Root Canal Cost in Arlington HeightsCanals, Crown and Insurance
Root canal cost in Arlington Heights depends on your tooth, its canals and whether it needs a crown. Ask Dr. Bilus Poles for a written estimate of the full cost before any work starts.
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Root canal cost depends on which tooth is treated, how many canals it has, how complex the infection is, and whether the tooth needs a crown afterward. Your dental insurance plan changes what you pay, too. At Omni Dental in Arlington Heights, your own cost is set after an exam and X-ray with Dr. Poles.
Why is there no single root canal price?
Two root canals can look alike on a bill but involve very different work. A front tooth usually has one canal. A molar often has three or four, with curved or narrow roots that take longer to clean and seal.
That is why a root canal price quoted over the phone, or an average cost of a root canal found online, rarely matches your tooth. The honest answer comes after an X-ray shows the roots and the extent of the infection.
The main factors in root canal treatment cost
- The tooth itself. Front teeth are usually the simplest. Premolars often have one or two canals. Molars have the most canals and the hardest access, so they take the most time.
- How complex the case is. Calcified or very curved canals, an extra canal or a large infection add steps. Redoing an old root canal is more involved than a first treatment.
- Exam and X-rays. The imaging used to diagnose the tooth and check the result is part of the overall cost.
- The final restoration. Every treated tooth needs a filling, and many back teeth also need a crown.
- Specialist care. Very complex roots are sometimes referred to an endodontist, a dentist who focuses on root canals. You will know before you decide.
Root canal and crown cost: plan for both
Many people budget for the root canal and are surprised by the crown. On a back tooth, the two usually go together.
A tooth that needs a root canal has often lost structure to decay or old fillings. Without its pulp, it can become more brittle, and a crown helps protect it from cracking under chewing. When you ask about price, ask for the root canal and the crown together, so you see the full picture.
Some front teeth with little damage need only a filling, which keeps the total lower. To see how crowns are priced on their own, read what a crown costs.
How dental insurance usually applies
Many dental plans include root canals, but how much they pay varies. Check these points in your plan:
- Service category. Plans often list root canals as basic or major services, and crowns as major services. Each category may be paid at a different level.
- Deductible. You may pay a set amount each year before your plan starts paying.
- Annual maximum. Most plans have a yearly cap. A root canal and crown in the same year can use much of it.
- Waiting periods. Newer plans sometimes wait before covering major services.
- Pre-treatment estimate. Many plans review a treatment plan in advance and tell you what they expect to pay.
We accept most major dental plans, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Delta Dental and MetLife. Your plan decides the final amount it pays, so ask for its coverage details before treatment.
Root canal cost with no insurance
Without dental insurance, the same factors set the price: the tooth, the number of canals, the complexity and the final restoration. Ask for an itemized plan so you can see each part and its cost before you agree to it.
If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), ask your plan administrator whether it covers dental treatment. Bring any questions about your estimate to the front desk at your visit.
Is a root canal worth it compared with pulling the tooth?
Removing a tooth often costs less on the day. It is rarely the end of the bill, though, because a missing tooth usually needs replacing.
| Save the tooth | Remove the tooth | |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment now | Root canal | Extraction |
| What usually follows | A filling or crown | An implant, bridge or denture |
| Visits | Often two or three in total | One to remove, more to replace |
| Effect on your bite | Natural tooth stays in place | Nearby teeth can drift if the gap stays open |
Saving your natural tooth is often the more practical long-term choice when it can be saved. Dr. Poles also places and restores dental implants, so he can compare both options for your tooth. You can also read about the cost of pulling a tooth.
Why waiting usually costs more
An infected tooth does not heal on its own. The longer it waits, the more the infection can damage the tooth and bone, and the pain often returns. A tooth that could have been saved may end up needing an extraction and a replacement.
If you have lingering pain, swelling or a tooth that has darkened, book an exam soon. Read how a root canal works step by step, or see what your first visit looks like.
