A root canal is one of the most common and effective dental procedures used to save a damaged or infected tooth. But for many people, the biggest concern isn’t the treatment itself — it’s the cost. The question “What happens if I can’t afford a root canal?” is something dentists hear often, especially when pain and infection are already present.
Ignoring a root canal when needed can lead to severe complications, from persistent pain to tooth loss and even life-threatening infections. The good news is that there are options — from affordable dental payment plans to alternatives that can protect your health without breaking your budget.
This article explains what happens if you delay or avoid treatment, what low-cost options exist, and how to protect your oral health even when money is tight.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Importance of a Root Canal
A root canal isn’t just about relieving pain; it’s about saving your natural tooth from extraction.
When decay or trauma reaches the pulp — the soft tissue inside your tooth — it becomes infected. A root canal treatment removes the infected tissue, disinfects the canal, and seals it with a durable filling to prevent reinfection.
Why Root Canals Are Necessary
Without treatment, bacteria from the infection can spread into the jawbone, gums, and even your bloodstream. The infection can cause abscesses, severe swelling, bone loss, and systemic health risks.
In short, a root canal isn’t an optional cosmetic procedure — it’s an essential treatment that prevents tooth loss and protects your overall health.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Root Canal?
If you skip a root canal due to financial concerns, the underlying infection won’t heal on its own. The longer you wait, the more serious the consequences become.
Stage 1: Persistent Toothache
The first sign of needing a root canal is usually pain — either sharp and sudden or a dull, throbbing ache. This happens when bacteria irritate the nerve inside your tooth.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may help temporarily, but they can’t stop the infection. The pain will likely return stronger and more frequently.
Stage 2: Abscess Formation
If left untreated, the infection spreads to the root tip, forming a dental abscess — a pocket of pus that causes swelling, pressure, and extreme pain.
An abscess can also lead to swelling in your face or neck and, in some cases, difficulty swallowing or breathing — all of which require emergency medical attention.
Stage 3: Bone and Tissue Damage
Chronic infection begins to erode the jawbone supporting your tooth. Once bone loss occurs, restoring your tooth or placing a future implant becomes far more complicated and expensive.
Stage 4: Tooth Loss or Extraction
Eventually, the tooth may die completely and fall out or require surgical removal. While extraction may seem cheaper initially, replacing that tooth later (with an implant or bridge) often costs more than the original root canal cost would have.
Stage 5: Systemic Health Complications
Severe dental infections can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, leading to serious conditions like sepsis or endocarditis (heart infection). This is why untreated dental infections are never just a “tooth problem” — they’re a health risk.
Why Root Canal Cost Shouldn’t Stop You from Getting Care
The cost of dental treatment is a common concern, but delaying care can make the problem more expensive to fix later.
For example, if you wait too long and the tooth becomes unsalvageable, you’ll likely need an extraction, followed by an implant, bridge, or denture — each of which costs more than a root canal.
Many dental clinics now offer flexible financing options, making treatment accessible to everyone.
Average Root Canal Cost and What Affects It
The root canal cost can vary depending on several factors:
- The tooth’s location (front teeth usually cost less than molars).
- The complexity of the case (severe infections or multiple roots increase cost).
- Whether it’s performed by a general dentist or an endodontist.
- The geographic location of the dental office.
On average:
- Front tooth: $600–$1,200
- Premolar: $700–$1,400
- Molar: $1,000–$1,800
Crowns (usually required after root canal treatment) may add $800–$2,000, depending on the material.
Affordable Options If You Can’t Afford a Root Canal
Fortunately, there are practical ways to make a root canal affordable — even without dental insurance.
Dental Payment Plans
Many dentists offer flexible payment plans that allow you to spread costs over several months instead of paying upfront. This is one of the best ways to manage large dental bills.
Dental Insurance Coverage
If you have insurance, check whether root canals are covered. Most plans cover 50–80% of the cost after your deductible, significantly lowering out-of-pocket expenses.
Dental Discount Plans
Unlike insurance, dental discount plans require a small annual fee and give you immediate discounts on treatments like root canals. You pay the discounted price directly to your dentist.
Dental Schools
Dental schools offer discounted treatments performed by supervised students or residents. While appointments may take longer, the quality of care is excellent, and costs can be 30–50% lower.
Community Dental Clinics
Many community health centers and nonprofit dental clinics provide affordable care based on income. They may offer root canal services or refer you to a partner clinic.
Financing and Credit Options
Third-party financing providers such as CareCredit or LendingClub allow you to pay for dental treatments in manageable monthly installments, often with 0% interest for qualified applicants.
Temporary Relief Options While Saving for a Root Canal
If you can’t get a root canal immediately, there are ways to manage symptoms temporarily — but these are not permanent solutions.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can reduce pain and swelling. Always follow dosage instructions and avoid long-term use without your dentist’s guidance.
Cold Compress
Apply an ice pack to the cheek for 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling and numb pain.
Saltwater Rinses
Rinsing gently with warm salt water can reduce bacteria and relieve discomfort temporarily.
