Home› Dental Procedures› Root Canal
2026 Pricing Data

Root Canal Cost in 2026

National Average Estimate
$1,000
Typical range: $700 – $1,400
Recovery
1–3 days
Risk Level
Low
Duration
60–120 min
Editorial illustration representing root canal
Clinical Insight
Most medically-necessary cases are covered by major insurers. Plan verification recommended.

Understanding the Investment

Key Takeaways
  • National average: $1,000 (range: $700–$1,400)
  • Insurance: Usually Covered — Most dental insurance covers root canals at 50-80% as a major procedure,...
  • Recovery: 1–3 days typical downtime
  • Biggest cost driver: Facility type — outpatient centers can be 30–50% less than hospitals

A root canal becomes necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected, often due to deep decay or a fracture. Over 15 million root canals are performed in the U.S. each year to save teeth that would otherwise need extraction.

The type of tooth needing the procedure is a primary cost factor, with molars costing more than front teeth. Choosing to see an endodontist (a root canal specialist) will also increase the price compared to a general dentist, but may lower the complication rate.

Consider seeking treatment at a dental school clinic; their fees are often 40-60% lower than private practices. If the tooth can't be saved, a dental implant is the gold standard replacement, though significantly more expensive. Confirm all costs with your provider before scheduling.

Interactive Cost Breakdown

Where does your money go?

Typical allocation for a root canal procedure at the national average price point.

Endodontist Fee
55% of total · $385-$715
$385-$715
Endodontist or general dentist fee
Facility Fee
20% of total · $140-$260
$140-$260
Dental office overhead
Materials
15% of total · $105-$195
$105-$195
Gutta percha, files, filling materials
Imaging
10% of total · $70-$130
$70-$130
X-rays before, during, and after
Go Deeper

Root Canal Guides

Regional Variance

Root Canal Cost by State

Geographic location plays a significant role — cost-of-living adjustments, regional demand for top specialists, and facility competition all affect pricing.

Most Affordable

5 Cheapest States

  1. Mississippi $885-11.5%
  2. West Virginia $898-10.2%
  3. Alabama $905-9.5%
  4. Arkansas $912-8.8%
  5. Missouri $918-8.2%
Premium Markets

5 Most Expensive States

  1. Hawaii $1,164+16.4%
  2. California $1,133+13.3%
  3. New York $1,128+12.8%
  4. Massachusetts $1,115+11.5%
  5. District of Columbia $1,105+10.5%
Cheaper
Pricier

State-by-State Pricing Atlas

Click any state to see detailed pricing, regional cost factors, and top cities.

Root Canal Cost in All 50 States

Already seen the cheapest and most expensive? Expand the full sortable table to compare every state.

