Root Canal Treatment Prices 2026
Calculate your TDB 2026 reference fee based on the number of canals, lesion status, and post-treatment filling type.
Anterior teeth are usually single-canal, premolars two-canal, and molars three to four canals.
A periapical lesion at the root tip affects both the duration of treatment and the clinician fee.
After root canal treatment, a composite filling is placed on the tooth. The number of surfaces is determined by the extent of the cavity.
Approximate Clinician Fee
TDB 2026 reference · VAT excluded
Surprised?
This figure reflects the TDB 2026 minimum guideline tariff. For a personalised quote, please get in touch.
Reference fees are based on the TDB 2026 Guideline Tariff (2-27, 2-28, 2-29, 2-30, 2-31, 2-32, 2-33, 2-4, 2-5, 2-6). Prices shown are exclusive of VAT. The definitive treatment cost is determined after a specialist examination.
Root canal treatment prices are one of the most frequently researched topics for patients seeing a dentist with toothache, hot/cold sensitivity, or an abscess. Root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) is a procedure in which the pulp — the living tissue containing nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth — is removed when it becomes inflamed, infected, or damaged by trauma, the canals are completely cleaned out, and they are then sealed with a biocompatible filling material. The aim is to keep the tooth in the mouth in good health and avoid extraction.
Untreated deep decay, failing old fillings, cracks from trauma, and advanced gum disease are the main reasons a root canal is needed. Without timely intervention, the infection spreads, an abscess can form, the bone around the tooth begins to resorb, and tooth loss becomes inevitable. Losing the tooth then opens the door to much more involved and expensive treatments such as dental implant treatment. For these reasons, root canal treatment is one of the most critical restorative treatments for preserving the natural tooth.
At our clinic Doredent in Avcılar, Istanbul, root canal treatments are delivered by our clinical team using modern endodontic equipment, nickel-titanium rotary systems, an apex locator, and digital radiography. Imaging taken before and after treatment confirms that the canals have been fully cleaned and sealed.
Root canal treatment cost depends on the number of canals in the tooth (single, two, three, or four canals), whether there is a periapical lesion (inflammation at the root tip), whether this is a first-time treatment or a retreatment of a previously root-canalled tooth, the presence of any complications such as a separated instrument that needs to be removed, and the post-treatment restoration required (filling, post, crown).
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is the foundational procedure of endodontics, a subspecialty of dentistry. Beneath the hard enamel surface of the tooth lies dentine, and beneath that, the soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue — it is the centre that keeps the tooth alive. Once the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, the process is irreversible; from that point, the only way to save the tooth is to fully remove the pulp tissue, sterilise the canals, and seal them.
Teeth have different numbers of canals depending on their root anatomy. Anterior teeth (incisors) are usually single-canal, premolars have one or two canals, and molars have three or four canals. The more canals a tooth has, the more detailed and the more expensive the treatment. With modern root canal techniques, success rates are above 90%. With an appropriate restoration on top (filling, post, crown), a root-canalled tooth can last for life.
Types of Root Canal Treatment
Endodontics offers different treatment approaches for different clinical situations. The most appropriate treatment plan is built for each case based on its specifics:
Single-Session Root Canal Treatment
Most Common ApproachPreferred in cases with no infection or mild pulpitis. In a single session, the pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned and shaped, and the filling is placed. With modern rotary systems and an apex locator, this method offers significant convenience for both clinician and patient. Treatment time is around 45–90 minutes.
Multi-Session Root Canal Treatment
For Infected CasesWhen active infection, abscess, or a periapical lesion is present, an antimicrobial medicament (calcium hydroxide) is placed in the canals and the case is followed up over several sessions. Once the infection is under control, the canal filling is placed in the final session. The full course of treatment can take 2–3 weeks. This approach is used where indicated to maximise the chance of success.
Root Canal Retreatment
For Failed TreatmentsPerformed when a previous root canal treatment has failed. The old root canal filling is removed, the canals are re-cleaned and reshaped, and the canals are filled again. It’s a longer and more technically demanding process than initial root canal treatment. Success rates are around 70–80%.
