Why do Root Canals cost so much?

Question

I had my first one done last week. Even though I have insurance I had to pay $300.00 up front. It seems to be going in steps. Went back yesterday for a crown fitting and had to pay nearly $400.00. My insurance covers $1500.00 of work a year, but it sounds like it will all be used up on one tooth. I had done no research prior to having this done.

Answer 1

Endodontists charge more for root canals than general dentists... they are specialists. The little files/reamers they used to clean out the canals are not reusable... they are discarded and a new 'set' is used for each patient. It comes under the heading of infection control, and it's to protect you, along with other disposable items.

Dental office overhead is another reason the fee is so high... as well as staff salaries, lab fees and regular 'bills' like we all have.

Be thankful you have insurance... not everyone does and the entire fee is paid out-of-pocket.

This is the time of year when most offices will maximize their patients' insurance benefits, or hold off on any major work until 2008...

Answer 2

Root Canals Cost

Answer 3

I have gotten a root canal 7 years ago and it cost my parents, $600.00 each. I had to get a root canal on two teeth. Your best bet is to call and asked the dentist. But don't count on the root canal because even if you get one, it lasts for 5 years. As far as the procedure itself, the only thing I remember is the x-ray, numbing, closing my mouth on the drill because I was half sleep at the time. Other than that I do not know.

Answer 4

I have been a Dental Asst for 15 years and in those fifteen years Insurance company's have not come up on what they pay. It has been between 1000.00 to 1500.00 since then. I think that is where you need to ask fist because the premiums are out of site. Dental procedures are very hard to do think of this try to imagine working in the mouth in small space on tiny teeth it harder than you think. The overhead is outrageous.. And look at all medical cost it crazy. I think the insurance companies should raise their coverage to help the consumer. Things go up because of the economy so should what they pay .

Answer 5

To Do the Procedure, It's a Tight Spaces and very specialize work also :)
I gave up on Root Canals, I am doing dental Implants instead.
Get 2 or 3 Estimates ok LP

Answer 6

Root canals is linked with nervous system of brain, so there is little danger too. There may be much loss of blood and much infection. A good dentist will charge more. in India it is just a matter of $100.00 only. On the whole it is little complication, so the dentist charge more.

Answer 7

everything at the dentist cost a lot I had 4 crowns in my mouth that cost anywhere from 800 to 1000 dollars each eventually they pulled 2 of the crowns that cost 800 to 1000 each to put in 2 bridges that cost 2000 each total 4000 I have about 15.000 dollars in my mouth I should have been a dentist when I grew up one good thing about the dentist is they give really good pain pills I guess they have to make you feel good some how

Answer 8

Delicate procedure
Very risky (see insurance premiums for the dentist)
Takes a long time
Requires a cap/crown afterwards
Requires more than one visit

Answer 9

MANY PEOPLE THINK THE SAME THING.
YOU ARE PAYING FOR AN EXPERT TO DO THE JOB RIGHT WITH THE RIGHT MATERIALS.
THE INSURANCE HAS HAD THE SAME BENEFITS FOR THE LAST 30+ YEARS. THEY HAVE NOT KEPT UP WITH THE HIGHER EXPENSES IN DENTISTRY.
IT'S VERY EXPENSIVE TO EVEN BECOME A DENTIST AND THE COSTS TRICKLE DOWN TO THE PATIENT.

Answer 10

The dentist and his staff has to make a respectable income.
Look at it as an investment in yourself.
Downside, unnecessary procedures you might not need.
Refer to first sentence.