Root Canal Treatment Cost: Myth vs. Reality

Myth: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful

This is probably the most persistent dental myth out there. In reality, root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthesia, so the procedure itself is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The pain people associate with root canals is usually the pain of the underlying infection — which the treatment actually relieves.

Myth: It's Always Cheaper to Just Extract the Tooth

Extraction might seem like the lower-cost option upfront, but it usually isn't once you account for what comes next. A missing tooth typically needs to be replaced with an implant, bridge or denture to prevent bite problems and shifting teeth — and that replacement often costs more than a root canal would have.

What Actually Affects Root Canal Cost

Cost varies based on which tooth is affected (molars with multiple canals take more time than front teeth), the severity of infection, and whether a crown is needed afterward to protect the treated tooth. A clear cost breakdown should always be shared with you before treatment begins.

Myth: Root Canals Don't Last Long

With proper treatment and a protective crown where needed, a root canal-treated tooth can last for decades — often the rest of your life. The key is finishing the recommended follow-up care, like getting a crown placed if advised.

Getting an Honest Estimate

The best way to know the real cost for your specific case is a consultation with an X-ray — this lets us assess the extent of infection and give you an accurate, itemised estimate rather than a vague number.