Root canal cost: add up your treatment plan

This calculator adds up the root canal cost from your own quote, including the filling or crown afterwards, and shows your share after any health fund rebate.

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  • No registration
  • Your entries stay in your browser

How it works

  1. Enter the number of teethType the number of teeth from your plan into “Number of teeth”. If your quote already shows totals, tick “The amounts on my quote are already totals”.
  2. Copy the items from your quoteUnder “Amounts from your quote”, enter “Examination and X-rays”, “Root canal treatment”, “Filling afterwards” or “Crown afterwards”, and “Review appointments”. Use “Other items” for anything else.
  3. Add your rebate and a reserveEnter a confirmed benefit in “Amount your dental plan or insurer pays (optional)” or “Insurance refund in % (optional)”, and a buffer in “Contingency reserve in % (optional)” if you wish.
  4. CalculateClick “Calculate costs” to see the breakdown, the cost per tooth, your own share and your budget including the reserve.

1 or more visitsRoot canal treatment may take one appointment or several Source

EndodontistThe dental specialist for root canal treatment; general dentists also do it Source

Covered by CDBSRoot canals are on the list of services covered for eligible children Source

Filling or crownAfter root canal treatment the tooth is restored with a filling or a crown Source

What the root canal cost includes

Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged soft tissue, called the pulp, from inside a tooth, so the tooth can be kept rather than removed. Healthdirect explains that the dentist or endodontist takes an X-ray, numbs the area with local anaesthetic, places a rubber sheet called a dam, cleans and shapes the root canals and then seals them. A temporary filling is used if more than one session is needed. Afterwards, a filling or crown is placed on top to protect the tooth.

That is why the root canal cost on a quote is often more than one line. It may include the examination and X-rays, the root canal treatment itself, the filling or crown afterwards and review appointments. The Australian Dental Association notes that your dentist should tell you before treatment starts whether a filling or a crown is planned. This calculator uses only your own figures, because each Australian clinic sets its own fees.

Why a crown may be on the quote

The ADA says a crown is often recommended after root canal treatment, especially on molars, which take a lot of chewing force. It explains that a crown can protect the tooth from bending and flexing that may cause it to break. Your dentist will consider where the tooth is, the pressure on it and how much natural tooth remains. Whether a crown is needed for your tooth is their decision, so ask them to explain it.

Include the crown in your budget if it is planned, even if it is done later. A quote that looks low may not include the final restoration. The ADA notes that the only alternative to root canal treatment is usually removing the tooth, which may lead to further costs if you choose to replace it. Ask your dentist to price both options so you can compare them, and enter each option as a separate calculation.

  • Is the filling or crown afterwards included in the quote?
  • How many appointments are planned?
  • Will a general dentist or an endodontist treat the tooth?
  • What would removing the tooth and replacing it involve?

Medicare, the CDBS and health funds

Most dental care in Australia is not covered by Medicare. For eligible children aged 0 to 17, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers basic services including root canals, up to a capped amount over two calendar years. Our CDBS calculator shows what is left in your child's period. Adults with a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card may be able to use public dental services, which vary by state and territory.

If you have extras cover, your fund may pay part of the cost. Funds group root canal treatment differently, so ask how they classify the item numbers on your plan and whether a waiting period applies. Privatehealth.gov.au says waiting periods for extras are set by each insurer. Healthdirect suggests asking how much the procedure will cost, asking for the item numbers and comparing a few dentists before you agree to treatment. Enter only confirmed benefits in the calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a root canal cost?

There is no set price. Each Australian clinic sets its own fees, and the cost depends on the tooth, the number of canals and visits, and whether a filling or crown follows. We do not publish averages. Enter the lines from your written quote in the calculator to see your total and your share after any rebate.

How much will a root canal cost with a crown?

Add the crown as its own line in “Crown afterwards”. The ADA says a crown is often recommended after root canal treatment, especially on molars. If your quote does not include it yet, ask your dentist for a price so your budget covers the whole treatment.

Does Medicare cover root canal treatment?

Generally not for adults. Medicare does cover root canals for eligible children through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, up to the cap for their two-year period. Adults with concession cards may be able to use public dental services in their state or territory.

Does private health insurance cover a root canal?

Many extras policies pay part of the cost, but funds classify root canal treatment differently and have yearly limits and waiting periods. Ask your fund what it pays for each item number on your plan and enter the confirmed amount in the calculator.

How many appointments does a root canal take?

The ADA says root canal treatment may take one appointment or several. Healthdirect notes that a temporary filling is placed if more than one session is needed. Your dentist or endodontist will tell you how many visits your tooth is likely to need.

Does root canal treatment hurt?

The ADA says local anaesthetic is used to make treatment comfortable. Some people have discomfort afterwards and many do not. Healthdirect notes that discomfort usually gets better quickly. Your dentist will advise which pain relief to use afterwards. Contact your dentist if pain does not go away.

What is an endodontist?

An endodontist is a dental specialist in root canal treatment. General dentists also carry out root canal treatment. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist for a more complex tooth. You can check any practitioner's registration on the Ahpra register.

What happens if I don't have the root canal treatment?

Healthdirect says an untreated root canal infection can lead to chronic inflammation and damage to the tissue around the tooth, and the tooth might need to be removed. Discuss the options, including extraction, with your dentist or endodontist, and ask what delaying treatment could mean for your tooth.

Is extraction cheaper than a root canal?

Removing a tooth may cost less at first, but the ADA notes that replacing the missing tooth later involves further treatment and cost. Replacing it is optional. Ask your dentist to price both routes, then enter each quote in the calculator to compare.

Sources

This tool provides general information and calculates only with the values you enter. It does not replace an examination or advice from a dentist, your health insurer or a financial adviser.

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