The Cost of a Root Canal and Crown Combined
A root canal plus crown often totals $1,900–$3,300 in NYC. Here's why you usually need both, what insurance covers, and how to manage the cost.
My Dentist Brooklyn Editorial
Independent dental guide · Brooklyn, NY
How much does a root canal and crown cost together?
A root canal plus the crown that usually follows it totals roughly $1,900–$3,300 in NYC, and sometimes more in Manhattan or with a specialist. Breaking it down: the root canal runs $900–$1,800 depending on the tooth (front teeth are cheapest; molars cost most because they have more canals), and the crown that protects the treated tooth afterward adds $1,000–$1,800. You typically need both, because a tooth becomes brittle after a root canal and a crown prevents it from fracturing. Insurance helps but rarely covers it all: root canals and crowns are billed as "basic" and "major" services, often at 50–80% and 50% respectively, all subject to your annual maximum — which the pair can exhaust. To manage the cost, ask for a pre-treatment estimate, see if an endodontist vs general dentist changes the price, and consider financing or a dental savings plan if you're uninsured.
Why you usually need both
A root canal removes the infected nerve and seals the tooth, but it leaves the tooth weaker and more prone to cracking. A crown caps and protects it, restoring strength and function. Skipping the crown risks losing the tooth — and the money you spent on the root canal.
The price by tooth
- Front tooth root canal: $900–$1,300 (one canal).
- Premolar: $1,000–$1,500.
- Molar: $1,300–$1,800 (multiple canals).
- Crown: $1,000–$1,800 on top.
What insurance covers
Root canals (often "basic," 50–80%) and crowns ("major," ~50%) are usually partly covered, but the combined bill frequently hits your annual maximum. Request a pre-treatment estimate. More in our insurance guide.
General dentist vs endodontist
Complex molars are often referred to an endodontist (root canal specialist), who may charge more but has higher success rates on difficult cases. For straightforward teeth, a general dentist is fine and cheaper.
Saving on the combined cost
- Get a pre-treatment estimate and compare offices.
- Use a dental savings plan if uninsured.
- Finance with CareCredit or a payment plan.
- Consider a dental school clinic.
See related crown cost details and our NYC cost guide.