Unfortunately, tooth pain is one of those things that you can’t ignore and hope will go away.  The longer you put off a visit to your cosmetic dentist, the more pain you’re going to be in. This leads to more damage your dentist needs to repair. Most people cringe when they hear the words “root canal“, but for severe tooth problems, it’s often the only solution.  Luckily, though, the best cosmetic dentists in Los Angeles will be able to make you feel better as soon as the procedure is finished.

But how much is your root canal going to cost?

A specific dollar amount will depend on which cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles you choose to work with.  The cost of your root canal will also depend on which tooth actually needs it.  Typically, molars cost the most. They average around $1,000-$1,600.  Front teeth are usually the cheapest root canals. They average around $750-$1,000 depending on the severity.  Bicuspid teeth are slightly more expensive, roughly costing around $850-$1,200.

Part of this money goes towards the root canal procedure itself. The other part is used to pay for all of the diagnostics your dentist has to perform to figure out if you actually need a root canal in the first place! To properly assess the situation, your cosmetic dentist will have to take x-rays and possibly conduct special pulp vitality tests on your affected tooth and a couple of surrounding teeth.  If you need additional diagnostic tests, they will likely cost you more money.

The condition of your specific tooth will play a role in how much your root canal costs, too.  Even a routine root canal is a lengthy process, but if your

tooth’s damage is particularly severe, the procedure will take even longer.  For example, if your tooth has developed an abscess, it may have damaged your surrounding gums, bones, and tissues.  Fixing all of this damage is a long and tedious process for even the best root canal dentist in Los Angeles!

What’s next?

In many cases, a root canal isn’t the final step in your recovery.  Dentists often install crowns over the affected tooth to give it some additional protection.  If your cosmetic dentist determines that your tooth needs a crown, you’ll have to pay for it.  While there’s no one-size-fits-all price for porcelain dental crowns, be prepared to pay anywhere between $800 and $1,500 per tooth.

 And finally, don’t choose your cosmetic dentist solely on price.  It may be tempting to go with a dentist who charges far less, but if you want to take advantage of the expertise that the best cosmetic dentists in Los Angeles have to offer, you’ll have to pay more for it.  After all, your dentist is going to insert special tools into your tooth to remove all of the infected pulp — and even the tooth nerve itself — so that the “canal” is clear.  Then, he’ll fill the area with a special composite material and seal it with cement so that the infection doesn’t have a chance to come back.

But when you think about how important it is to get your teeth back on track, consider the cost of your root canal an investment in your future!