Apicoectomy (Endodontic Surgery)
Last ResortA surgical approach used for root-tip infections that cannot be resolved with conventional root canal treatment or retreatment. The gum is reflected, the infected tissue at the root apex is removed along with the apical 2–3 mm of the root, and the end is sealed with a specialised filling material such as MTA. The last chance to save the tooth.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
A standard single-session root canal treatment follows the steps below. Each step performed carefully is what determines the long-term success of the treatment:
Examination and Digital Radiography
The clinician begins with a clinical examination, using percussion (tapping the tooth to check for tenderness), palpation, and pulp vitality testing to assess the condition of the tooth. A digital radiograph or panoramic image is then taken to examine canal anatomy, the presence of any lesions at the root tips, and any existing filling or canal work. Some complex cases may require a CBCT (3D imaging) scan.
Local Anaesthesia and Isolation
Adequate local anaesthesia is administered around the tooth to be treated. Once the tooth is fully numb, it is isolated with a rubber dam. The rubber dam prevents saliva and bacteria from entering the canals, creating a sterile working environment. In modern endodontics, rubber dam use is a critical factor that directly improves treatment success.
Access Cavity and Pulp Chamber
An access cavity is created from the chewing surface of the tooth using dedicated burs to reach the canal openings. The pulp chamber is cleaned and the canal orifices are identified carefully. Using an operating microscope or magnification loupes at this stage is a major advantage in not missing canal orifices. In multi-rooted teeth, locating posterior canals in particular is critical.
Working Length Determination (Apex Locator)
An electronic apex locator is used to determine the exact working length of each canal. The device signals when the natural narrowing at the root tip (the apical constriction) is reached. The apex locator is far more precise than the classic radiographic method and shortens treatment time. The working length is then confirmed with a radiograph.
Canal Cleaning and Shaping (Rotary System)
Nickel-titanium rotary canal files are used to clean the canals and flare them out into a tapered shape. Rotary systems deliver much faster, safer, and more consistent results than hand files. During this stage, the canals are irrigated with copious amounts of sodium hypochlorite solution to flush out organic debris and bacteria. The shaping step also allows the canal filling to be placed effectively.
Canal Obturation
The cleaned and shaped canals are filled with biocompatible canal filling material (usually a combination of gutta-percha and sealer). The canals are filled three-dimensionally using warm vertical compaction or lateral condensation. The quality of the obturation accounts for up to 80% of long-term treatment success. A check radiograph is then taken to confirm a complete fill.
Restoration on Top
Once root canal treatment is complete, the appropriate restoration is selected to return the tooth to function. For minor loss of tooth structure a composite filling is enough, while greater loss is rebuilt with a fibre post and topped with a zirconia crown or an endocrown. On posterior teeth in particular, a crown minimises the risk of fracture.
Factors Affecting Root Canal Treatment Prices
Root canal fees are not fixed — they vary noticeably with the technical difficulty and scope of the case. The main factors that affect the price are:
Number of Canals
The number of canals is the most fundamental driver of cost. Anterior teeth (incisors and canines) are usually single-canal. Premolars have two canals, upper molars three, and lower molars three or four. Each additional canal requires extra time, materials, and technical skill, so cost rises proportionally with canal count. The MB2 canal in upper molars can be difficult to locate, sometimes making the case more complex.
Presence of a Periapical Lesion
An infection focus (lesion) or abscess at the root tip makes treatment significantly more complex. Multiple sessions are needed, intracanal medicaments are placed, and the follow-up period lengthens. In some cases, a 6-month review may be required for the infection to fully heal. This added complexity feeds directly into treatment cost. The TDB tariff prices teeth with periapical lesions under a separate code.
First Treatment vs. Retreatment
Retreatment of a previously root-canalled tooth is noticeably harder than initial treatment. Removing the old canal filling, taking out separated instruments or blockages, and finding missed canals all require extra time and technical precision. With a lower chance of success than first-time treatment, more careful work is required — which is reflected in the cost.
Instrument Retrieval and Complications
If complications such as a separated canal file, a perforation (a hole in the canal wall), or a ledge are present from a previous treatment, dedicated ultrasonic tips and the operating microscope are needed to resolve them. These procedures noticeably lengthen treatment time and require specialised equipment.
Restoration Needs
Root canal treatment alone is not a complete treatment; an appropriate restoration is essential for the tooth to return to function. Small loss is restored with a composite filling, moderate loss with a fibre post plus filling, and large loss with a zirconia crown. The type of restoration and the material used significantly affect total cost.
Technology and Equipment Used
The equipment used in modern endodontics directly affects the quality and success of treatment. Clinics using advanced tools — operating microscopes, electronic apex locators, CBCT (3D imaging), nickel-titanium rotary systems, warm gutta compaction devices — achieve higher success rates. This technology infrastructure is a cost component that is reflected in the fee.