Show all 50 states (sortable) Hide all 50 states
State ▲▼ Avg Cost ▲▼ vs National ▲▼
  • Children under 21 with full Alabama Medicaid: root canal coverage
  • Pregnant individuals: Alabama Medicaid covers root canals until 60 days postpartum
  • UAB School of Dentistry's Dothan clinic: reduced-fee dental care
  • Alabama Medicaid: root canals on third molars are not covered
  • Cahaba Medical Care (Centreville): root canal services available
  • Southcentral Foundation: Operates five dental clinics in Anchorage/Mat-Su.
  • Alaska Medicaid: Enhanced adult dental coverage up to an annual limit for root canals.
  • Alaska Medicaid (Denali KidCare): Broader coverage for children under 21.
  • Mat-Su Health Services, Inc. (Wasilla/Big Lake): Adjustable rates based on income.
  • Dental Health Aide Therapist Program: Aims to increase access to basic care in rural AK.
  • A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (Mesa): Fees roughly half of private practices.
  • NATIVE HEALTH (Phoenix): Community health center offering income-based discounts.
  • Desert Senita Community Health Center (Southern Arizona): Offers income-based discounts.
  • Marana Healthcare Dental Clinics: Provides root canals for all ages.
  • Arkansas Medicaid: Covers permanent teeth, often requires prior authorization.
  • DePaul Community Health Centers (Gould): Offers root canal services.
  • Healthy Connections (Hot Springs/Mena): Offers root canal services.
  • Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Oral Health Clinic (Little Rock): Serves underserved.
  • Arkansas Act 568: Mandates Medicaid reimbursement for high-complexity oral care.
  • University of the Pacific (San Francisco), UCLA, USC dental schools: reduced rates.
  • Reduced rates at dental schools: often 30-40% less than private practices.
  • Shasta Community Health Center and La Clinica De La Raza (Oakland): root canal services.
  • LifeLong Dental (Berkeley): full-service dentistry, including root canals, accepts Medi-Cal.
  • University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (Aurora): "Save A Tooth" program offers root canals.
  • Student Clinics: Root canal fees up to 50% less than private practices.
  • Student Clinics: Accept Health First Colorado (Medicaid).
  • Health First Colorado (Medicaid): Unlimited dental services for adults (21+) since July 1, 2023.
  • DentaQuest: Assists Health First Colorado members in finding dental providers.
  • UConn School of Dental Medicine (Farmington): Student care is 30-40% of private rates.
  • HUSKY Health: Connecticut Medicaid coverage via CT Dental Health Partnership.
  • CIFC Health Dental (Danbury): Offers sliding fee scales for the uninsured.
  • Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC): Provides root canals.
  • Delaware Medicaid: $1,000 annual dental limit for adults 21+, plus $1,500 emergency benefit.
  • Delaware Technical Community College (Wilmington): reduced-cost dental services.
  • Delaware Valley Community Health: sliding fee schedule for uninsured dental patients.
  • Dental discount plans in Delaware: 10-60% savings on root canals.
  • Delaware Nation Dental Assistance Program: up to $1,000 annually for citizens.
  • Howard University College of Dentistry: reduced fees, potentially half the D.C. average
  • DC Medicaid: provides comprehensive dental benefits for adults, including root canals
  • Spanish Catholic Center: serves low-income, uninsured individuals with moderate fees
  • Florida Medicaid: Root canals covered for children under 21 via EPSDT.
  • University of Florida College of Dentistry (Gainesville): Reduced-fee root canals.
  • Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine (Davie): Reduced-fee root canals.
  • Suncoast Community Health Center: Root canal services available.
  • Orlando Family Health Centers (Central Florida): Root canal services available.
  • Dental College of Georgia: Root canals up to 50% cheaper than private practices.
  • Georgia Medicaid (eff. 7/1/24): Adult root canal coverage expanded.
  • $11 million: Budget increase for Georgia Medicaid dental expansion.
  • Community Health Center (Austell): Low-cost oral healthcare with endodontist.
  • Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST): expanded adult dental benefits to include root canals (1/2023)
  • Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center: accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most private plans
  • Aloha Medical Mission Dental Clinic (Honolulu): free/low-cost root canals for anterior teeth
  • Dental Clinic at The Queen's Medical Center: endodontic services for residents with limited access
  • Alpha Dental Plan: offers savings on root canals for a low monthly fee
