Hearing that you need a root canal often brings two questions right away: will it hurt? and how much will it cost? Modern root canal therapy is far more comfortable than its reputation suggests, and understanding the cost ahead of time makes it much easier to plan.
Below, the team at Dentistry On Bay in downtown Toronto explains typical root canal costs in Ontario, what affects the price, how insurance and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) can help, and why saving a natural tooth is usually worth it.
Quick Answer: How Much Is a Root Canal in Ontario?
In Ontario, a root canal typically costs about $700–$1,000 for a front tooth, $800–$1,200 for a premolar and $1,000–$1,600 or more for a molar, before insurance. Many back teeth also need a crown afterwards, which is a separate cost. Your exact fee depends on the tooth, the number of canals and how complex the case is — a dentist can give you a written estimate after an exam and X-ray.
Typical Root Canal Cost by Tooth
| Tooth type | Typical canals | Approximate cost in Ontario* |
|---|---|---|
| Front tooth (incisor / canine) | 1 | $700 – $1,000 |
| Premolar | 1 – 2 | $800 – $1,200 |
| Molar | 3 – 4 | $1,000 – $1,600+ |
| Crown after a root canal | — | $1,100 – $1,800 |
*General estimates for Ontario before insurance. Fees vary by clinic and case; your dentist will provide a personalized estimate.
What Affects the Cost of a Root Canal?
- Which tooth: molars have more canals and are harder to reach, so treatment takes longer.
- Complexity: curved, narrow or calcified canals — or a tooth that was treated before — can add time and cost.
- Specialist vs. general dentist: complex cases may be referred to an endodontist, whose fees are usually higher.
- Additional treatment: X-rays, a post, or a dental crown may be needed to protect the tooth long-term.
- Insurance coverage: your plan’s coverage percentage and annual maximum change your out-of-pocket cost.
Does Insurance or CDCP Cover Root Canals?
Most private dental plans in Canada cover root canal therapy as a basic or major service, often at 50%–80% after any deductible. Crowns are usually covered at a lower percentage.
If you’re eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), endodontic treatment such as root canals is among the covered services, though co-payments may apply depending on family income. Learn more on our CDCP dentist in Toronto page.
Root Canal vs. Extraction: Which Costs Less?
An extraction usually costs less on the day of treatment. But a missing tooth can lead to shifting teeth, bite problems and bone loss, and replacing it later with a dental implant or bridge often costs more than saving the tooth. When a tooth can be saved, a root canal and crown is frequently the better long-term value.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- Lingering tooth pain, especially with hot or cold
- Pain when chewing or biting
- A darkened or discoloured tooth
- Swollen, tender gums or a pimple-like bump on the gum
- A cracked or chipped tooth with sensitivity
Not every toothache means a root canal — sometimes a filling is enough. An exam and X-ray are the only way to know. If you’re in pain, see our emergency dentist page, or read what a cavity looks like.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Most root canals are completed in one or two visits of about 60–90 minutes each. The tooth is fully numbed, and most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling. Mild tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal.
Ways to Make a Root Canal More Affordable
- Ask for a written pre-treatment estimate and submit it to your insurer first.
- Check whether you qualify for CDCP.
- Plan treatment around your insurance year to make the most of your annual maximum.
- Treat problems early — a small filling today costs far less than a root canal later.
Root Canal Treatment in Downtown Toronto
At Dentistry On Bay, we provide gentle root canal therapy with clear, upfront estimates, plus oral sedation for anxious patients. Visit us at 790 Bay St., Suite 1020, Toronto, ON M5G 1N8, near Bay and College and a short walk from College Station. New patients, families and CDCP patients are welcome.
Request an appointment or call 416-924-0437.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a root canal cost in Toronto without insurance?
Why do molar root canals cost more?
Do I always need a crown after a root canal?
Is a root canal covered by CDCP?
Is a root canal painful?
Is it cheaper to pull the tooth?
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Please book an exam for advice about your own teeth.