How Much Does a Root Canal Cost With a Dental Savings Plan? (2026)
With a 20% discount, a $900-$1,500 molar root canal would cost $720-$1,200. With a 30% discount, it would cost $630-$1,050. Those are percentage examples, not a fee quote. Your exact cost comes from the participating dentist's fee schedule for the procedure code.
This page focuses on the savings-plan math. If you are comparing self-pay options first, use our separate guide to root canal cost without insurance.
Root Canal Cost: With vs. Without a Dental Savings Plan
The cost varies primarily by which tooth is treated. Front teeth (anterior) have one canal; molars have three or four, making them significantly more expensive.
| Tooth Type | Without Coverage | With 20% Discount | With 30% Discount | Savings at 20%-30% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anterior (front tooth) | $700-$1,100 | $560-$880 | $490-$770 | $140-$330 |
| Premolar (bicuspid) | $800-$1,100 | $640-$880 | $560-$770 | $160-$330 |
| Molar (back tooth) | $900-$1,500 | $720-$1,200 | $630-$1,050 | $180-$450 |
| Retreatment (redo) | $1,000-$1,500 | $800-$1,200 | $700-$1,050 | $200-$450 |
Important: These prices are for the root canal treatment only. If your dentist recommends a crown afterward, it is billed separately. Our current cost index lists a crown at $800-$2,500 without insurance. Confirm that both procedures qualify for the plan fee.
Total Cost: Root Canal + Crown
If your dentist recommends a root canal followed by a crown, price the two procedures separately:
| Procedure | Without Plan | With 20% Plan | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molar root canal | $900-$1,500 | $720-$1,200 | $180-$300 |
| Crown | $800-$2,500 | $640-$2,000 | $160-$500 |
| Complete treatment | $1,700-$4,000 | $1,360-$3,200 | $340-$800 |
This 20% example produces $340-$800 in savings before the membership cost. Use your dentist's actual fees before deciding whether a plan pays for itself.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Coverage varies by policy. Ask your insurer for a written estimate that includes the deductible, coinsurance, remaining annual maximum, and any waiting period for major work. Existing insurance may beat a savings plan if it covers the procedure and still has benefits available.
The reviewed dental savings plans have no annual maximum on the discount, but they also do not pay any part of the bill. You pay the negotiated fee directly to a participating provider.
What Affects Root Canal Cost in 2026
Specialist vs. general dentist: An endodontist and a general dentist may charge different fees. Confirm that the clinician who will perform the procedure participates in the plan.
Geographic location: Costs vary by market. Your plan's fee schedule shows the negotiated rate at a specific participating dentist.
Complexity: Multiple canals (molars) and calcified canals cost more. Retreatment (redoing a failed root canal) is billed as a separate, higher procedure code.
Best Plans for Root Canal Coverage
The plans reviewed on this site list root canals and no procedure waiting period after activation. Participation and the exact negotiated fee still vary by provider.
| Plan | Typical Root Canal Discount | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Careington 500 Series | Published plan range 20%-60% | Broad provider access |
| Cigna Dental Savings | Published plan range 15%-40% | Buyers who confirm a local Cigna provider |
| DentalPlans.com | Varies by plan | Search by your specific dentist |
| Aetna Dental Savings | Published plan range 15%-50% | Large provider-location list |
Pro tip: Call your dentist before enrolling and ask: "What would you charge for procedure code D3330 (molar root canal) under [plan name]?" That gives you the exact discounted fee, not an estimate.
When You Can't Afford the Full Treatment
If the proposed treatment is beyond your budget, ask the dental office about these options:
- Ask for the cash and plan fees in writing. Compare every procedure code before enrolling.
- Ask about a payment plan. Review the interest rate and total repayment amount, not just the monthly payment.
- Contact a dental school or community clinic. Availability, eligibility, and pricing vary.
- Get a second opinion. Only a dentist who evaluates you can explain the clinical alternatives and their tradeoffs.
Not sure which plan is the best fit? Take the 60-second quiz for a personalized recommendation →
Compare plans and find what your dentist charges for root canals →Read our detailed reviews: Careington 500 Series · Aetna Dental Savings
See the full 2026 price index for every dental procedure without insurance →