  • Idaho State University (ISU) Family Dentistry Clinic (Meridian): root canals via resident program
  • ISU Clinic: accepts most PPO plans and Medicaid for children and adults with disabilities
  • Idaho Medicaid: generally excludes root canals and crowns for adults (as of July 2025)
  • Terry Reilly Health Services (Boise, Nampa): lists root canals among services
  • State Street Dental (Boise): 15% discount on root canals
  • University of Illinois Chicago (UIC): Discounted root canals by supervised students.
  • University of Illinois Chicago (UIC): Accepts Public Aid (Medicaid) for children.
  • Midwestern University Clinics (Downers Grove): Reduced-fee dental care, including root canals.
  • Illinois Medicaid: Covers adult root canals (coverage varies).
  • Community Health Care, Inc.: Accepts Illinois Medicaid and offers a sliding fee scale.
  • Indiana University School of Dentistry (Indianapolis): lower-cost root canals
  • Riggs Community Health Center: provides dental services
  • Community Health Net (Gary, Merrillville, Hammond, East Chicago): serves children/adults
  • Jane Pauley Community Dental Centers: offers referrals
  • Medicaid (Hoosier Healthwise): covers some adult periodontal services
  • Iowa Medicaid: Covered through Dental Wellness Plan (Delta Dental or MCNA Dental)
  • University of Iowa College of Dentistry: Care at 1/3 usual price
  • University of Iowa College of Dentistry: Accepts Medicaid and Hawk-I
  • Community Health Centers of Southeastern Iowa: Sliding fee discount available
  • UMKC School of Dentistry: root canals at 1/3 to 1/2 of private practice fees.
  • Kansas Medicaid (KanCare): covers adult root canals without an annual maximum.
  • Konza Prairie Community Health Center (Junction City/Manhattan): root canal services regardless of ability to pay.
  • Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK): root canals in Pittsburg, Parsons, and Iola.
  • Kentucky Medicaid: covers adult root canals (eff. 1/1/23), requires X-rays
  • University of Louisville School of Dentistry: up to 50% savings vs. private
  • University of Louisville School of Dentistry: accepts Kentucky Medicaid
  • Med Center Health's Dental Clinic (Bowling Green): root canals for some residents
  • Grace Health (Corbin/Hyden): sliding fee discount program available
  • Louisiana Medicaid: covers root canals for those 20 and younger via EPSDT.
  • LSU Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry (New Orleans): reduced rates in student clinics.
  • DePaul Community Health Centers: sliding-fee discounts for self-pay patients.
  • Iberia Comprehensive Community Health Center offers root canals.
  • Baton Rouge (College Dr): root canal costs around the state average.
  • UNE College of Dental Medicine (Portland): Accepts MaineCare and Northeast Delta Dental.
  • Delta Dental Oral Health Center (Lewiston): Free/low-cost services for eligible Mainers.
  • Community Dental (Portland, Farmington, Waterville): Offers a sliding fee scale.
  • HealthReach Community Health Centers (Central/Western Maine): Affordable care programs.
  • Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program: root canals covered for eligible adults 21+
  • Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program: no premiums or copays for eligible adults
  • University of Maryland School of Dentistry (Baltimore): Endodontics department services
  • University of Maryland School of Dentistry (Baltimore): PLUS Clinic for HIV+ patients
  • The Village Dental Center (Salisbury): root canals for eligible children/pregnant women
  • Boston University and Tufts offer discounted root canal treatments.
  • Lynn Community Health Center: offers endodontic care, serves 12,000+ yearly.
  • Community Health Center of Cape Cod: accepts MassHealth for dental care.
  • University of Michigan/Detroit Mercy dental schools: Root canals 30-50% less.
  • My Community Dental Centers (MCDC) offer affordable procedures across Michigan.
  • Community First Health Centers (New Haven/Port Huron): Accepts Medicaid/Medicare.
  • Hamilton Community Health Network serves Genesee/Lapeer Counties.
  • University of Minnesota Dental Clinics: fees 30% less than Twin Cities average
  • Community Dental Care (Maplewood/St. Paul/Rochester): discounts for uninsured
  • Direct Care and Treatment: root canals for patients with disabilities
  • University of Mississippi Medical Center (Jackson): root canals at ~half private practice cost
  • UMMC School of Dentistry after-hours clinic: root canals at reduced fees monthly
  • Jackson Free Clinic (UMMC-affiliated): free root canals annually in Jan/Feb
  • Community Health Centers (statewide): root canal therapy on a sliding fee scale
  • Coastal Family Health Center (Biloxi): offers root canal therapy on a sliding fee scale