Antibiotics (Only Under Dentist’s Guidance)
If the infection is severe, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control bacterial growth. However, antibiotics only treat symptoms — not the cause. The infection will return if the tooth isn’t treated.
Affordable Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment
If saving the tooth isn’t an option or you truly can’t afford the procedure, your dentist may recommend alternative treatments.
Tooth Extraction
Removing the infected tooth is sometimes the only option if the infection is severe. While cheaper upfront, extraction creates new problems — bone loss, shifting teeth, and reduced chewing ability.
Dental Bridge
After extraction, a dental bridge can replace the missing tooth by anchoring a false tooth between two healthy ones. It restores function and appearance but doesn’t prevent bone loss beneath the missing tooth.
Dentures
For multiple missing teeth, dentures offer a budget-friendly replacement option. However, they may not be as comfortable or durable as other treatments.
Dental Implants
Implants are the most permanent tooth replacement solution, but they come at a higher cost. If your tooth has already been extracted, saving to invest in an implant may be worthwhile in the long run.
The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Treatment
Avoiding a root canal may seem like a money-saving decision in the short term, but the long-term consequences can be much more costly.
Advanced Infection Treatment
If the infection spreads, emergency treatment or hospitalization may be needed — far more expensive than a root canal.
Bone Loss and Dental Reconstruction
When an infected tooth is lost, bone in that area begins to shrink. Replacing the tooth later requires bone grafting or complex restorations that cost thousands.
Lower Quality of Life
Chronic tooth pain affects your sleep, eating habits, and confidence. Treating the issue early restores both comfort and well-being.
What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure
Understanding the procedure can make it less intimidating — and may help justify its cost.
Step 1: Examination and X-Rays
Your dentist or endodontist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to assess the extent of infection.
Step 2: Local Anesthesia
A local anesthetic numbs the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free experience.
Step 3: Removing the Infection
The dentist creates a small opening in the tooth and removes the infected pulp using precision instruments.
Step 4: Cleaning and Sealing
The canal is disinfected and sealed with a material called gutta-percha to prevent reinfection.
Step 5: Restoration
A filling or crown is placed on top of the tooth to restore strength and function. This final step prevents future damage and extends the tooth’s lifespan.
Long-Term Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
While the upfront expense might feel daunting, a successful root canal offers long-lasting value.
Preserves Your Natural Tooth
Keeping your natural tooth maintains proper bite alignment and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting.
Improves Oral Health
Eliminating infection prevents bone loss, abscesses, and future dental complications.
Restores Function and Aesthetics
After treatment, you can chew, speak, and smile comfortably again, with no gaps or discomfort.
Saves Money in the Long Run
Compared to extractions and replacements, root canals are more affordable when you consider future procedures and restoration needs.
Preventing Future Root Canal Treatments
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can minimize your risk of needing future root canals.
Brush and Floss Daily
Clean your teeth twice a day and floss once daily to prevent decay and gum disease.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular cleanings and checkups help catch small problems before they require costly treatment.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
Chewing ice, popcorn kernels, or sticky candies can crack teeth, increasing the risk of infection.
Treat Cavities Early
Prompt fillings prevent decay from reaching the tooth’s pulp, avoiding the need for a root canal altogether.
Conclusion
A root canal is an investment in your health and comfort — not just a procedure. While the cost can feel overwhelming, ignoring an infected tooth can lead to far greater pain, expenses, and complications down the road.
If you’re concerned about affordability, talk to your dentist about financing, payment plans, or community care options. The key is to act early, before the infection worsens or the tooth becomes unsalvageable.
For compassionate and affordable treatment options, visit an experienced Dentist in West Roxbury, MA who can assess your situation and help you choose the best care plan for your needs and budget.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t get a root canal I can’t afford?
The infection will worsen, leading to abscesses, bone loss, or even tooth loss. In rare cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.
Is there a cheaper alternative to a root canal?
Extraction is cheaper initially but leads to long-term issues like bone loss and shifting teeth. Discuss payment options with your dentist before choosing extraction.
Can antibiotics replace a root canal?
No. Antibiotics only manage symptoms temporarily. The infection inside the tooth must be removed through a root canal to prevent recurrence.
Can dental schools perform root canals at lower cost?
Yes. Dental schools offer discounted treatments performed by supervised students, making them a great low-cost option.
How can I make a root canal more affordable?
Look into dental payment plans, insurance coverage, discount memberships, or financing options like CareCredit.
What happens if I delay a root canal too long?
Delaying treatment allows infection to spread deeper into the bone and gums, which can eventually result in tooth loss or systemic infection.
Does dental insurance cover root canals?
Most dental insurance plans cover 50–80% of root canal costs after your deductible. Always check your policy’s coverage details.
Are root canals painful?
With modern anesthesia, root canals are virtually pain-free. Most patients report relief from the pain caused by infection after treatment.
What should I do if I lose my tooth because I couldn’t afford a root canal?
Talk to your dentist about replacement options like bridges, dentures, or implants to restore your bite and prevent bone loss.
Can I finance my root canal treatment?
Yes. Many dental offices offer in-house financing or accept third-party credit services to make monthly payments manageable.
