction and Implant.
Clear estimates in Tustin
Our office is at 604 E 1st St in the Larwin Square Shopping Center in Tustin, serving patients from Irvine, City of Orange, Santa Ana and the rest of Orange County. We give you a written estimate before treatment. Call (714) 505-9462 or book online.
Questions patients ask
Can I wait to get the crown?
Not for long. A back tooth without a crown is more likely to crack. We usually recommend the crown soon after the root canal.
Is a root canal cheaper than an implant?
Usually, yes. Saving your own tooth with a root canal and crown typically costs less than an extraction and implant.
Does the membership plan discount root canals?
The Essential Care membership includes 15% off other dental treatment. Ask us how it applies to your plan.
How long does a crown last?
Many crowns last many years with good care and regular checkups.
Why does a molar cost more?
Molars have more canals, so treatment takes longer and needs more care.
Get a written estimate
An exam and X-ray show exactly what your tooth needs. You get a written estimate and payment options before anything starts.
Sources: ADA MouthHealthy: Root Canals
Related guides
Cost & Insurance
No Dental Insurance? How Our Membership Plan Works in Tustin and Irvine
How our in-house membership plan covers your preventive care for one simple fee.
3 min readBy Hiral Desai, DDS, MDS, D. ABDSM
Cost & Insurance
Does Our Office Take Your Insurance? Aetna, MetLife, Cigna, Delta Dental, UnitedHealthcare and More
The PPO plans we accept, and how to check your benefits before your visit.
3 min readBy Hiral Desai, DDS, MDS, D. ABDSM
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Book a visit for advice about your own teeth.