thread: Cost for root canal without insurance

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Apr 2009
    Armadale, Victoria
    27

    Post Cost for root canal without insurance

    Hi

    We have just applied for PHI so am sure it will not cover DH's root canal and cavity treatment which has suddenly started troubling him. Could anyone please inform what the charges usually are for root canal and filling? Also as we have recently migrated to Australia, I was wondering if all dental is Private or is there a Public dental system as well, especially in Melbourne.

    It would also help if you could suggest a good dentist.

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Add ~clover~ on Facebook

    Sep 2007
    travelling
    9,557

    Some area's offer a public dental system now, but I'm not sure if its in Melbourne.
    You need to be covered by medicare & on centrelink benifits (Health Care Card or similar) to be able to use it.
    I've no idea about the costs, but its a possible option you could look into, as it would be free to have it done that way. Most of them are set up in the bigger public hospitals.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jun 2007
    Melbourne, ready to meet peeps IRL
    2,221

    it cost us about $1200 about 5 years ago... there is a public dental system but you have to be on the pension I think... and there is a HUGE waiting list... most dentist will take a payment plan as a root canal takes quite a few visits ( well mine did )... if it is a back tooth I would think about getting it taking out, cheaper, and no-one will be able to see it...

    mine was a frount tooth, so now its black God how I hate it... I wish I just got it out and got a fake one...

    most denisit will want to cap the thooth after the root canal to make the tooth stronger so thats extra about another $1000 I think...

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Follow Pandora On Twitter

    Jan 2005
    cowtown
    8,276

    Re: Cost for root canal without insurance

    Which tooth is it?
    Costs vary greatly depending on the nature and extent of treatment, and whether a general dentist can do it or an endontist is required.
    Could be 500 or 2500 depending.
    Major dental is generally all private if you aren't on goby benefits, and there is no regulation on pricing so the dentist sets their own price. I can recommend a good endodontist if you need a specialist.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jan 2006
    The Hawkesbury
    4,505

    I had it done quite a few years ago, and it cost me about $1200 inc a filling.

  6. #6
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Feb 2006
    melbourne
    11,462

    depends on the tooth as to how many roots there are! thats where the cost variation comes in\

    TALI you can get the tooth bleached internally!!!! ive had mine done and will get ti done again when im not feeding anymore!

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jan 2010
    1,975

    Tali, like Olive said, you can get that one tooth bleached. The dentist will drill a hole in the back of the tooth (no needle as the tooth is already root filled!), insert the bleach and put a temporary filling in it. You usually need a couple of changes to the bleach (quick and easy appointments) and when you're happy with the shade the dentist puts a permanent filling in. I worked as a dental nurse years ago and I can't remember the cost, but I know it wasn't terribly expensive. Some people get a better result than others to the bleach, but you should definitely see some improvement. If you are still not happy with the appearance you could consider a composite or porcelain veneer for the tooth. I'd definitely try the bleaching first though! You definitely made the right decision keeping the tooth and having the root canal - extractions can lead to all sorts of dramas, particularly front teeth!!

  8. #8
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Feb 2006
    melbourne
    11,462

    aarhhh another dental nurse amougst us

  9. #9
    smiles4u Guest

    Lightbulb

    My root canal (large molar) cost me in total $650 about 13years ago, i had about 3 appts for it to have it finished ...

    ... my current Dentist's reception said under no circumstances do they like to hear of someone in dental discomfort all because they can't afford an outlaid fee ... she said in their dental clinic they can always work something out financially, example paying in instalments ... so therefore Could you ask at your Dentist (or rather receptionist) about that ??? (just an idea, doesn't hurt to ask )

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Jan 2009
    5,235

    You won't get anything from PHI for 12 months for a major dental like a root canal. I remember being quoted for one a year or two back and the price was around $3000 so out came the tooth!!

  11. #11
    Registered User
    Follow Pandora On Twitter

    Jan 2005
    cowtown
    8,276

    if you can possible affor it, its always better to keep the tooth in as long as possible.
    Your teeth are moving all the time, and the more you have, the less they can move the way i understand it.
    The other teeth will move to fill up the gaps if a tooth is removed.

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Apr 2009
    Armadale, Victoria
    27

    Post

    Thanks everyone for all your inputs....it clarified the situation quite a bit for us ..... DH is going for initial consultation today so we'll get to know the approx total cost and will decide what to do after that.