Plan ahead
What changes the cost of a root canal?
| Cost factor | What changes the price | How to plan for it |
|---|---|---|
| Which tooth | Front teeth usually have one canal; molars often have three or four and take longer | Ask which tooth is involved and how many canals it has |
| Case complexity | Curved, narrow or extra canals, a large infection, or a repeat treatment add time | Ask whether your X-ray shows anything unusual |
| Exam and X-rays | Diagnosis and imaging before and after treatment | Ask whether these are listed separately on your plan |
| Final restoration | A filling for some front teeth; a crown for most back teeth | Budget for the root canal and crown together |
| Insurance plan | Deductible, coverage level, annual maximum and waiting periods | Ask your plan about a pre-treatment estimate |
| Specialist referral | Very complex roots may be treated by an endodontist | Ask Dr. Poles whether your case can be done in the office |
Your cost is set after an exam and X-ray of your own tooth. Ask for a written, itemized plan before treatment.
Trusted and recognized
Affiliated with leading dental organizations
Dr. Poles is a member of leading dental associations and has completed more than 2,500 hours of continuing education.
Proud member of our local chambers of commerce
Insurance
We accept most major dental plans
We accept most major dental plans, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Delta Dental and MetLife. Bring your insurance card and we will check your benefits before treatment starts.
Not sure about your plan? Call (847) 483-8833 and our front desk will look it up with you.
- + most other major dental plans
Google reviews
Rated 5.0 on Google
Real words from real patients. Omni Dental holds a 5.0 rating from 541 reviews on Google.
- Katherine BastermajianMay 20, 2026★★★★★
He’s fabulous. Extremely nice and professional.
- AshtarMay 6, 2026★★★★★
I had a really great experience at Omni Dental! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and the office was super clean and organized. Dr.Bilus is very honest and explained everything clearly without pushing unnecessary work. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a good dentist!!!
- George BitarMay 4, 2026★★★★★
The experience was amazing. I came in for a crown and I did not feel a thing. The process from beginning to end was the easiest process and I highly recommend Omni and Dr Poles. Thank you for everything
- SuNnY Mad1omApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Very careful with teeth and they treat you very nicely
- Rami LilouApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Been going to this doctor since I was 5, even at his old office, amazing and smooth experience everytime
- Jorge MendezApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Mayra and Atziri are very helpful with insurance. Isabel and Maribel are great assistants.
- Andrea ArroyoApril 30, 2026★★★★★
Such a mellow and genuine office and staff. Dr poles is genuinely honest and tells things like they are. Mayra at the front was such a sweet person and perfect customer service. Definitely found my dentist
- JessicaApril 28, 2026★★★★★
I had a great experience here ,all the staff is super friendly and great doctor :)
- Carlos Enrique Rodríguez SantanaApril 25, 2026★★★★★
Me fue muy bien con mis brakets muy buena atención muy atentos recomendado
Patient video testimonials
Real patients. Real stories.
Hear how patients feel about their care at Omni Dental, in their own words.
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Joseph L.Joseph shares his experience with Dr. Bilus Poles
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Asja S.Asja's patient experience at Omni Dental
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Ramsen S.Why I keep coming back to Omni Dental
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Lisa K.Lisa shares her experience with Dr. Bilus Poles
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Sarah A.Outstanding dental care at Omni Dental
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do not see your question? Call us and we will talk it through.
Call (847) 483-8833Why is a molar root canal priced higher than a front tooth?
Molars usually have three or four canals, often curved and narrow, while front teeth usually have one. More canals take more time to clean, shape and seal. Molars also tend to need a crown afterward, which adds to the total.
Is a root canal considered major surgery?
No. A root canal is usually done in the dental chair with local numbing, much like a large filling, and most people go back to their day afterward. Some insurance plans list it as a "major service," which is a billing category, not a sign of surgery.
Is root canal treatment safe?
Root canal treatment is a common, well-established way to save an infected tooth. Like any dental treatment, it has some risks, such as soreness or a tooth that needs more care later. Dr. Poles reviews your health history and explains what applies to you before starting.
Does BlueCross BlueShield cover a root canal?
Omni Dental accepts BlueCross BlueShield along with Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife and most other major dental plans. What your plan pays depends on its service category, deductible and annual maximum. A pre-treatment estimate from your plan shows your share before you start.
Is the crown included in the root canal price?
Usually not. The root canal and the crown are separate treatments, often done at separate visits. Your plan may also pay for them under different service categories, so check how each one is covered.
What if I can't afford a root canal right away?
Tell us. Dr. Poles can explain which care is urgent, such as controlling infection, and which steps could wait. Putting off treatment of an infected tooth usually narrows your options, so make a plan rather than waiting without one.