What is the Average Cost of a Root Canal Treatment?

Root Canal Cost in India: Average Prices & Factors Explained

Root canal treatment (RCT) is a common dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth (the root canal system). Although it is necessary for preserving natural teeth and stopping extraction, the cost of RCT can vary greatly depending on several factors, including tooth type, clinic location, and whether a dental crown is required.

Read ahead to learn about the average root canal prices across India and how companies offering health insurance may assist.

Average Cost of Root Canal Treatment in India

In India, the cost of a root canal typically ranges between ₹2,000 and ₹12,000 per tooth. The price varies depending on whether the tooth in question is a front tooth (single root), a premolar (two roots), or a molar (three or more roots). Molar roots can usually be more expensive because of their complexity.

Tooth Type-wise Cost Estimates

• Front Tooth (Incisors and Canines): Ranges from ₹2,000 – ₹5,000
• Premolars: Ranges from ₹3,000 – ₹7,000
• Molars: Ranges from  ₹4,000 – ₹12,000

Greater accuracy and comfort from more advanced instruments, such as lasers or microscopes, could also drive up costs.

City-wise Cost Estimates

Among other things, RCT is usually more costly in cities owing to higher operation costs and a need for cutting-edge treatments. The mean costs of major Indian metropolises are as follows:

• Delhi: Ranges from ₹3,500 – ₹7,000
• Mumbai: Ranges from ₹4,000 – ₹12,000
• Bangalore: Ranges from ₹4,000 – ₹13,750
• Hyderabad: Ranges from ₹3,000 – ₹9,000
• Kolkata: Ranges from ₹2,000 – ₹7,000

Additional Cost: Dental Crowns

After root canal treatment, the tooth often requires a dental crown to strengthen it. Crowns vary widely in price, depending on the material used, such as:

• Metal Crown: Ranges from ₹1,000 – ₹3,000
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Ranges from ₹5,000 – ₹12,000
• Ceramic Crown: Ranges from ₹8,000 – ₹15,000
• Zirconia Crown: Ranges from ₹12,000 – ₹25,000

Crowns are a particularly important part of post-treatment rehabilitation for molars that are subjected to intense chewing.

Factors Affecting Root Canal Costs

The final cost of RCT also varies by several other factors, including:

1. Tooth Position and Complexity

More time-consuming and technical expertise are required for molars, which have multiple roots and canals.

2. Experience of the Dentist

Renowned endodontists or professionals typically cost more than ordinary dentists.

3. Diagnostic and Imaging Tools

Although more precise, using digital X-rays, cone beam CT, and dental microscopes significantly increases costs.

4. Type of Clinic

Sometimes, better equipment and sanitization processes lead upper dental chains and private hospitals to cost more.

5. Anesthesia and Medications

When used together, local anaesthesia, antibiotics, and painkillers raise the final cost.

Does Health Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?

Most Indian health insurance policies usually do not cover dental operations, except if included in care for accidental damage. Several insurance firms now offer dental insurance, given the rising demand and increased awareness.

Which Health Insurance Covers Root Canal Treatment?

A comprehensive health policy could include dental coverage or offer it through OPD options, among other possibilities. At Star Health, for instance, policies that include outpatient coverage or wellness advantages may also cover dental care.

Star Health’s Comprehensive Insurance Policy: This policy offers optional Outpatient Department (OPD) benefits that cover dental procedures, including root canal treatments (RCT) and other dental expenses.

How to Reduce Root Canal Expenses?

Although dental insurance is changing in India, there are other means of lowering your RCT prices, which include:

• Government and Teaching Hospitals: Dental colleges and government hospitals usually offer lower-cost rehabilitation.
• Dental Camps: Run by nearby hospitals or non-profit organizations, dental camps could offer free or reduced-cost treatment.
• Instalment Payment Plans: Some private hospitals offer EMI solutions for costly operations on instalment payments.

The average price of a root canal in India ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹12,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and its location. Additional costs for crowns and diagnostic services may be incurred.

Although some health insurance plans include dental benefits in their policies, conventional insurance plans may not cover dental treatments in full. Before you relocate, double-check every possible term and the conditions of your coverage.

Also Read:

→ What Happens in Root Canal Treatment