  • MO HealthNet (Medicaid): covers root canal therapy for permanent teeth
  • DentaQuest: includes root canals for Healthy Blue members (all ages)
  • University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Dentistry: accepts Missouri Medicaid
  • Saint Louis University's CADE: services typically 50-60% less than private practices
  • Southern Missouri Community Health Center: accepts Medicaid, sliding fee scale
  • Montana Medicaid: $1,125 annual cap for medically necessary adult dental care.
  • Montana Medicaid: Pulpotomy covered for those under 20.
  • Northwest Community Health Center (Libby): Anterior root canals on sliding fee scale.
  • Greater Valley Health Center (Kalispell): Anterior root canals on sliding fee scale.
  • Curry Health Center Dental Clinic (U of Montana): Bills Medicaid directly for students.
  • UNMC College of Dentistry (Lincoln): reduced fees for adults and children
  • Good Neighbor Community Health Center (Columbus/Fremont): accepts Medicaid, sliding fee scale
  • Nebraska Medicaid: removed annual dental benefit maximum for adults (1/1/2024)
  • Lincoln Dental Plans: 25% discount on root canals for members
  • Western Nebraska Medicaid: may require 200+ mile travel to Lincoln/Omaha
  • UNLV School of Dental Medicine: root canals typically less than private practitioners
  • Nevada Medicaid: root canals covered for children up to 21
  • Nevada Medicaid: adults 21+ on IDD Waiver covered (up to $2,500 annually)
  • Nevada Medicaid: root canals covered for pregnant women (prior authorization)
  • Nevada Health Centers' Eastern/Elko Family Dental Center: restorative/emergency care
  • New Hampshire Smiles Program for Adults: $1,500 yearly dental benefit (eff. 4/1/23)
  • NH Smiles Program: generally does not cover root canals for adult Medicaid members (March 2023)
  • Mobile dental clinics: comprehensive care for NH Medicaid patients 21+
  • Northeast Delta Dental & DentaQuest: partners providing mobile dental clinics
  • White Mountain Community Health Center (Conway): referrals to affordable dental care
  • NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid): covers adult root canal therapy (prior authorization typically required)
  • Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (Newark): emergency root canals, accepts Medicaid (co-pays possible)
  • Rutgers School of Dental Medicine: $110 emergency clinic fee, extra for X-rays/procedures
  • North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC): reduced-cost "Limited Root Canal" services
  • Dental discount plans: 10-60% off at participating dentists, often without deductibles/waiting periods
  • New Mexico: Root canal costs are generally below the national average.
  • New Mexico Community Dental (Albuquerque): Income-based discount program offered.
  • New Mexico Community Dental (Albuquerque): Accepts all dental insurances, including Medicaid.
  • New Mexico Medicaid (Turquoise Care) plans: Cover adult root canals with potential limitations.
  • Touro Dental Health NM (Albuquerque): Affordable root canal therapy at dental school.
  • Charles B. Wang and Union Community Health Center: accept Medicaid
  • Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, NYU College of Dentistry: reduced rates
  • Dental insurance: may cover 50-80% of root canal costs in New York
  • North Carolina Medicaid: covers root canals for those under 21
  • NC Medicaid: expanded coverage anticipated for 5 million in early 2024
  • CommWell Health Four Oaks Dental: offers services on a sliding scale
  • Moncure Community Health Center: offers services on a sliding scale
  • Charlotte Dental Associates: advertises affordable root canal options
  • North Dakota Medicaid: coverage limited to anterior teeth for those over 21.
  • North Dakota Medicaid: individuals through age 20 have broader coverage.
  • Bridging the Dental Gap (Bismarck): non-profit clinic serving low-income individuals.
  • Donated Dental Services: assists eligible disabled, elderly, or medically compromised.
  • Ohio State University College of Dentistry: reduced rates for root canals
  • Community Health Services (Fremont, Fostoria, Napoleon): comprehensive dental services
  • Ohio Medicaid: covers anterior tooth root canals for eligible adults
  • OU College of Dentistry (Tulsa/Oklahoma City): Fees 40-60% below private practice
  • SoonerCare Traditional/Expansion Adult: Covers root canals (prior auth. may be needed)
  • Oklahoma Mission of Mercy (OkMOM): Free dental care for uninsured/under-insured
  • Community Health Centers, Inc. (Oklahoma City): Sliding fee scale based on income
  • OHSU School of Dentistry (Portland): root canals 30-40% less than private practices
  • Oregon Health Plan (OHP): covers root canals on certain permanent teeth
