If you’ve been told you need a root canal, one of the first questions that probably popped into your head was:
“Is this covered by my dental insurance?”
The short answer? Most of the time, yes—but the details depend on your individual plan. This guide breaks down what’s typically included, what might not be, and how to understand your coverage before starting treatment.
Understanding Dental Insurance Basics
Most dental insurance plans are struct... moreIs a Root Canal Covered by Dental Insurance?
If you’ve been told you need a root canal, one of the first questions that probably popped into your head was:
“Is this covered by my dental insurance?”
The short answer? Most of the time, yes—but the details depend on your individual plan. This guide breaks down what’s typically included, what might not be, and how to understand your coverage before starting treatment.
Understanding Dental Insurance Basics
Most dental insurance plans are structured to cover three levels of care:
Preventive Care (cleanings, exams, X-rays): Usually covered at 100%
Basic Procedures (fillings, simple extractions): Often covered at 70–80%
Major Procedures (root canals, crowns, bridges): Typically covered at 50%
Root canals generally fall under the “major procedure” category, which means you’ll likely be responsible for part of the cost.
What Dental Insurance Typically Covers for a Root Canal
Here’s what many dental plans include for root canal therapy:
Exams & X-rays: Often fully or partially covered
The Root Canal Procedure Itself: Typically 50% covered after meeting your deductible
Follow-up Appointments: Sometimes included
Crown Placement: Usually covered separately, often also at 50%
Keep in mind: Every insurance plan is different. Some cover more. Some cover less. Some require waiting periods before you can receive coverage for major services.
Common Factors That Affect Your Coverage
There are a few things to consider when figuring out how much your insurance will pay:
🧾 Annual Maximum
Most plans cap benefits between $1,000 to $2,000 per year. If you've had other procedures done already, your remaining coverage may be limited.
💵 Deductible
Before your insurance kicks in, you may need to meet your deductible, which is often between $50–$150 per year.
⏳ Waiting Periods
Some plans (especially if you recently enrolled) have a 6–12 month waiting period before they’ll pay for major services like root canals.
🌐 In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
Seeing an in-network provider usually means lower out-of-pocket costs. Going out-of-network may result in reduced coverage or higher fees.
What About the Crown?
After a root canal, most back teeth (molars and premolars) will need a dental crown to protect and restore function. This is often billed separately from the root canal itself.
Insurance may cover a portion of the crown, typically at 50%. Again, this depends on the plan.
What If You Don’t Have Insurance?
If you’re uninsured, don’t worry—there are still options:
Ask about payment plans or financing through the provider
Consider a dental savings plan or discount membership program
Compare prices between providers to find affordable care
Check if your provider offers a cash discount
While root canals can be expensive without coverage, they’re still far less costly than letting the problem progress—which could result in a lost tooth or more invasive treatments later.
How to Check Your Root Canal Coverage
If you’re unsure about your benefits, here’s what you can do:
Call your dental insurance provider directly
Ask your dental office to verify coverage (they often do this for you)
Request a pre-treatment estimate so you know your out-of-pocket costs ahead of time
Key questions to ask your insurance rep:
Is the root canal considered a basic or major procedure?
What percentage does my plan cover?
Do I have a waiting period?
How much of my annual maximum have I used?
In Summary: Most Plans Offer Coverage—But Know the Details
A root canal is usually partially covered by dental insurance, especially if you’ve met your deductible and are using an in-network provider.
However, coverage amounts vary, and crowns may be billed separately.
Taking time to understand your plan—and asking the right questions—can save you stress, surprises, and unnecessary costs down the line.
If you’ve been told you need a root canal, don’t wait. Call your insurance, review your options, and get the care you need. Your tooth (and your wallet) will thank you later.
🦷 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does dental insurance cover 100% of a root canal?
Not usually. Most plans cover around 50% after the deductible for major procedures like root canals.
2. Are crowns included in the root canal cost?
Crowns are typically billed separately and may also be covered at 50%, depending on your plan.
3. What if I don’t have insurance?
Many providers offer payment plans, and some accept third-party financing. Discount dental plans are also an option.
4. How much does a root canal cost with insurance?
You may pay anywhere from $200–$700 out-of-pocket, depending on the tooth and your coverage.
5. Should I get a pre-treatment estimate?
Yes! It’s the best way to avoid billing surprises and understand your true financial responsibility.
