How Much Does a Root Canal Cost With a Dental Discount Plan?

By The Dental Savings EditorsReviewed September 20264 min read
Short answer

Dental discount plan and dental savings plan mean the same thing. For a $900-$1,500 molar root canal, a 20% discount would produce a fee of $720-$1,200 and a 30% discount would produce $630-$1,050. Those are percentage examples, not quotes. The participating provider's fee schedule determines the actual price.

Dental discount plan math

Typical molar root canal

$900-$1,500

At a 20% discount

$720-$1,200

Before membership cost

Source: /best-dental-savings-plans. For the full calculation by tooth type, read root canal cost with a savings plan.

Discount plan and savings plan mean the same thing

Both terms describe a membership that gives access to negotiated fees at participating dental providers. The plan does not pay the dentist, and the member does not submit a claim. The member pays the negotiated fee directly.

Example discountFee on $900Fee on $1,500
15%$765$1,275
20%$720$1,200
30%$630$1,050
40%$540$900
60%$360$600

This table shows arithmetic only. Published plan percentages are broad ranges, and the dentist's fee schedule determines what a specific member pays.

What the plan itself costs

Careington 500 through 1Dental: $149/189/199 a year (one / two / 3+ members), with no setup fee on annual billing (monthly billing adds a one-time $30 setup fee). Activation is listed as about 3 business days, with no procedure waiting period after activation. Confirm the effective date before scheduling work.

When a discount plan can beat insurance

  • No annual maximum on the discount. Dental insurance may cap what the policy pays each year. Check your remaining benefit before comparing.
  • No procedure waiting period after activation. Activation timing varies by plan. Careington is listed at about 3 business days.

The honest caveats

  • The discount only applies at participating dentists and endodontists.
  • The 15-60% bands are ranges, not a guarantee of the high end in your ZIP code.
  • You pay the discounted fee at the chair. There is no claim and no insurer share.
  • Want the longer savings calculation? Use root canal cost with a savings plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a dental discount plan the same as a dental savings plan?

Yes. Dental discount plan and dental savings plan are two names for the same type of membership. At a participating provider, the member pays a negotiated fee directly instead of filing an insurance claim.

How much is a root canal with a 20% or 30% discount?

For a $900-$1,500 molar root canal, a 20% discount produces a fee of $720-$1,200. A 30% discount produces $630-$1,050. Those are percentage examples, not a provider fee quote.

Do dental discount plans include root canals?

The plans reviewed on this site list root canals as eligible for a negotiated fee at participating providers. That does not mean every dentist participates or that every plan gives the same price. Careington activation is listed as about 3 business days in the site's plan data.

How do I get the exact dental discount plan price?

Ask the dentist or endodontist for the fee under the exact plan and procedure code. D3310 is commonly used for a front tooth, D3320 for a premolar, and D3330 for a molar. Confirm provider participation before paying for a membership.