How Much Will My Child’s Root Canal Cost?

In cases where tooth decay or dental trauma is severe, a child may need a root canal. If your child needs a root canal, it’s likely you have some questions. We’re here to help!

Let’s get straight to it. Many parents have no idea what to expect in terms of cost. So, what does a root canal cost? It varies, but it’s usually somewhere between $400 and $1,400. The cost depends on the type of tooth, the complexity of the procedure, your insurance coverage, and the dental care provider performing the root canal.

The Low Down on Root Canals

Again, the cost of a root canal varies. It’s impossible to know precisely how much your child’s root canal will cost without a consultation. Fortunately, other common questions about root canals are easier to answer:

How does a root canal work?

The center of the tooth – the part that contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels, is called the pulp. When the pulp becomes infected, it can cause severe pain and sensitivity. Over time, an untreated pulp infection will lead to a characteristic swollen, red bump.

The treatment for an infected pulp is a root canal. During a root canal, the dental care provider removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it with a protective rubber-like material. The pulp doesn’t need to be replaced, because the tissues that surround the tooth are capable of providing the nutrition that’s necessary to keep the tooth alive and healthy.

Are root canals common in children?

Root canals in children are more common than you might think, but they’re much more common in adults.

Sometimes, dental care providers will perform a root canal on a baby tooth. Ideally, each baby tooth will fall out when it’s ready. If a baby tooth falls out too early, it can lead to speech and bite issues. A root canal can help preserve a tooth until it’s ready to fall out naturally. Two types of root canals are performed on baby teeth:

Vital pulp therapy, where the pulp is saved. According to Colgate, “For vital pulp therapy to work, the root part of your child’s tooth must still be healthy and not affected by decay or injured by trauma.” Because of its limited suitability, vital pulp therapy isn’t always possible. In those cases, non-vital pulp therapy is required.
Non-vital pulp therapy is a typical root canal where the pulp is removed, and the tooth is cleaned and filled. Non-vital pulp therapy is usually reserved for teeth whose pulp is severely damaged.

Typically, when possible, vital pulp therapy is the preferred option.

Can’t the dentist just remove the tooth?

Yes. A Kool Smiles Kids Club dentist can help you decide which option is best in your child’s unique case. If your child’s tooth is severely damaged, the dentist may recommend removal to prevent the infection from coming back.

Where can I take my child for a root canal?

Kool Smiles partners have plenty of experience treating children. They offer a wide range of services, from root canals and fillings to cleanings, crowns, and tooth removals. With a variety of flexible payment options and partnerships with most major insurance plans, the cost of a root canal should never be a reason to delay seeking dental care.

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Sources:
https://www.drugs.com/

https://www.drugs.com/cg/root-canal-in-children.html

Medicine Net: https://www.medicinenet.com/root_canal/article.htm

American Association of Endodontists: https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/

Colgate: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/endodontic-treatment-in-children