How to get a root canal without insurance

First, what is a root canal?

Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which holds nerves and blood vessels. According to the American Dental Association, the pulp can get infected from a deep cavity, repeated dental work, a cracked tooth, or an injury. A root canal removes that infected tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it so you can keep the tooth instead of pulling it.

The ADA says a root canal usually takes one or two visits, and that local anesthesia means there's little to no pain during the procedure. Afterward the tooth may feel sensitive for a few days.

Don't forget the second step

This is the part that surprises people on a budget. After the root canal, the dentist places a temporary filling. You then need a follow-up visit for a permanent filling or a crown to protect the tooth. So when you compare prices, ask for the cost of both the root canal and the final filling or crown.

A clear way to ask: "What is the total for the root canal, the post if I need one, and the crown?"

Why you shouldn't just wait

It's tempting to put it off. But the ADA notes that if an infection isn't treated, it can spread to the tissue around the root, cause pain and swelling, and form an abscess. Bacteria can also damage the bone holding the tooth, which can mean losing it.

Antibiotics alone usually aren't the answer either. The ADA's guideline on dental pain and swelling recommends against antibiotics for most of these tooth problems and points to dental treatment, such as a root canal, instead. Antibiotics are for infections that have spread, with signs like fever or feeling unwell.

If you have swelling in your face, a fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room.

Option 1: A dental school clinic

Dental schools often charge less, and students are supervised by licensed dentists. Some schools publish typical fees:

• CU Anschutz School of Dental Medicine (Aurora, Colorado) lists typical student-clinic fees of $300 to $500 for root canals and $500 to $700 for crowns.
• UT Health San Antonio says its student clinic runs about 60% less than private practice, depending on the procedure.
• University of Florida and University of Kentucky say their fees are generally 30% to 50% less than private practice.
• University of Louisville says costs can be up to 50% less than private practice.

The catch: you'll usually need a screening first, and treatment takes more visits. Read what to expect at a dental school clinic before you call. If you need a redo of an old root canal (called retreatment), ask the school whether its endodontics clinic takes those cases.

Some schools near big cities: New York, Texas, California, Illinois and Ohio. See all of them in the dental school clinics directory.

Option 2: A community health center

HRSA-funded health centers offer care on a sliding scale, which means you pay based on your income. NIDCR points people to these centers for low-cost care. Not every center offers dental care, and not every one does root canals, so call and ask. Search for one near you with HRSA's Find a Health Center tool.

Option 3: Medicaid or CHIP

NIDCR explains that states must cover dental care for children on Medicaid, but adult dental coverage is up to each state. Some states cover only limited services, while others cover much more. If you have Medicaid, ask your state program whether root canals are covered, then look for a school that accepts it. For example, NYU College of Dentistry accepts NY Medicaid, and University of Minnesota accepts Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare.

Medicare is different. NIDCR notes that Medicare doesn't cover most routine dental care.

Option 4: Ask for a payment plan or financing

Some school clinics take CareCredit, a medical credit card, including Nova Southeastern, University of Minnesota and Case Western Reserve. Read the terms carefully, since interest can apply if you don't pay off the balance in time. Private offices may also offer in-house payment plans, so it's worth asking.

Option 5: A dental savings plan

A savings plan gives you discounted prices at dentists who belong to the plan. It is not insurance. It can help if you need work soon, but check that a nearby dentist accepts it before you pay. We explain the difference in dental savings plans vs. dental insurance.

A quick checklist

1. Get an exam and X-rays so you know what you need.
2. Ask for a written estimate covering the root canal and the crown or filling.
3. Compare a dental school, a health center, and one private office.
4. Ask about Medicaid, payment plans and timelines.
5. Don't wait if the pain or swelling is getting worse.

Sources

1. American Dental Association (MouthHealthy), Root Canals
2. American Dental Association, Antibiotics for Dental Pain and Swelling guideline
3. NIDCR (NIH), Finding Dental Care
4. HRSA, Find a Health Center
5. Clinic fees and payment policies come from each school's own website, linked on that clinic's page in our directory.

Not medical advice. This guide is general information, not a substitute for a dentist or doctor. If you have facial swelling, a fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room or call 911.