Factors determining the cost of a root canal treatment

The root canal therapy is a procedure performed in case the tooth pulp catches an infection. Like a tree, our teeth also have roots which hold them strongly to the gums and the area under the gums called the jaw bone. For the proper growth and a healthy state of the teeth, these roots provide the essential nutrients through a tissue. This tissue is a pulp which is present under every tooth. The root canal is situated at the top of this pulp and is a cluster of nerves. These nerves are connected directly to the roots beneath them and perform the responsible duty of carrying the nutrients.

Root Canal Treatment

If this nerve cluster called the root canal catches an infection, the bacteria causing the infection will find an easy path to reach to the roots of the tooth and infect them too. The ultimate result after this whole action will be the loss of the tooth. The only way to save the tooth is to perform a root canal. The cost of root canal is believed to be quite high, but it is better to get a tooth treated than to have to take it out and paying almost equal with an unbearable pain. Moreover, taking out a tooth deliberately will disturb the whole dental structure and in worst case, may loosen the roots of other surrounding teeth also.

Different dentists have different charges for performing a root canal procedure. Apart from this, certain facts about your tooth will also decide the cost you will have to pay for the therapy. For instance, the molar teeth which are situated at the rear part of the mouth have more roots than the front teeth. So, if the tooth to be operated is a molar, it will require more time and effort to clear out the infected part, thus, adding to the charges. An endodontist is a dentist specialized for performing root canal procedure. After completing dentistry, a dedicated training of 2 years is taken by the endodontist to learn root canal procedures. As specialized physician fee is always greater than a common physician, he may charge about 50% more as compared to a dentist.

The root canal process consists of a number of steps like drilling a whole into the tooth enamel, removing the infected pulp, cleaning the root canal, filling the chamber with medicines and then closing the drilled hole. The last two steps may require to be repeated for 2 to 3 times after an interval of a few weeks. The cost of such a long procedure also depends upon the complexity of the steps performed.

The final closing of the hole is done by a cap either made of porcelain or gold. A gold cap will clearly add more dollars to your bill.

The location of the hospital or the clinic is also a determining factor for the cost of root canal. A hospital situated at a prime location with a superior infrastructure and a lot of other facilities will definitely have high surgery rates. An average cost of this procedure is about $400 to $500.