Worked estimates and checklists
Root canal and crown cost: a worked example with item numbers and fund benefits
An illustrative Australian estimate for root canal treatment followed by a crown on a molar, general dentist versus endodontist, with extras benefits and the extraction-and-implant comparison.
Root canal treatment on a molar followed by a crown is one of the most common large dental bills in Australia, and it is often the alternative to an extraction and implant. A typical plan includes an examination and X-rays, root canal preparation for each canal (ADA items 415 and 416), filling the canals (417 and 418), a core or post (627 or 625) and a crown (613, 615 or 618). In the illustrative example below the total is $3,830 with a general dentist and $4,780 with an endodontist doing the root canal. A mid-level extras policy pays a share up to its major dental limit. The numbers are for arithmetic; your quote will differ. It follows the method in how to estimate dental treatment costs.
The items explained
| Item | Description (ADA schedule) | Per |
|---|---|---|
| 012 / 013 | Periodic or limited oral examination | Visit |
| 022 | Intraoral radiograph | Exposure |
| 415 | Complete chemo-mechanical preparation of root canal, one canal | First canal |
| 416 | Complete chemo-mechanical preparation of root canal, each additional canal | Each extra canal |
| 417 | Root canal obturation, one canal | First canal |
| 418 | Root canal obturation, each additional canal | Each extra canal |
| 627 | Preliminary restoration for crown, direct (a core) | Tooth |
| 625 | Post and core for crown, indirect | Tooth |
| 613 / 615 / 618 | Full crown: ceramic, veneered or metallic, indirect | Tooth |
Molars often have three or four canals, so 416 and 418 appear more than once. Additional items may include emergency pain relief, temporary dressings between visits, and medication of the canals.
Illustrative quote: general dentist
Lower molar, three canals.
| Line | Item | Qty | Illustrative fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 013 | 1 | $80 | $80 |
| X-rays | 022 | 4 | $50 | $200 |
| Preparation, first canal | 415 | 1 | $500 | $500 |
| Preparation, additional canals | 416 | 2 | $250 | $500 |
| Obturation, first canal | 417 | 1 | $350 | $350 |
| Obturation, additional canals | 418 | 2 | $175 | $350 |
| Core | 627 | 1 | $250 | $250 |
| Ceramic crown | 613 | 1 | $1,600 | $1,600 |
| Total | $3,830 |
With an endodontist doing the root canal stages (415–418) for an illustrative $2,650 instead of $1,700, and the general dentist doing the core and crown, the total becomes $3,830 − $1,700 + $2,650 = $4,780, plus any consultation fee at the endodontist.
Applying extras benefits
Illustrative policy: general dental 70% (limit $700); major dental 60% (limit $1,200); root canal (endodontic) items counted as major; limit resets 1 January.
General dentist, all in one limit year:
- General items (013, 022 ×4): $280 × 70% = $196
- Major items (415–418, 627, 613): $3,550 × 60% = $2,130 → capped at $1,200
- Total benefit $1,396; out-of-pocket $2,434
Root canal in December, crown in January:
- Year 1 major: 415–418 and 627 = $1,950 × 60% = $1,170 (within $1,200)
- Year 2 major: 613 = $1,600 × 60% = $960
- General $196
- Total benefit $2,326; out-of-pocket $1,504
The split happens to suit common practice, since crowns are often placed some time after root canal treatment, but ask your dentist whether the interval is clinically appropriate. See timing treatment around extras limits.
Comparing with extraction and implant
On cost alone, using the illustrative figures on this site:
| Path | Illustrative fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Root canal and crown (general dentist) | $3,830 | Keeps the tooth; crown may need replacement in future |
| Surgical extraction (322) then implant and crown | $450 + $6,350 = $6,800 | See the single implant worked example |
| Extraction only | $250–$450 | Leaves a gap; later replacement costs extra |
| Extraction then partial denture | $450 + $1,000 to $2,000 | See implant vs bridge vs denture |
The cheapest option today is not always the cheapest over time, and cost is only one factor. Ask your dentist about the expected outlook for each option.
Ways to reduce or spread the cost
- Check CDBS eligibility for teenagers; root canal treatment is a general dental service under the CDBS. See the CDBS guide.
- Concession card holders can contact public dental, accepting that waiting times apply for non-urgent work.
- Ask whether the crown material affects the fee (613 ceramic, 615 veneered, 618 metallic).
- Compare the cost of finance with the payment plan calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Why are additional canals charged separately?
The ADA schedule has separate items for the first canal (415, 417) and each additional canal (416, 418), so molars with more canals cost more.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
That is a clinical question. Back teeth are often crowned after root canal treatment, but your dentist will explain the reasons in your case.
What if the root canal needs to be redone later?
Retreatment has its own items and fees. Ask the practice about its policy if a problem arises soon after treatment.
Will my fund pay for the endodontist's consultation?
Usually under general or major dental depending on the item. Ask the fund.
Sources
- Australian Dental Association — items 013, 022, 415–418, 613, 615, 618, 625 and 627
- privatehealth.gov.au — extras limits and categories
- Services Australia — CDBS
- Dental Board of Australia — endodontics as a dental specialty
