Root Canal questions (usual pricing?) - Dental Health Message Board

dclr · 09-29-2003, 12:38 PM

Ok I have had this abssessed tooth for a year now (Top right inciser..high up on gum)

It doesn't act like a tooth ache..it pusses alot of goo at times (like a bubble on the gum)

I went to the dentist this past July...he took X-Rays and said I definately needed a root canal..however he said my abssessed tooth was abnormal that the abssessed area was unusually high up..and he wanted to refer me to a specialist (endontist)..however with my extremely horrible luck our new insurance at work doesn't have and endontists in town..in fact the closest one covered is like 200 miles away..this is an impossible feat..since I don't have a vehicle

My insurance covers 70% reimburcement on out of network (for root canals) this scares me since I am in NO way a rich guy..in fact I can barely live on what I make..I cannot afford to pay a GIANT sum of money..

-HOW MUCH DOES A ROOT CANAL (endontist) average cost without insurance coverage?

-Also whats the precedure? what exactly is a root canal..?

-Is it a painful surgery?

I have to do something soon..a year and counting can't be good..

[This message has been edited by dclr (edited 09-29-2003).]

Puzzled · 09-29-2003, 01:39 PM

My root canal was $900 before insurance reimbursement from an endodontist. (specialist). I would get an antibiotic if you haven't yet. That does not sound good.

Puzzled · 09-29-2003, 01:41 PM

Your other ? - mine was not painful. They numb you.
My doctor is in an expensive area - yours might not be as much.

Shaman · 09-29-2003, 01:52 PM

I'm with Puzzled. If it is infected, get on antibiotics now because they won't do a root canal on a "hot" tooth unless it is absoutely an emergency. The infection can often make it difficult or impossible to numb the area, so take care of that first.

My root canals cost $1200 each including $300 for IV sedation (worth every penny if you ask me). I don't remember anythig except the endodontist saying "I'm giving you the valium now." or something to that effect and when I woke up it was all over and I had zero pain.

If I were you I would contact your insurance carrier and find out what the procedure is for getting an exception to the "out of network" rule. Sometimes they will do this if they do not have a qualified specialist within a certain number of miles. Do go and get a cosultation with the endodontist of your choice while you get things straight with the insurance. You may be able to work out a payment plan with the endo.

Good luck

SusanGene · 09-30-2003, 05:58 PM

My root canal done by a specialist was under a thousand dollars. I have no insurance.
I honestly felt nothing at all. I was wide awake; the guy doesn't use nitrous !! My face swelled up for a week afterwards; I don't know why it did but he put me on antibiotics. I think I would have been fine without but who knows?
HOW MUCH DOES A ROOT CANAL (endontist) average cost without insurance coverage? ??

-Also whats the precedure? what exactly is a root canal..? They drill down (or up) thru the tooth (or crown) and remove the nerves, sterilize then fill up with gutta percha (a rubbery material). Then they seal it.

-Is it a painful surgery? Not for me !

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Susan Gene