Root Canal Treatment vs. Extraction Comparison
Patients in pain often wonder whether to have root canal treatment or to have the tooth extracted and replaced with an implant. The comparison below may help guide your decision:
| Criterion | Root Canal Treatment | Extraction + Implant | Extraction + Bridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Tooth Preserved | Yes | No | No |
| Treatment Time | 1–3 sessions (1–3 weeks) | 3–6 months | 2–3 weeks |
| Impact on Adjacent Teeth | None | None | Reduced |
| Bone Loss Risk | None | Limited | Possible |
| Total Cost | Low | High | Medium |
| Success Rate | 90%+ | 95%+ | 85–90% |
| Natural Feel | Full | Close | Partial |
| Avg. Service Life | Lifetime | 20+ years | 10–15 years |
As the table shows, preserving the natural tooth — whenever root canal treatment is possible — is the most advantageous option. Root canal treatment is both more economical and preserves the natural feel of the tooth. Extraction should only be considered when root canal treatment is likely to fail or the tooth cannot be saved structurally.
Frequently Asked Questions
With modern local anaesthesia techniques, no pain is felt during root canal treatment. The “root canal is painful” perception is entirely outdated. Mild sensitivity for 2–3 days afterwards can occur and is easily controlled with simple prescribed pain relief. The throbbing pain felt before treatment eases noticeably afterwards. Since the real source of toothache is the inflamed pulp, once the pulp is removed the pain largely subsides.
If there is no infection, it can be completed in a single session. If there is active infection or an abscess, medicament is placed in the canals and a 1–2 week wait follows before the canal filling is placed in a second or third session. The whole course of treatment usually takes 1–3 weeks. Complex retreatment cases can take a little longer. At Doredent, the majority of cases are completed in a single session.
With a well-performed root canal and an appropriate restoration (filling or crown), the tooth can last for life. Success rates are above 90%. Because root-canalled teeth are slightly more prone to fracture, protection with a zirconia crown is recommended for posterior teeth where chewing forces are heaviest. For anterior teeth without significant loss of structure, a direct composite filling can be enough.
No. Preserving the natural tooth is always the best option. Even with a bridge or implant in place of an extracted tooth, the natural feel and function never fully return. Extracting a tooth that could have been saved with root canal treatment often leads to more involved, longer, and more expensive treatments. Extraction should only be considered as a last resort when fracture lines extend to the root tip or the tooth cannot be saved structurally.
It’s safer not to eat until the anaesthesia has worn off (around 2–3 hours) — there’s a risk of biting your lip or cheek without realising. After that, soft foods and avoiding hard foods on the treated side are recommended for the first 24 hours. If a temporary filling has been placed, not chewing on that side for 1–2 days helps prevent it from coming out. Once the final restoration is in place, you can return to normal eating.
A tooth can change colour over time after root canal treatment. This can be caused by blood products inside the tooth or by older canal filling materials. If the colour change becomes an aesthetic concern, particularly on an anterior tooth, options include internal bleaching (walking bleach), external teeth whitening, or a zirconia crown. Modern canal filling materials cause less discolouration.
Retreatment is needed if an old root canal shows pain, swelling, an abscess, or a lesion on radiograph. Treatment failures can be caused by incompletely filled canals, missed canals, separated instruments, or new leaking decay. Asymptomatic old root canals don’t always have to be redone — regular review is enough. The decision to retreat is made by evaluating clinical and radiographic findings together.
Persistent pain in the treated tooth, swelling or abscess formation in the gum, sensitivity on chewing, and a fistula (drainage tract) on the gum are all signs of failure. Asymptomatic lesions can also sometimes be picked up on radiograph years later. Treatment success is reviewed by tracking changes in bone level on check radiographs. Where there is doubt, retreatment or endodontic surgery can be planned.
Root canal treatment can be performed during pregnancy, though the second trimester (months 4–6) is the most suitable window. In emergencies (severe pain, abscess), treatment is provided at any stage, because an untreated infection spreading is a greater threat to mother and baby. Any radiographs are taken with a lead apron for protection; the dose from modern digital radiographs is extremely low. Anaesthetics and antibiotics safe in pregnancy are selected.
SGK covers root canal treatments performed in contracted state hospitals and oral and dental health centres. Treatments in private clinics are outside SGK coverage, although some private health insurance policies offer partial cover. Given the demand and appointment waiting times at state hospitals, patients often turn to private clinics for cases needing urgent treatment.