  • Benton and Linn Counties: community health centers offer affordable root canals
  • Rogue Community Health (Medford): affordable root canal services with sliding-scale fees
  • Penn Dental Medicine: Discounted root canal treatments are available.
  • Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry (Philadelphia): Major PA Medical Assistance provider.
  • Clinton County Community Dental Clinic (Mill Hall): Accepts PA Medical Assistance.
  • Temple University’s Dental Pass: Discount program can reduce costs.
  • Adult Medicaid (RI): root canal coverage limited to front teeth (21+)
  • Providence Community Health Centers: anterior root canals available
  • Rhode Island Mission of Mercy (RIMOM): free front-tooth root canals
  • Samuels Sinclair Dental Center: serves children and disabled patients
  • Healthy Connections Medicaid: covers medically necessary root canals for SC children under 21
  • MUSC Urgent Care and Pediatric Dentistry clinics: accept Medicaid
  • North Charleston Dental Outreach: limited services for a fee, accepts Medicaid
  • Fetter Health Care Network: lists root canals as a basic service
  • South Dakota Medicaid: Root canals covered for adults' front teeth only.
  • South Dakota Medicaid: $2,000 annual limit for most services.
  • University of South Dakota (USD) Dental Hygiene program (Sioux Falls): Reduced rates.
  • Falls Community Health (Sioux Falls): Sliding fee scales available.
  • Complete Health (Rapid City): Sliding fee scales available.
Tennessee $942 -5.8%
  • UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry: reduced-cost root canals from supervised students
  • Texas A&M University College of Dentistry (Dallas): reduced-cost root canals
  • Community Health Centers of South Central Texas: services regardless of insurance
  • CommuniCare Health Centers (San Antonio/Kyle): services regardless of insurance
  • People's Community Clinic (Austin): root canals for adults with critical needs
  • University of Utah School of Dentistry: 25-50% discounts for cash payments.
  • Utah Medicaid: covers medically necessary root canals on permanent teeth.
  • Utah Medicaid: covers pulpotomies on baby teeth.
  • Community Health Centers: may accept Medicaid or offer sliding fee scales.
  • Community Health Centers (CHC): Sliding-fee scale for eligible residents.
  • Vermont Medicaid: Covers adult root canals once per tooth per lifetime.
  • Vermont Medicaid: $1,500 annual cap (waived for DDS/CRT Waiver programs).
  • UVM Medical Center Dental Residency Clinic (South Burlington): Low-cost dental care.
  • Community Health Centers (CHC): Accept Medicaid.
  • Cardinal Care Smiles (Virginia Medicaid): covers adult root canals
  • Cardinal Care Smiles (Virginia Medicaid): covers crowns for root canals received before enrollment
  • VCU School of Dentistry (Richmond): first-come, first-served urgent care
  • Free Clinic of Central Virginia (Lynchburg): free root canals/crowns for eligible adults
  • VCU School of Dentistry: "Student 2 Student Discount Plan" for college students
  • Washington Apple Health: Covers anterior root canals for adults.
  • Washington Apple Health: Covers all medically necessary root canals for those under 21.
  • Sea Mar: Accepts Apple Health and offers sliding fee discounts.
  • Community Health Center of Snohomish County: Accepts Apple Health and offers sliding fee discounts.
  • University of Washington School of Dentistry: Accepts Apple Health and charges less than private practices.
  • West Virginia Medicaid (21+): Root canals covered up to $2,000 per 2 years
  • WVU School of Dentistry: Reduced rates via student/resident clinics
  • Healthy Smiles (Martinsburg) & Valley Health (Huntington): Root canals
  • 24.1% of WV dental facilities not taking new patients in 2023
  • WV Medicaid average wait time: 95.3 days (2023 data)
  • Marquette University School of Dentistry (Milwaukee): Urgent root canal care for adults/children 13+
  • Access Community Health Centers (Madison, Dodgeville, Sun Prairie): Sliding scale root canal discounts
  • N.E.W. Community Clinic (Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay): Sliding scale root canal discounts
  • BadgerCare Plus/Forward Health: Covers root canal therapy for eligible members
  • Chorus Community Health Plans (Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington, Waukesha): Covers dental
  • Wyoming Medicaid: comprehensive root canal coverage for those under 21.
  • Wyoming Medicaid: limited benefits for adults 21+, covering front teeth only.
  • Community Health Center of Central Wyoming (CHCCW): sliding fee scale for uninsured.
  • Discount dental plans (e.g., Alpha Dental): savings on procedures like root canals.
What Drives Price

