How Much Does a Root Canal on a Molar Cost? Prices and Key Factors
The cost of a root canal on a molar mainly depends on the number of canals that need to be treated, the complexity of the case and the restoration the tooth will require afterwards. At Sermadent, root canal treatment starts from €159, while a multi-rooted tooth costs €299. To calculate the full cost, we also need to assess whether you will require a filling, an inlay or a crown.
When looking for the cost of a root canal on a molar, it is common to find very different prices. This is because teeth vary in their anatomy and not all treatments involve the same degree of difficulty.
Root canal treatment treats the inside of a tooth when the pulp is inflamed or infected, with the aim of preserving the tooth whenever possible. However, treatment does not necessarily end once the canals have been cleaned and sealed: the tooth’s shape and strength must then be restored with the appropriate restoration.
Before comparing estimates, it is therefore important to check which procedures each one includes and whether the subsequent restoration is covered.
Deep decay is one of the conditions that can eventually affect the dental pulp and make root canal treatment necessary.
Cost of Root Canal Treatment in Fuengirola and Mijas
At Sermadent, we provide an estimate after examining the tooth and reviewing the necessary diagnostic tests. An X-ray allows us to assess the condition of the root, the anatomy of the canals and the extent of the problem before deciding on the appropriate treatment.
These are the indicative prices for the main procedures associated with root canal treatment:
| Treatment | What does it involve? | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Root canal treatment on a single-rooted tooth | Treatment of a tooth with one main canal, commonly an incisor or canine | 159 € |
| Root canal treatment on a two-rooted tooth | Treatment of a tooth with two canals | 199 € |
| Root canal treatment on a multi-rooted tooth | Treatment of a tooth with several canals, commonly a molar | 299 € |
| Root canal retreatment | Repeating root canal treatment when a previous treatment needs to be reviewed | From €229, subject to assessment |
| Dental restoration | Restoring the damaged part of the tooth after root canal treatment | From €75 |
| Inlay or crown | A restoration designed to protect a tooth and restore its function when a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost | From €499, depending on the material |
Intraoral X-rays are generally included in the assessment. If a diagnostic scan is required, it will be charged separately. Sermadent uses the terms single-rooted, two-rooted and multi-rooted when preparing estimates.
These prices are indicative. The final estimate will depend on the diagnosis, the anatomical complexity of the tooth and the restoration required after treatment.
What Determines the Cost of Root Canal Treatment?
The number of canals is one of the main factors, but it is not the only one. Two apparently similar molars may require different procedures depending on their anatomy, the extent of the infection or any previous treatment.
The Number of Canals in the Tooth
During root canal treatment, the canals inside the tooth must be located, cleaned, disinfected and sealed. Front teeth usually have a simpler anatomy, whereas molars commonly have several canals and may require more time and greater technical complexity.
Dental anatomy varies from one person to another. The type of root canal treatment required should therefore not be determined solely by the name of the tooth: it must be confirmed through an examination and diagnostic tests.
The Condition of the Tooth and the Complexity of the Case
Access to the canals, their curvature, any calcification, the extent of the infection and the amount of remaining tooth structure can all affect the complexity of the treatment.
It is also important to check for cracks, fractures or extensive damage to the crown of the tooth. These findings influence both the possibility of preserving the tooth and the restoration that will be required afterwards.
Whether It Is a First Root Canal Treatment or Retreatment
Root canal retreatment involves treating the canals of a tooth that has previously undergone root canal treatment. Before cleaning them again, it may be necessary to remove existing materials and restorations, locate untreated canals or manage particularly complex anatomy.
For this reason, retreatment may take longer and cost more than an initial root canal treatment.
The Diagnostic Tests Required
A clinical examination and X-rays help us identify the cause of the problem and plan the treatment. In certain cases, the dentist may recommend additional tests to examine the anatomy or condition of the tooth in greater detail.
Before accepting an estimate, it is advisable to ask whether these tests are included or charged separately.
The Restoration the Tooth Requires
Once the canals have been treated, the lost part of the tooth must be restored. Depending on the remaining tooth structure, its position and the forces it withstands when chewing, the appropriate solution may be a direct restoration, an inlay or a crown.
This stage can significantly affect the total cost. An estimate that only states the price of the root canal treatment may therefore not reflect everything required to restore the tooth’s function.
What Is Included in the Cost of Root Canal Treatment?
Clinics do not all structure their estimates in the same way. At Sermadent, we will explain which procedures your case requires and what is included before treatment begins.
Assessment and Diagnostic Tests
Before treatment, the dentist must examine the tooth, assess your symptoms and review the diagnostic images. This information helps confirm whether root canal treatment is appropriate and whether the tooth can subsequently be restored.
Intraoral X-rays are included. If a diagnostic scan is required to examine the case in greater detail, it will be charged separately.
Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sealing the Canals
Root canal treatment involves accessing the inside of the tooth, removing the affected tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the canals and then sealing them.
