Root canal treatment typically follows the same steps to ensure a successful root canal surgery. These include:

• Step 1: Anesthesia & Cleansing — First, anesthesia is administered; typically a local anesthetic such as lidocaine is injected into the gum to prevent the tooth and tooth root from feeling any pain. After the patient is anesthetized, the infection and the damaged or dead nerve are removed. Next, the endodontist may apply an antibiotic to reduce the bacterial infection in the canal.

• Step 2: Reshaping & Further Cleaning — The second step is where the endodontist shapes the canals and cleans them further. There are certain drugs that the dentist utilizes to remove the debris stuck deep in the roots; the medication used creates a sterile environment for placing an inert filling.

• Step 3: Filling & Protection — After the environment is sufficiently sterilized, the endodontist fills the canals with an inert, biocompatible material. Then, a permanent filling is used to fill in the canal for tooth restoration. Because the tooth is left weak after the treatment, the endodontist may recommend having a crown installed to support and protect the vulnerable tooth and to restore biting force.

In Washington, DC, the cost of a root canal is around $500 to $1,000, depending on several factors, such as the location of the tooth, the experience of the endodontist, and the number of resources used, such as anesthesia. Dental insurance typically covers around 40 to 80 percent of the total root canal procedure costs, with an average of 50 percent covered. This type of insurance usually has an annual limit of $1,000 to $1,500 that it can provide for coverage. Therefore, if a root canal costs $800 and you have 50% coverage, you would only have to pay $400 out-of-pocket.

The cost of a root canal treatment in Washington, DC, without insurance, ranges from around $500 to over $1,000. However, this price is highly dependent on the type of tooth being treated, including:

• Root Canal on the Anterior Teeth (Front) costs an average of $540.
• Root Canal on the Bicuspid Teeth (Premolars) costs an average of $650.
• Root Canal on the Molars costs an average of $825.

A root canal is an invasive procedure that can impact the properties of the teeth in several ways. First, a root canal can affect a tooth’s structural integrity; it may become weakened by the procedure, requiring future restorative treatments. Second, root canal treatment is intended to eliminate infection and pain, restoring function and quality of life to the patient; this also allows the tooth to be saved. A tooth with a root canal can be fully functional for many years—or even a lifetime—with proper care. For those nervous about getting a root canal, it helps to know that root canal treatment is about 95% successful, much higher than many other dental and medical procedures.
 
If you live in Washington, DC, and are looking for an experienced endodontist to provide you with all of your root canal needs, come to Ideal Endodontics to see the difference in quality endodontic care makes! Contact us today or book an online appointment for a root canal, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 1145 19th Street NW, Suite 314, Washington, DC 20036. We serve patients from Washington DC, Arlington VA, Bethesda MD, Alexandria VA, and Silver Spring MD. We look forward to serving you!