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Root Canal Cost in Ontario (2024)

Root canal therapy is an important dental procedure designed to save teeth that are severely decayed or infected. This treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from within the tooth, thoroughly cleaning the inner chambers, and then filling and sealing them to prevent further issues.

The cost of root canal in Ontario can vary greatly. Good Caring Canada explains the different root canal types, cost determinants, additional expenses, and the array of funding and support options available to ensure that essential dental care remains accessible to Canadians.

Table of Contents:

👨🏻‍⚕️ Types of Root Canal

Root canal treatment is aimed at saving teeth that are severely decayed or infected. This treatment involves the removal of the damaged or infected pulp inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the inner areas, and then filling and sealing them to prevent further infection. There are three main types of root canal.

  • Standard Root Canal Therapy: This is the most common type of root canal treatment and is typically performed on teeth that are easily accessible and have a straightforward root system, such as incisors and canines. The procedure involves accessing the pulp through the crown of the tooth, removing the infected tissue, cleaning the root canal system, and then sealing it with a biocompatible material.
  • Retreatment: Root canal retreatment may be necessary if the original root canal therapy fails or if the tooth becomes reinfected. This involves reopening the tooth to remove the filling materials that were placed during the initial treatment, thoroughly cleaning the canals, and checking for any additional canals or new infection. The tooth is then refilled and resealed.
  • Apicoectomy: Also known as root-end resection, an apicoectomy is a type of root canal surgery used when inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the end of the tooth after a root canal has been performed. This procedure is more complex and involves surgically removing the tip of the tooth’s root, then sealing the root canal from the root end. This is often considered when conventional root canal treatment is not feasible or has not resolved the infection.

🧾 Root Canal Cost in Ontario

The cost of a root canal can range from $700 to $830 in Ontario.

It is important to consider ancillary costs in addition to the underlying procedure for a root canal.

Our Good Caring Canada research team estimated the cost ranges based on market insights, patient reports, publicly available data sources, and annual fee guides from the Ontario Dental Association.

🔎 Cost Variables for Root Canal

In Ontario, the cost of a root canal procedure can vary widely based on several factors. These include whether the treatment is performed by a specialist or a general dentist, the location of the tooth within the mouth, the severity of the problem, the need for additional dental work such as crowns, the type of sedation used, the necessity of an initial consultation, whether repeat treatment is required, and the geographic location of the dental practice. Each of these factors contributes to the complexity and cost of the procedure.

  • Choice of specialist or general dentist: The choice between a specialist, such as an endodontist, and a general dentist significantly affects the cost. Endodontists are specialists in treatments involving the dental pulp and nerves of the teeth and generally charge more due to their advanced training and expertise. However, their skills can be particularly valuable for complex cases, potentially reducing the likelihood of needing repeat treatments.
  • Tooth location: The position of the tooth needing treatment also plays a crucial role in determining the cost. Root canal procedures on molars are typically more expensive than those on front teeth because molars are harder to access and have more canals that need treatment. Each additional canal increases the complexity and duration of the procedure.
  • Severity of problem: The extent of the infection or damage within the tooth affects how extensive the treatment needs to be. More severe cases require more time and resources, increasing costs. Additionally, complications such as a curved root structure or significant decay can complicate the procedure, potentially requiring specialized techniques or devices.
  • Crowns: After a root canal, a tooth often requires a crown to restore its strength and prevent future fractures. The need for a crown adds to the overall cost of treatment. The material chosen for the crown, whether gold, porcelain, or another composite, can also affect the price.
  • Repeat treatment: If a root canal needs to be redone due to persistent infection or other complications, the cost of treatment increases. Repeat procedures are sometimes more complex and time-consuming than the initial treatment.
  • Geography: The geographic location of the dental practice can influence the cost of a root canal. Dental services in major urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal are typically more expensive than those offered in smaller cities or rural areas due to higher operational costs, including rent, salaries, and equipment prices.

📈 Additional Costs and Procedures

When undergoing a root canal procedure, patients should be prepared for various ancillary costs that contribute to the overall expense of the treatment. These costs encompass necessary steps and additional treatments that ensure the procedure’s effectiveness and longevity.

