About root canal treatment
When the nerve inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment removes it, cleans and disinfects the canals, and seals them to stop the pain and save the tooth. With modern anesthetic, most patients say it feels much like having a filling.
Who it's for
- Severe or lingering toothache, especially to hot or cold
- A tooth with a deep cavity, crack or infection
- Swelling or a gum "pimple" near a tooth
- Anyone who wants to save a tooth rather than remove it
Benefits
- Stops the pain and saves your natural tooth
- Feels much like having a filling, with modern anesthetic
- Usually completed in one visit
- Same-day emergency appointments if you call before 11am
What's included
- X-ray and diagnosis, with a 3D scan for complex molars if needed
- Thorough numbing and a protective rubber shield
- Canals cleaned, shaped, disinfected and sealed
- The tooth restored afterwards (a crown on back teeth is priced separately)
What to expect
We take an X-ray (and a 3D scan for complex molars), numb the tooth thoroughly and place a small rubber shield to keep it clean. Most root canals are completed in one 60–90 minute visit.
- Treatment time
- 60–90 min
- Number of visits
- Usually 1 visit of 60–90 minutes
Step by step
- 01
X-ray and diagnosis, with a 3D scan if needed
- 02
Thorough numbing and a protective rubber shield
- 03
Canals cleaned, shaped and disinfected
- 04
Canals sealed and the tooth restored
- 05
Crown recommended for back teeth
Recovery & aftercare
Tenderness for 2–3 days is normal and usually settles with over-the-counter pain relief. Back teeth usually need a crown afterwards to prevent fracture; we can often fit a same-day crown.
- Recovery
- Tenderness for 2–3 days; most people go back to work the same day
Aftercare tips
- Tenderness for 2–3 days is normal; over-the-counter pain relief usually helps
- Avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth until it is fully restored
- Book your crown if one is recommended, to prevent fracture
- Call us if pain or swelling increases after 3 days
Possible side effects
- Tenderness when biting for 2–3 days is common.
- Rarely, a tooth needs retreatment if infection returns.
- Back teeth can crack after a root canal if they aren't protected with a crown.
Your dentist explains the risks that apply to you before any treatment. Questions afterwards? Call +1 (555) 017-3300; after hours, press 2 for the on-call dentist.
Price, financing & insurance
Price
from $950
$950 (front tooth) – $1,450 (molar); crown priced separately. Standard self-pay fees; you'll get a written estimate before any treatment.
- Root canal treatment
- $950 – $1,450
Insurance coverage
Fillings, root canals, gum treatment · typical PPO coverage: preventive 100%, basic 80%, major 50%
Most PPO plans cover root canals at 80% as basic treatment. If you need a crown afterwards, that is major treatment (typically 50%) and priced separately.
Check your plan's coverage0% financing. 0% financing for 12 months is available when your treatment comes to more than $1,000, subject to credit approval. For example, $1,450 is $120.83/month for 12 months. Longer plans of 24–60 months are available at fixed rates from 7.9% APR. The application takes about 2 minutes and uses a soft credit check that won't affect your credit score.
Membership plans. Members without insurance save 15% (Essential plan, $29/month) or 20% (Plus plan, $39/month, and Family plan, $99/month for up to 4 people) on treatment fees.
How insurance billing works. We check your benefits before your visit and give you a written estimate before any treatment. You pay your estimated portion at the visit and we file the claim with your insurer. If your plan pays more or less than estimated, we refund or bill the difference within 30 days. We're in-network with 10 PPO plans (BlueHarbor Dental PPO, Summit Dental PPO, Meridian Care PPO, Northstar Smile PPO, Clearwater Dental PPO, Keystone Benefits PPO, Pacific Crest Dental PPO, Lone Oak Employers PPO, Unity Mutual Dental PPO and Evergreen Dental Select PPO) and accept most other PPO plans out-of-network. We don't accept HMO / DHMO dental plans and Medicaid and CHIP dental plans.
How we keep it precise and calm
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Digital X-rays
Up to 80% less radiation than traditional film, with images on screen in seconds.
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3D CBCT scans
Detailed 3D views of bone, nerves and roots for precise implant and root canal planning.
-
Comfort menu
Noise-cancelling headphones, ceiling screens, weighted blankets, warm neck pillows and lip balm.
Sedation options. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas, $75) takes the edge off and wears off within minutes, so you can drive yourself home. Oral sedation ($250) is a prescribed tablet for longer visits or significant anxiety; you'll need someone to drive you home. We don't offer IV sedation in-house, but can refer you if needed. Our free comfort menu includes noise-cancelling headphones, ceiling screens, weighted blankets, warm neck pillows and lip balm.
Who performs it
At Haven Dental Studio, root canal treatment (treatment HD-T07) is provided by Dr. Daniel Chen (Implant & Restorative Dentist) and Dr. Marcus Bennett (Clear Aligners & Sedation Dentistry).
Dr. Daniel Chen
Implant & Restorative Dentist
Dr. Marcus Bennett
Clear Aligners & Sedation Dentistry
Real patients, real stories
Results vary
Root canal treatment: your questions
How much does a root canal cost?
$950 for a front tooth up to $1,450 for a molar; a crown is priced separately. Most PPO plans cover root canals at 80%, and treatment over $1,000 can be financed at 0% for 12 months, subject to approval.
Does a root canal hurt?
With modern anesthetic, most patients say it feels much like having a filling. Nitrous oxide ($75) or oral sedation ($250) is available if you feel anxious.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in one 60–90 minute visit.
Can I get a root canal on the same day?
If you are in pain, call before 11am (Monday to Saturday) for a same-day emergency appointment. The emergency exam is $129 including X-rays, and we explain options and prices before any treatment.
Will I need a crown afterwards?
Back teeth usually need a crown to prevent fracture; we can often fit a same-day crown ($1,150–$1,450).
Before your visit
Payment methods
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, HSA and FSA cards, and cash. We don't accept personal checks. Payment is due at the time of service.
Cancellation policy
Please give us at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice and missed appointments incur a $50 fee. We send reminders by text and email 48 hours and 2 hours before your appointment.
New patients
Comprehensive exam with your dentist, full digital X-rays, a standard cleaning and an oral cancer screening (a $394 value at our standard fees). For self-pay new patients aged 14 and over. Not combinable with insurance or membership plans.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 8am–7pm, Sat 9am–3pm. Closed on Sundays. 240 Lakeview Avenue, Suite 3, Austin, TX 78701. Call +1 (555) 017-3300 or email hello@havendental.demo.
This page is general information about root canal treatment and is not a substitute for an in-person examination. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Prices are our standard self-pay fees in US dollars.