A persistent toothache or sharp pain when biting could mean one thing: you may need a root canal. For many Australians, this procedure raises more than just health concerns; the question of cost often comes next, particularly when it comes to how much of it is covered by private health insurance.
Root canal therapy is a widely used dental procedure aimed at relieving pain and preserving a compromised tooth or infected tooth. But how much does a root canal cost with private health insurance? And what factors influence what you pay out of pocket?
In this guide, we’ll explore the root canal process, what your private health insurance policy might cover, how to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, and what to expect if you’re planning for this major dental procedure.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal, also referred to as endodontic therapy, is performed to treat an infected or inflamed tooth pulp. Pulp is the soft tissue found within the tooth that houses nerves, blood vessels, and other essential structures that help keep the tooth alive. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected as a result of extensive tooth decay, a crack, or trauma, it can cause intense pain and swelling in the surrounding tissues.
If left untreated, this condition may lead to the loss of the natural tooth and further complications. A root canal procedure removes the diseased pulp, disinfects the pulp chamber, and fills the space with root-filling material to seal it off and prevent further infection.
In many cases, root canal treatment is the only method to retain the tooth’s structure and avoid tooth extraction, especially when the goal is to maintain a natural appearance and function.
Why You Might Need a Root Canal
You may need a root canal if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent pain or severe toothache
- Discomfort when consuming hot or cold beverages or foods
- A dying tooth that’s darkening in colour
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- An abscess or pus discharge
- Tooth mobility or pain when chewing
Root canal treatments are performed by a dentist. The procedure is often necessary to address severe tooth decay or an infected tooth, helping patients avoid tooth loss and protect their dental health.
What Does the Root Canal Process Involve?
There are several main stages involved in the root canal procedure:
- Diagnosis and Imaging: X-rays are taken to determine the extent of the infection and the number of canals.
- Anaesthesia and Isolation: The affected tooth is numbed and isolated using a dental dam.
- Pulp Removal: The dental professional clears out the infected pulp and thoroughly cleans the canal spaces.
- Shaping and Filling: The canals are shaped, disinfected, and filled with a rubber-like material.
- Temporary Restoration: A short-term filling is used to protect the tooth until the final restoration.
- Permanent Restoration: In most cases, a crown is later placed over the tooth’s crown to restore its function and appearance.
The root canal procedure can take one to three visits, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of roots involved. Teeth with more roots, like molars, typically require more time and cost.
Understanding the Cost of a Root Canal
Root canal treatment costs in Australia can vary depending on several factors:
- Location of the affected tooth (e.g., front teeth vs. molars)
- Number of roots (teeth with three or more roots are more complex)
- The dentist’s fees
- Whether a crown is required
- Use of advanced technology
- Private vs. public dental clinics
Typically, the price of a root canal without insurance starts at approximately:
- Front tooth: from $900
- Premolar: from $1,000
- Molar: from $1,500
- Crown (if required): from $1,000
These costs reflect both the endodontic treatment and associated dental procedures like X-rays and crowns.
Root Canal Cost with Private Health Insurance
Having private health insurance may considerably lessen the financial pressure associated with a root canal. However, how much you’ll pay out of pocket depends on your level of coverage, your health insurance provider, and whether your policy includes major dental and dental extras.
What Does Private Health Insurance Cover?
Most extra health insurance policies divide dental care into three categories:
- General Dental: Covers primary dental care like check-ups, cleaning, and simple fillings.
- Major Dental: Covers more complex dental procedures, such as root canal therapy, crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Orthodontics: Covers braces and aligners.
Root canal procedures fall under major dental services, so to be eligible for cover, your private health insurance policy must include major dental. If your plan only covers general dental, it won’t help with root canal treatments.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost with Private Health Insurance?
The amount covered varies widely based on the following:
- Your health fund
- The benefit limit (annual cap)
- The percentage the fund pays per treatment
- Waiting periods
Some policies cover 60–80% of the root canal treatment cost, while others offer a fixed rebate (e.g., $500 per procedure). If your dental cover includes major dental procedures, your out-of-pocket costs could be reduced to a few hundred dollars rather than thousands.
Waiting Periods and Limits
When evaluating your private health insurance cover, it’s important to consider:
- Waiting Periods: Most funds impose a 12-month waiting period for major dental. If you’ve just joined, you may need to wait before claiming.
- Annual Limits: Your fund may have a maximum yearly benefit limit for major dental. Once this is used up, you’ll have to pay the full cost.
- Per-Service Limits: Some policies impose individual limits for specific treatments like root canals.
Be sure to check your extras health insurance policy documents and confirm with your insurer how they categorise and cover root canal treatments.
Tips to Minimise Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Get a Treatment Plan: Ask your dentist for a written quote detailing the cost of the root canal, crown, and other related services.
- Check with Your Health Fund: Contact your health insurance provider with the item numbers to find out how much they’ll reimburse.
- Use Participating Providers: Some funds offer higher rebates for services performed by preferred providers.
- Compare Policies: Use comparison sites to find an extra health insurance policy that includes major dental coverage procedures and offers high annual limits.
Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction: Cost Comparison
In some cases, people consider tooth extraction instead of a root canal to avoid the cost. However, this may not be the cheaper option in the long term.
While an extraction cost starts at $200, replacing the missing tooth (e.g., with a dental implant or bridge) could cost thousands. Additionally, removing a tooth can lead to complications such as:
- Shifting of surrounding teeth
- Bite issues
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Greater risk of decay in adjacent teeth
A root canal, when possible, preserves the natural tooth, avoids tooth loss, and helps maintain oral health.
Is the Cost Worth It?
While the cost of a root canal can seem high, it’s a worthwhile investment in your long-term dental health. Preserving your tooth helps avoid complications like missing teeth, shifting bites, and further dental procedures down the line.
If you’re covered for major dental under your private health insurance, the root canal cost with private health insurance is far more manageable, often reducing your expenses significantly while allowing you to maintain a healthy, functional, and natural-looking smile.
Final Thoughts
Root canal treatments are essential for treating an infected or damaged tooth and preventing tooth loss. Though the cost of a root canal can vary, private health insurance can make this complex dental procedure much more affordable, especially if your policy covers major dental services.
Before proceeding, speak with both your dentist and health insurance provider to understand the root canal treatment cost, check for waiting periods, and estimate your out-of-pocket expenses. With the right plan and preparation, you can restore your dental health without unnecessary financial stress.
If you’re experiencing dental pain or suspect you may need a root canal, don’t delay. Book a consultation to discuss treatment options or prevent future complications. We’re here to help. For more information or to get in touch, contact us or visit Infinity Dental Care in Winston Hills. Call us on (02) 9159 6237.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Resources
Brazier, Y. (2023). ‘What to expect from root canal treatment’. Medical News Today, 27 June. New York, NY: Healthline Media. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142780#what_is_a_root_canal_treatment
Hunter, G.R. & Taylor, P. (2024). ‘How much does a Root Canal cost in Australia?’ Finder, 17 December. Sydney, NSW: Finder AU. https://www.finder.com.au/health-insurance/dental/root-canal-therapy
Cleveland Clinic (2023). ‘Root Canal’. Cleveland Clinic, 20 November. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21759-root-canal
Colgate Oral Care Center. (n.d.). ‘Root Canal Vs. Extraction: Which Is Right For You?’ Colgate Oral Care Center, accessed May 2025. New York, NY: Colgate-Palmolive Company. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/root-canals/root-canal-vs-extraction