Dental insurance policies can help patients reduce costs for dental procedures and treatments, including root canals. However, policies may offer different coverage levels, so it’s important to review yours carefully to understand how much of the cost may be covered. Read on to learn how dental insurance works and how it can help reduce the cost of root canal procedures.
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A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected pulp, the innermost tooth layer, from the tooth’s interior. When you arrive for an appointment, here’s how the procedure is typically done:3
Root canal costs can vary widely, generally between $700 and $2,100. The average costs can increase the further back in your mouth the tooth is. Here are some average costs for teeth in different sections of the mouth:1
Tooth Location | Average Price Range | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
Anterior | $700 - $1,700 | $1,000 |
Bicuspid (between canines and molars) | $800 - $1,800 | $1,100 |
Molars | $850 - $2,100 | $1,300 |
The cost of a root canal can vary based on several factors:
Aflac’s primary dental insurance for individuals can help cover the cost for dental care. With this type of insurance, you can help lower your out-of-pocket costs for dental services as long as you pay your monthly premiums. You can choose from a variety of coverage levels based on your needs. Additionally, we typically offer the option to add vision and hearing insurance with our Dental, Vision and Hearing Insurance plans.
Aflac can also offer supplemental dental insurance for individuals that help provide additional coverage for dental care expenses not covered by your primary insurance. You can receive cash benefits paid directly to you, unless otherwise assigned.
Dental insurance typically helps cover root canals since these procedures can be medically necessary. Most plans cover 40% to 80% of the cost of a root canal procedure, potentially subject to annual maximums.2 You may also have to meet a deductible or pay copays or coinsurance. Plans with more coverage tend to charge higher premiums.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedA patient may need a root canal if dental X-rays discover that a tooth’s pulp has been infected by bacteria.4 A tooth pulp infection can happen when the pulp is exposed, which may be caused by the following:5
Early detection of this infection can be critical to help minimize damage and maximize success rate. It also can help reduce the potential need for more invasive procedures. Therefore, you should prioritize scheduling regular dental check-ups so your dental professional can check your teeth and identify the need for a root canal early. With that in mind, if you experience the following signs and symptoms, you may need a root canal:
Speak to a dental professional if you experience any of the above and are concerned about a tooth pulp infection.
Aflac’s dental insurance policies can typically help with out-of-pocket expenses so you can maintain a healthy smile. Our primary dental insurance plans for individuals have a range of coverage options that may fit your budget, and there’s typically no waiting period for preventative care. You can also get a supplemental dental insurance policy directly from Aflac to receive cash benefits for dental care expenses. Chat with an agent to learn more about our dental insurance options and get a quote today.
Get StartedThe cost of a root canal can vary based on several factors, such as the dental insurance plan you have and the tooth’s location. Discover how much it may cost.
Emergency dental care can be costly without insurance. Learn what to do in a dental emergency and how dental insurance can help.
1 Authority Dental - How much does a root canal treatment cost in 2024? Updated January 8, 2025. https://www.authoritydental.org/root-canal-cost. Accessed April 17, 2025.
2 ValuePenguin - Average Cost of a Root Canal & How to Save. Updated March 3, 2025. https://www.valuepenguin.com/average-cost-root-canal. Accessed April 8, 2025.
3 Cleveland Clinic - Root Canal. Updated November 20, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21759-root-canal. Accessed April 7, 2025.
4 Saman Malkami DMD - Root Canal Treatment for Infected Teeth and Pulp. Published August 21, 2024. https://www.topocendodontist.com/blog/root-canal-treatment-for-infected-teeth-and-pulp-cip4000/. Accessed April 7, 2025.
5 American Association of Endodontists - What is a Root Canal? https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/. Accessed March 25, 2025.
6 Downtown Dental - Top Symptoms That Ask For A Root Canal Treatment. Published March 13, 2025. https://www.fentondentists.com/signs-you-need-a-root-canal/. Accessed April 17, 2025.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Dental: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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