Primary Pricing Factors

Three variables explain most of the cost variation you'll see across the same procedure.

Tooth location — molars have more roots (3-4) and cost significantly more than front teeth (1 root)
Provider type — endodontists (root canal specialists) charge 20-40% more than general dentists
Retreatment — redoing a failed root canal is more complex and expensive than the initial procedure
Timeline

The Road to Results

Recovery is an investment of time. Understanding the phases helps you plan downtime and set expectations.

Before your root canal, you'll have a consultation with your dentist or endodontist, including X-rays to assess the tooth and surrounding bone. Be sure to discuss any medications you're taking. On the day of the procedure, which typically lasts between one and two hours, you'll receive local anesthesia to numb the area. You'll likely only feel pressure, not pain, as the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans, and seals the root canal.

In the first 24-48 hours after the root canal, expect some tenderness. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage this discomfort. You'll want to eat soft foods during this time to avoid putting pressure on the treated tooth. Full recovery usually takes only a few days. It is important to remember that you will need a ride home if you were given a sedative in addition to local anesthesia. Most people can return to work or school the next day. Don't forget to schedule a follow-up appointment for a permanent filling or crown to protect the tooth long-term.

01
Initial Recovery
1 days
Light activity, follow-up appointment. Most visible changes in this window.
02
Full Recovery
3 days
Return to normal activities, including most exercise and work routines.
03
Procedure Itself
60–120 min
Typical time under anesthesia or active treatment for a standard case.
Coverage & Financing

Paying for Root Canal

Usually Covered by Insurance

Most dental insurance covers root canals at 50-80% as a major procedure, subject to annual maximums.

See all procedures ranked by insurance coverage →

Financing Options

  • Promotional financing — CareCredit's 24-month 0% APR plan is the most common way patients finance root canal
  • Provider installment plans — many practices let you start payments before surgery and continue after, spreading out the cost
  • Tax-advantaged accounts — paying $1,000 through your HSA/FSA saves you 20-35% versus after-tax dollars
  • Cash discounts — surgeons prefer upfront payment and often reduce the price by 10-20% for cash-pay patients
  • Charitable care programs — hospital financial assistance programs may help offset costs for qualifying patients
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does root canal cost in 2026?
In 2026, root canal costs $1,000 on average across the US. The typical range runs $700 to $1,400, with your final price shaped by geographic location, provider experience, and facility choice.
Does insurance cover root canal?
Root Canal is usually covered by insurance. Most dental insurance covers root canals at 50-80% as a major procedure, subject to annual maximums. Pre-authorization letters from your insurer are the definitive source for your specific coverage.
What's the cheapest state for root canal?
The most affordable states for root canal are Mississippi ($885), West Virginia ($898), Alabama ($905). These states benefit from lower costs of living and regional price parities.
What affects root canal cost?
The biggest cost drivers for root canal are tooth location, provider type, retreatment. Geographic location and facility type (hospital vs. outpatient center) also create significant price variation across the country.
How long is recovery after root canal?
Plan for 1 to 3 days of recovery. Most patients return to desk work around day 1, with strenuous activity cleared around day 3. Factor in time off work and post-op care costs when budgeting beyond the procedure itself.
Where is root canal most expensive?
Hawaii ($1,164), California ($1,133), New York ($1,128) top the list for root canal costs. These states have higher regional price parities, meaning medical overhead — from rent to staff salaries — runs well above the national average.