Finally, if you have an infection in a tooth that already has a root canal, the procedure becomes a little more extensive. While your dentist will still need to drill to access the infected areas, you'll likely require a crown, even if you only had a filling before. This might be why your bill is higher, even if it's the same tooth you've had troubles with before. To avoid this situation, adopt oral hygiene habits and brush with fluoride toothpaste that cleans teeth thoroughly and helps protect teeth against cavities.
Talk to a dental professional if you don't have dental insurance and you're worried about the root canal cost. They may be able to extend a special discount if you pay upfront or offer a payment plan to help ease some of the pain when it comes time to pay your bill. In the end, any ethical dental professional would much rather you make an appointment and seek treatment, no matter the cost. That's because while it may seem expensive, root canals cost more the longer you wait. Let your dentist know your worries ahead of time, and you can likely work out a solution for payment and get the root canal you need.