A molar root canal costs $685 to $1,800 in 2026
Pearl's May 2026 figures, built on ADA fee survey data, put a molar root canal at $685 to $1,800, about $1,050 on average. Front teeth cost less. A crown is almost always needed afterward, so a root canal plus crown can run $2,500 or more without insurance.
Cost by tooth (Ohio example, May 2026)
| Molar, national | $685 to $1,800, about $1,050 (Pearl). |
|---|---|
| Front tooth | $700 to $1,100 in Pearl's Ohio figures. |
| Premolar | $800 to $1,300. |
| Molar | $1,000 to $1,600. |
| Crown afterward | $1,000 to $1,800 more. |
| Root canal plus crown | $2,500 or more without insurance. |
What pushes a quote up
| Which tooth | Molars have 3 or 4 canals and cost more. |
|---|---|
| Dentist or endodontist | Specialists charge 10 to 30 percent more. |
| Crown | Usually needed and billed separately. |
| Retreatment | Redoing an old root canal costs more. |
| Insurance | Basic coverage often pays part. |
Root canal cost by region
| Lower cost states | $550 to $1,450. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia and most rural areas. |
|---|---|
| Average cost states | $685 to $1,800. Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and most mid size cities. |
| Higher cost states | $900 to $2,300. California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington, plus big metros such as Chicago, Denver and Washington DC. |
These rows are our estimate. We took the typical national range and adjusted it for local labor costs, which run about 20 percent lower in the cheapest states and about 30 percent higher in the dearest ones. Suburban and community offices often charge 15 to 30 percent less than dense metro practices.
Front tooth vs molar, and the crown that follows
Pearl notes a front tooth and a molar root canal can differ by $400 to $700 because molars have more canals and are harder to reach. The dentist removes infected pulp, cleans and shapes each canal, and seals it.
A crown is almost always required on a molar afterward to protect the tooth from breaking. Ask for one price that covers both, because the crown can cost as much as the root canal.
Root canal or extraction
Pulling the tooth is cheaper today, but replacing it later with an implant costs far more. Ask your dentist to compare the full cost of both paths.
How to judge the quote in your hand
- Ask which tooth and how many canals.
- Ask for the crown price in the same estimate.
- Ask dentist or specialist.
- Get pre-authorization from your insurer.
- Ask about a build up fee.
Ways to pay less
- Use a general dentist for simple front teeth.
- Check a dental school.
- Use a dental savings plan without insurance.
- Do not delay. Infection makes it costlier.
Before you decide
This page covers prices only. It is not medical or dental advice. Talk to a licensed provider about what treatment you need, and ask for a written estimate and your insurer's pre-authorization before you start.
What will this cost me?
Pick the job, your state's cost level and the last detail. The estimate updates as you change them.
An estimate built from published 2026 cost guides. It is not a quote. Get a written quote before work starts.
Common questions
How much does a root canal cost?
About $685 to $1,800 for a molar, around $1,050 on average.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Usually yes on a molar, at $1,000 to $1,800 more.
Is a front tooth root canal cheaper?
Yes, often $700 to $1,100.
Does insurance cover root canals?
Often in part, commonly 50 to 80 percent after the deductible.