A root canal quote can look much lower than the final cost if it covers only one stage of treatment. The number of canals, appointments and X-rays involved all affect the price, and the tooth will often need a filling, core or crown afterwards. This guide is general information only, not dental or financial advice, the right treatment for a specific tooth is a decision for a registered dental practitioner after an examination.
Indicative root canal costs
Dentist360 reviewed public Australian prices and patient-reported costs alongside guidance from the Australian Dental Association. These figures are indicative only, they are not quotes or a formal national average. The ranges below combine public fee examples reviewed in July 2026, and a quote should state whether it covers the entire root canal course or only one appointment or stage.
| Treatment component | Indicative Australian price |
|---|---|
| Front tooth root canal | $900 to $1,800 or more |
| Premolar root canal | $1,200 to $2,300 or more |
| Molar root canal | $1,500 to $3,500 or more |
| Crown after root canal | $1,500 to $2,500 or more |
| Root canal and crown combined | $2,400 to $6,000 or more |
Why molars can cost more
Front teeth often have one canal. Molars usually have more canals and can involve more complex anatomy, so treatment may take longer and require additional instruments, imaging or appointments.
The Australian Dental Association's patient guidance explains that root canal treatment removes tissue from inside the tooth, disinfects the space and fills it. X-rays may be taken before, during and after treatment.
Dentist and endodontist fees
A general dentist can provide root canal treatment. An endodontist is a registered dental specialist in this field, and referral may be considered for difficult anatomy, retreatment, persistent infection, trauma or other complexity.
A specialist fee may be higher, but provider title alone does not tell you what is included. Check specialist registration through the Dental Board and compare written plans.
Is the crown included?
Often it is not. The root canal treats the inside of the tooth, but the tooth still needs a final restoration.
Guidance from Teeth.org.au explains that a filling or crown may be recommended after treatment, depending on the tooth, remaining tooth structure and chewing forces. Ask whether the quote includes a core build-up, post, temporary restoration and final crown.
Private health insurance
Root canal treatment may sit under endodontic or major dental cover. Benefits vary by item, policy, waiting period and annual limit, and the crown can have a separate item number and benefit.
Ask the dentist for an itemised plan, then request a written estimate from the fund. A figure such as up to 60 per cent back is not useful on its own, it only means something once the policy's recognised fee, limit and remaining benefits are known.
Root canal or extraction cost
Extraction can have a lower immediate fee, but it leaves a gap. If the tooth is later replaced, the combined cost may include a partial denture, bridge or implant. Root canal treatment also has no guaranteed lifespan and can require retreatment or extraction later.
The useful comparison is the complete plan for each reasonable option, including no replacement where clinically acceptable. Cost should be considered alongside risks, likely function, maintenance and the condition of the tooth.
Comparing quotes
Before comparing quotes, ask about the tooth and number of canals being treated, whether the fee covers the complete course or a single stage, whether X-rays and any three-dimensional imaging are included, whether a general dentist or endodontist is doing the work, temporary and final restoration arrangements, any proposed crown, core or post, retreatment and review arrangements, and the relevant health fund item numbers.
Frequently asked
Indicative Australian prices reviewed for this guide range from about $900 to $1,800 for a front tooth and $1,500 to $3,500 or more for a molar. A crown can add $1,500 to $2,500 or more.
They may refer to one stage, one canal or treatment without the final crown. Ask for the complete sequence and all expected item numbers.
Medicare does not generally cover routine private dental care. Root canal treatment is included in CDBS for eligible children, subject to the program's cap and restrictions.
Not every tooth receives the same restoration. The provider should explain the remaining tooth structure, chewing load and reasons for the proposed filling or crown.