In some cases, a temporary restoration is placed until the treatment can be completed or the final restoration fitted.
Follow-up Appointments
The dentist will advise you when the tooth and its restoration should be reviewed. The timing of these follow-up appointments will depend on the characteristics and progress of each case.
Follow-up appointments are not included in the initial price unless this is expressly stated in your individual estimate.
Is the Restoration or Crown Included in the Price?
Root canal treatment and the subsequent restoration are related procedures, but they may appear as separate items in the estimate.
Root canal treatment treats the inside of the tooth. A filling, inlay or crown restores the visible part of the tooth and helps recover its shape, function and the protection it needs to withstand chewing forces.
Dental Restoration
A direct restoration may be sufficient when an adequate amount of healthy tooth structure remains and the dentist considers that the tooth can be restored without an inlay or crown.
Inlay or Crown
When more tooth structure has been lost, an inlay or crown may be recommended. The choice does not depend solely on whether the tooth has undergone root canal treatment, but also on its condition, position and the amount of healthy tissue remaining.
When Might a Post Be Required?
When very little tooth structure remains, the dentist may consider placing a post to help retain the restoration. Not every root-filled tooth requires one, and the decision must be made on an individual basis.
Before comparing two estimates, check that they include the same elements: diagnostic tests, root canal treatment, reconstruction, the final restoration and any follow-up appointments.
How Many Appointments Are Needed for Root Canal Treatment?
The number of appointments depends on the condition of the tooth, the anatomy of its canals and how the case progresses. Some root canal treatments can be completed in one appointment, while others require several visits to clean, disinfect and seal the tooth correctly.
If a complex infection is present, the dentist may place a temporary medication inside the tooth and complete the treatment at a later appointment.
At Sermadent, completing a case may require between one and five appointments, depending on its complexity and progress. The dentist will explain the expected treatment plan after assessing the tooth.
How Long Can You Wait Before Treating a Molar?
There is no safe waiting period that applies to every case. Severe pain often prompts patients to seek help quickly, but some problems may progress with intermittent discomfort or even without any obvious pain.
You should request an assessment if you experience persistent pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, discomfort when biting, swelling, a change in the colour of the tooth or a small gum boil.
These signs alone cannot confirm whether you need root canal treatment. An examination and diagnostic tests are necessary to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.
What Happens If Root Canal Treatment Is Delayed?
When the pulp is infected and the tooth requires treatment, delaying it may allow the problem to spread to the tissues surrounding the root.
Without treatment, pain, swelling and the loss of tooth structure may increase. In advanced cases, the damage can reduce the chances of saving the tooth and make it necessary to consider an extraction.
Do not wait until the pain becomes unbearable. The intensity of the discomfort does not always reflect the condition of the tooth. An early assessment allows us to identify the cause and determine which options may help preserve it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment Costs
How Much Does Root Canal Treatment on a Molar Cost with a Restoration?
The total cost depends on the price of the root canal treatment and the type of restoration required afterwards. A direct restoration, an inlay and a crown are different treatments and do not have the same cost. At Sermadent, we first assess how much healthy tooth structure remains and then provide the appropriate estimate.
Does Root Canal Treatment on a Molar Cost More Than on Other Teeth?
Root canal treatment on a molar is often more complex because molars usually have several canals. However, dental anatomy varies, so the final price can only be determined after examining the tooth.
How Much Does Root Canal Retreatment Cost?
The cost of root canal retreatment depends on the tooth’s anatomy, the previous treatment and the difficulty involved in removing existing materials and cleaning the canals again. At Sermadent, retreatment costs between €229 and €359, depending mainly on the number of canals and the complexity of the case.
Are X-rays Included in the Estimate?
Intraoral X-rays are included at Sermadent. If a diagnostic scan is required to assess the case in greater detail, it will be charged separately.
Is a Crown Always Necessary After Root Canal Treatment?
Not always. The recommendation depends on the amount of tooth structure remaining, the position of the tooth and the forces it must withstand. After assessing the case, the dentist may recommend a direct restoration, an inlay or a crown.
Can Root Canal Treatment Be Financed?
Sermadent offers financing options. Before treatment begins, we will explain the proposed treatment, the items included in the estimate and the available payment options.
Request Your Root Canal Assessment at Sermadent
To determine the cost of root canal treatment on a molar in your particular case, we first need to assess the condition of the tooth, the anatomy of its canals and the restoration it will require afterwards.
Early treatment may help preserve the tooth and prevent further damage.
Dr Sergio Gómez López
Specialist in Implant Dentistry and Periodontology, and Clinical Director of Sermadent dental clinic in Las Lagunas de Mijas, near Fuengirola.
Degree in Dentistry with over 25 years of professional experience. His practice is based on ethical, preventive and minimally invasive dentistry.
Registration no. 29001964 — Official College of Dentists of Málaga