  • Consultation: The initial consultation involves a thorough examination of the patient’s oral health to assess the need for a root canal and to plan the procedure. This assessment often includes a discussion of the patient’s medical history and current symptoms. Dentists may charge separately for this consultation, and the fee can vary based on the dentist’s experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays or possibly a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan are essential for diagnosing the extent of the infection and planning the root canal treatment. These imaging techniques provide detailed visuals of the tooth and the surrounding bone structure, crucial for successful treatment planning. The cost of imaging depends on the type of X-ray or scan required and the number of images taken.
  • Sedation: Depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s comfort level, different sedation methods may be used. Local anesthesia is typically included in the cost of the root canal, but patients who require or request additional sedation, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or IV sedation, will incur extra charges. The type of sedation chosen can significantly impact the overall cost due to the materials and monitoring required.
  • Post-Treatment Restoration: After the root canal, the tooth often requires a permanent restoration to return it to full functionality and to prevent future fractures. This restoration usually involves placing a crown, which can be made from various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal. The choice of material and the complexity of the crown affect the price, with porcelain crowns generally being the most expensive due to their aesthetic appeal and durability.
  • Follow-Up Care: Follow-up appointments may be necessary to ensure the treated area is healing correctly and to make any necessary adjustments to the restoration. Some dental practices might include the cost of follow-up visits in the initial fee, while others may charge separately for each visit.
  • Prescription Medication: In some cases, antibiotics or pain relievers may be prescribed post-procedure to manage infection risks and discomfort. The cost of these medications depends on the type prescribed and whether the patient’s insurance covers them.

💳 Payment & Funding Options 

Root canals can represent a significant financial burden. However, multiple funding options can be available for pay for the costs:

  • Dental insurance often includes a deductible and co-payments, with policies varying significantly in coverage. Some insurance plans may cover a substantial portion of costs, while others provide more limited benefits. It is crucial to thoroughly understand the specifics of your insurance policy, including any annual maximums that may affect the extent of coverage.
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses, including dental procedures, with the added benefit of investing and growing these funds.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), typically part of an employer’s benefits plan, also allow for pre-tax contributions but usually require that the funds be used within the plan year or a specified grace period.
  • Payment plans may be offered by dentists and oral surgeons, allowing patients to spread the cost of treatment over several months or even longer, making the expense more manageable.
  • Financing options by way of loans or credit lines can be considered for medical expenses. These financial products often come with special terms, such as deferred interest periods or lower interest rates, tailored to make healthcare more accessible.

🤝 Support Programs

Dental student programs frequently offer reduced rates for services performed by dental students under the supervision of licensed dentists. These programs provide an affordable way for patients to receive dental care while contributing to the educational process of future dentists.

The Canadian federal government provides supportive programs to assist residents with dental care costs:

  • Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) supports individuals without dental benefits who have a household income below $90,000 annually. It works in conjunction with other governmental dental programs to ensure comprehensive coverage without duplication.
  • Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), specifically for refugees, covers emergency dental care necessary to alleviate pain, address infections, and treat injuries resulting from oral trauma.
  • Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) offers coverage for a wide range of dental services to eligible First Nations and Inuit populations, including preventive, diagnostic, and surgical dental care.

The Ontario government also provides supportive programs to assist residents with dental care costs:

  • Healthy Smiles Ontario offers free preventive, routine, and emergency dental services to children and youth 17 years old and under from low-income households. This program aims to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent young Ontarians from receiving essential dental care.
  • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provides financial assistance, benefits, and employment support to eligible Ontarians living with disabilities. It includes dental benefits to help cover costs associated with necessary dental care, addressing the additional healthcare challenges faced by those with disabilities.
  • Ontario Seniors’ Dental Care Program provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older. This program ensures that seniors have access to essential dental services without financial hardship. Seniors can access services through Public Health Units, Community Health Centres, and Aboriginal Health Access Centres.
  • Ontario Works offers financial and employment assistance to individuals in financial need, including some health benefits for participants and their families. It also provides emergency assistance for those in crisis or emergency situations, covering various health-related expenses, including dental care.

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