| State | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $1,580 | $2,630 | $3,680 |
| VIC | $1,540 | $2,570 | $3,600 |
| QLD | $1,460 | $2,430 | $3,400 |
| WA | $1,530 | $2,550 | $3,570 |
| SA | $1,410 | $2,350 | $3,290 |
| TAS | $1,380 | $2,300 | $3,220 |
| ACT | $1,620 | $2,700 | $3,780 |
| NT | $1,590 | $2,650 | $3,710 |
Prices are estimates based on ADA fee survey data. Actual costs may vary by practice.
A root canal (endodontic treatment) removes the infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canals, then seals them to prevent reinfection. In Australia, root canal treatment costs between $1,500 and $3,500, depending on the tooth. Front teeth with a single canal are cheapest (ADA item 415), premolars with two canals cost more (item 416), and molars with three or four canals are the most expensive (item 417). The procedure usually requires 2–3 appointments and is often followed by a dental crown ($1,500–$2,500 additional) to protect the weakened tooth. Despite its reputation, modern root canal treatment is no more painful than getting a filling. It’s almost always cheaper than extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant ($3,000–$6,500).
Root canals are not covered by Medicare for adults. The CDBS does cover root canal treatment for eligible children within the benefit cap. Public dental clinics may offer root canals on front teeth for concession card holders, but complex molar root canals are often not available in the public system due to resource constraints.
Root canals are classified as major dental, which means lower rebates (40–60%) and a 12-month waiting period on most extras policies. Annual limits for major dental are typically $800–$1,500. You may not be able to claim the full cost in one calendar year. The crown placed after the root canal is also classified as major dental.
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Modern root canal treatment is done under local anaesthetic and is typically no more painful than getting a filling. Most patients report the toothache before treatment was far worse than the procedure itself.
Each appointment takes 60–90 minutes. Front teeth may be completed in one visit, while molars typically require 2–3 appointments spaced 1–2 weeks apart.
For back teeth (premolars and molars), a crown is strongly recommended because the tooth becomes brittle without its nerve supply. Front teeth may not always need a crown, depending on how much tooth structure remains.
Root canal-treated teeth can last a lifetime with proper care and a well-fitted crown. Success rates are around 90–95% for initial treatment.
Saving the natural tooth with a root canal is usually preferred. Even with the cost of a crown, a root canal ($3,000–$5,000 total) is typically cheaper than extraction plus an implant ($4,500–$9,000).
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