A root canal procedure isn’t just about saving a natural tooth — it’s also about preserving overall oral health and avoiding more extensive dental work, like dental implants or dentures. Yet, for many patients, the cost of a root canal treatment can be a barrier. And for dental practices, that barrier often results in delayed care, canceled appointments, or increased administrative work.

That’s why root canal payment plans matter for both patients and providers. Offering flexible financing options helps patients move forward with necessary dental procedures while supporting practices in delivering timely care and reducing financial friction.

Whether managing high out-of-pocket costs, navigating limited insurance coverage, or looking for alternatives to large upfront payments, the right payment plan can make a meaningful difference in access to care.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

The total cost of root canal care can range widely depending on several factors, including:

• Type of tooth (molars, premolars, or incisors/front teeth)
• Location of the tooth in the mouth
• Whether the procedure requires a dental crown
• The complexity of the procedure (e.g., if there's an abscess, infected pulp, or a cracked tooth)
• Need for additional procedures like x-rays, retreatment, or orthodontics
• Use of sedation or local anesthesia
• The geographic location and pricing standards of local dental offices

Without insurance, patients can expect the average cost of a root canal procedure to be anywhere from $700 to $1,500. That estimate can climb when factoring in the crown costs and associated treatment, including follow-up care.

What Dental Payment Plans Offer Patients

Rather than paying the full treatment cost upfront, a payment plan allows patients to split their dental care bills into manageable payments. These plans can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses, especially when insurance coverage is limited or the patient lacks dental insurance plans entirely.

Benefits for patients include:

• Access to urgent endodontic procedures for an infected tooth or toothache
• The ability to preserve a natural tooth without delay
• Reduced need for high-interest credit cards
• No long wait for insurance provider approval
• A smoother path to follow-through with a full treatment plan, including crowns, veneers, or even cosmetic dentistry

What Dental Practices Gain From Offering Payment Plans

For providers, offering flexible financing boosts case acceptance and supports better dental health outcomes. When patients have access to dental financing, they’re more likely to:

• Commit to the root canal therapy they need
• Schedule sooner and complete more of their recommended dental treatment
• Choose optimal options (like a dental crown) instead of settling for a tooth extraction
• Remain loyal to your dental practice for future dental procedures

It also minimizes your team’s time spent chasing upfront payments or explaining insurance plans. That means fewer cancellations, stronger patient relationships, and more predictable revenue.

Types of Dental Financing Options for Root Canal Procedures

Not all payment plans work the same way — much depends on the financing option behind them. Some plans are handled in-house by dental offices, while others are managed by third-party lenders, BNPL providers, or insurance plans. Each option comes with its own structure, from how monthly payments are calculated to whether a credit check is required. Here are some of the most common:

1. Dental Insurance Plans

Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for endodontic procedures, including root canal treatment, but the specifics vary widely. Dental insurance covers treatments based on whether they’re classified as “basic” or “major,” and many plans only pay a percentage of the total, leaving patients with significant out-of-pocket costs.

It’s also common for insurance to exclude coverage for dental crowns, retreatment, or sedation. Patients should review their dental plan’s deductible, annual maximum, and network restrictions before proceeding. Pre-authorization may be required, and limitations on the type of tooth being treated (such as molars or bicuspids) can also affect reimbursement.

2. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

HSAs and FSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that allow patients to set aside pre-tax dollars specifically for medical and dental care expenses. These funds can be used to pay for a wide range of eligible costs associated with a root canal treatment, including x-rays, local anesthesia, and dental crowns.

One advantage of these accounts is that they’re not limited by network providers or insurance coverage. However, FSAs are “use it or lose it” accounts that must be spent within the plan year, while HSAs roll over annually but are only available to those enrolled in high-deductible health plans. These options are especially valuable for patients who anticipate complex procedures or additional costs.

3. Credit Cards

While credit cards offer instant access to funds and are widely accepted at dental offices, they are often the most expensive way to finance dental procedures. High interest rates can quickly add up, especially if the balance isn’t paid off within the first billing cycle. This can make an already costly root canal procedure much more expensive over time.

Additionally, carrying a high balance can negatively affect a patient’s credit score. Still, for patients with rewards cards or promotional 0% interest offers, this option may be viable if they can pay for the treatment quickly. Credit cards are best used, if at all, as a short-term solution or backup option when other financing options are unavailable.

4. Medical Loans

Medical loans are personal loans offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders specifically for healthcare and dental services. Patients can borrow a lump sum to cover the overall cost of the procedure, then repay it over time in fixed monthly payments.

These loans typically require a full application process, including a hard credit check, and approval depends on factors like income, debt-to-income ratio, and credit score. While patients with excellent credit may secure favorable interest rates, those with average or poor credit might be offered high rates or denied altogether.

Medical loans can be useful for patients needing help with additional procedures, retreatment, or high upfront expenses, but they should always be evaluated carefully for fees and repayment terms.

5. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Providers

BNPL providers have quickly become a practical financing option for patients who need urgent dental procedures like a root canal treatment but can’t cover the total cost all at once. Instead of paying the full amount upfront, patients can choose a short-term payment plan with fixed monthly payments — and in some cases, interest-free options — helping reduce immediate financial pressure.

What makes BNPL different from traditional dental financing tools like credit cards or medical loans is its accessibility. Many BNPL providers, like Cherry, perform only a soft credit check, which not only makes it easier for people of varying financial backgrounds to get approved for funding, but also doesn’t affect their credit score. This option can be especially helpful for patients facing high out-of-pocket costs or limited dental insurance coverage, and it’s generally the fastest way to get a root canal payment plan.

