How Much Will My Child’s Root Canal Cost?

Children sometimes require a root canal as a result of severe dental trauma or tooth decay. As a parent, you are probably curious about how much a root canal will cost.

The cost of a root canal can be anywhere from $400 to $1,400, depending on the type of tooth that requires the procedure, your insurance, and your dental care provider. Read more to learn about root canals and their average costs.

The Cost of a Root Canal

The cost of a single-rooted tooth (incisor or canine) may be anywhere from $400 to $1,000, and a multi-rooted tooth (premolar or molar) may be anywhere from $500 to $1,400.

How does a root canal work?

When the pulp (the center of the tooth that contains nerves and living connective tissue) becomes infected, it can cause severe pain and eventually lead to a swollen red bump. A root canal helps soothe the infection and the pain by removing the infected pulp, cleaning the root, and sealing it to prevent it from becoming reinfected. 

Are root canals common in children?

Root canals in children are actually more common than you might think. In some cases, root canals are even done on baby teeth. The two types of baby root canals are:

• Vital pulp therapy. According to Colgate, “For vital pulp therapy to work, there must not be any swelling or abscesses. Also, the tooth must not be loose.” 
• Non-vital pulp therapy. Also known as root canal treatment, non-vital pulp therapy removes all of the pulp from inside the tooth, fills it and then covers it with a stainless steel crown. Non-vital pulp therapy is usually reserved for teeth whose pulp is severely damaged. 

Can’t the dentist just remove the tooth? 

Yes. Your dentist can help you decide which option is best for your child—a root canal or tooth removal. In fact, if your child’s tooth is severely decayed, his or her dentist may want to remove the tooth to ensure the infection does not return. 

Where can I take my child for a root canal? 

Kool Smiles specializes in treating children and offers a wide range of services from root canals and fillings to cleanings, crowns, and tooth removals. 

We also offer flexible payment options and accept most major insurance plans to help cover the cost of your child’s root canal. Call us today to make an appointment.

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Sources:
Medicine Net: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/mobileart.asp?articlekey=43085&page=8

American Association of Endodontists: http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/root-canals/root-canals-explained.aspx

Colgate: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/childrens-oral-care/article/endodontic-treatment-in-children