6. Dental Schools

Many university-affiliated dental schools operate public clinics that offer discounted dental services, including root canal procedures, to give students real-world experience under supervision. These clinics often charge significantly less than private dental practices.

While the complexity of the procedure may affect whether a school clinic can accept a particular case, they typically offer comprehensive care, including x-rays, local anesthesia, and even dental crowns in some cases. Availability varies by geographic location, and patients may need to schedule well in advance due to high demand.

7. In-House Payment Plans

Some dental offices offer their own in-house payment plans, which allow patients to pay the treatment cost over time directly to the provider. These plans are often interest-free and do not involve a third party, making them an attractive option for patients who prefer a straightforward arrangement.

They do, however, usually require a down payment, and the repayment period may be shorter than external financing options. Terms vary by practice, and not all offices offer this option because it involves taking on financial risk if the borrower does not repay.

8. Dental Discount Plans

Dental discount plans are membership-based programs that offer reduced rates on a wide range of dental procedures. Unlike insurance plans, these programs don’t involve claims or reimbursement — they simply provide negotiated discounts with participating dental providers.

Membership fees are usually paid annually, and savings can range from 10% to 60%, depending on the procedure. These plans are especially beneficial for patients who don’t qualify for traditional insurance coverage or have a high deductible.

9. Local Charities and Nonprofits

In certain areas, community-based organizations and nonprofits offer assistance with dental treatment for underserved populations. These programs may provide free or low-cost root canal procedures, particularly when there is a risk of tooth loss, tooth infection, or an untreated abscess.

Eligibility typically depends on income, residency, and medical necessity, and availability can vary widely by region. Patients may also find support from faith-based groups or healthcare foundations that cover urgent or essential dental work. While these resources are limited, they can be life-changing for those who qualify.

10. State or County Public Health Programs

Publicly funded dental health programs, often run by local health departments or community clinics, may provide access to endodontic procedures on a sliding-fee scale. These services are frequently available to children, seniors, and low-income adults and may be covered partially or entirely depending on the patient’s circumstances.

Some programs focus specifically on emergency care — such as treating an infected tooth or providing a tooth extraction — while others support full treatment plans, including root canal therapy. Wait times and eligibility criteria can vary, but these programs are a vital resource in areas where access to care is limited.

11. Medical Credit Lines from Banks or Credit Unions

Certain lenders, such as CareCredit, offer revolving credit lines that can be used for healthcare and dental services. These medical credit lines are accepted at many dental offices and offer short-term promotional periods with 0% interest, provided the balance is paid in full by the end of the term.

They require a credit application and may involve a hard credit check, and approval often hinges on a patient’s credit score. After the promotional period, interest rates can increase substantially, and some providers even charge deferred interest. These lines of credit may work well for patients who can manage their payments responsibly, but they carry risks that can be even higher than traditional credit cards if not used carefully.

How Patients Evaluate Root Canal Payment Plans

When deciding how to pay for a root canal procedure, patients consider more than just cost. Here are the top factors they evaluate before choosing a payment plan:

1. Monthly Payments and Total Cost

Patients first assess the overall affordability of the plan. That includes both the monthly payments and the total cost after any interest rates or fees. Plans with predictable, transparent payment structures are more attractive — especially when insurance coverage is limited or nonexistent. The ability to finance related expenses like x-rays, dental crowns, or sedation also matters.

2. Credit Check Requirements

For patients concerned about their credit score, whether or not a credit check is required can be a deciding factor. Many prefer Buy Now, Pay Later options — such as those offered by Cherry — because they involve only a soft check which doesn’t impact credit score. This sets BNPL apart from credit cards, medical loans, and medical credit lines, which usually require a hard inquiry and are more likely to deny applicants with below-average credit scores.

3. Ease of Application and Approval

The application process itself plays a major role — particularly when patients have tooth pain from an infected pulp or abscess. Complicated or time-consuming applications can lead patients to delay care for the affected tooth. Many choose dental financing options with instant or same-day approval, especially those that are integrated into the dental office’s checkout or treatment workflow.

4. Flexibility and Trust in the Provider

Patients also evaluate the flexibility of the payment options. Can the plan be adjusted if their financial situation changes? Is there clear communication around terms and repayment? Whether the financing is handled through an in-house plan, a BNPL provider, or a third-party lender, patients want to feel confident in the provider’s transparency and support.

By understanding these priorities, dental practices can better align their financing options with what patients actually need—making it easier to move forward with critical dental procedures like root canal therapy while supporting long-term oral health and financial wellness.

Tips for Dental Practices Implementing Payment Plans

To get the most from offering payment plans, dental professionals should:

• Clearly explain the total cost of the root canal treatment, including potential additional costs
• Be transparent about insurance coverage and expected out-of-pocket costs
• Offer multiple payment options
• Train front-office staff on how to guide patients through financing options
• Display financing options clearly on your website and in your treatment rooms

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re an independent endodontist or a larger dental group, root canal payment plans can help your office make root canal therapy more accessible — helping more patients preserve their oral health and avoid larger health issues down the line.

Ready to give your patients a better way to pay? Over 40,000 medical practices already rely on Cherry to help patients pay for treatment without the financial stress. Here’s why:

• Instant approval decisions with soft credit checks that don’t impact credit score
• Flexible payment plans ranging from 3 to 60 months
• 0% APR options available for qualified patients
• High approval rates (80%+) — even for patients with limited credit history
• No hidden fees or prepayment penalties
• Mobile-friendly application process that patients can complete in seconds
• Direct integration into your treatment workflow for a seamless front desk experience
• Increased case acceptance and greater access to Invisalign for more patients

Book a free demo with Cherry to explore how flexible payment options can boost case acceptance and elevate your patient experience.