Australia 2026 pricing guide — compare cities, health fund cover, and bulk billing options
Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) in Australia costs $900–$1,500 for front teeth and $1,500–$3,400 for molars — plus $1,500–$2,500 for the crown that is usually required afterwards. Total investment per tooth is typically $2,500–$5,900. Prices vary by number of canals, dentist versus specialist, and city.
Reviewed by the dentistrynearme.au editorial team. Last updated June 2026. Prices are based on ADA fee surveys and publicly listed clinic rates across Australia.
| City | Typical Price Range | Find Dentists |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $1,500 – $3,400 | Browse → |
| Melbourne | $1,400 – $3,200 | Browse → |
| Brisbane | $1,300 – $3,000 | Browse → |
| Adelaide | $1,200 – $2,800 | Browse → |
| Perth | $1,300 – $3,000 | Browse → |
| Gold Coast | $1,200 – $2,800 | Browse → |
| Canberra | $1,400 – $3,200 | Browse → |
Root canal treatment only for a molar (3 canals). Crown required afterwards adds $1,500–$2,500. Front tooth root canals (1 canal) cost $900–$1,500.
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) publishes annual fee surveys across all procedure codes. The table below shows the item numbers your dentist bills and the typical fee range:
| ADA Item | Description | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 415 | Root canal — 1 canal (front teeth) | $900–$1,500 |
| 416 | Root canal — 2 canals (premolars) | $1,200–$2,000 |
| 417 | Root canal — 3+ canals (molars) | $1,500–$3,400 |
| 521–527 | Crown following root canal | $1,500–$2,500 |
| 597 | Core build-up (if required) | $200–$400 |
Private health extras: Major extras policies cover root canal treatment under "Endodontics". Rebates of $500–$1,200 are common for molar treatment, subject to 12-month waiting periods and annual limits of $1,500–$3,000. A follow-up crown is often covered separately under "Crowns and Bridges" with additional rebates of $500–$1,000. Budget extras policies may only cover items 100–200 (general dentistry), excluding endodontics entirely.
Medicare / CDBS: Medicare does not cover root canal treatment. Public dental clinics treat abscessed teeth for eligible patients, but typically by extraction rather than root canal. If you hold a concession card and the tooth is non-urgent, public dental root canals are available in some states with waiting periods of 12–24 months.
A molar root canal in Australia costs $1,500–$3,400 for the treatment itself. The crown typically required afterwards adds $1,500–$2,500. Total cost per tooth is usually $3,000–$5,900 before health fund rebates. With major extras cover, out-of-pocket costs can be reduced to $1,500–$3,000 depending on your fund and annual limits.
An extraction ($200–$600) costs far less than a root canal, but tooth loss creates longer-term costs: a dental implant to replace the missing tooth costs $3,000–$7,000. If the root canal extends the tooth's life by 10+ years, it is often more cost-effective over the long term — provided the tooth is structurally restorable with a crown.
Root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthetic and should not be painful during the procedure. Post-operative soreness for 2–4 days is normal and managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Despite its reputation, most patients report the procedure is no more uncomfortable than having a large filling placed.
An endodontist (root canal specialist) charges 30–60% more than a general dentist for the same root canal: $2,000–$4,500 vs $1,000–$3,000 for a molar. Specialists are recommended for complex or retreatment cases, teeth with curved canals, or when a general dentist refers the case. The higher cost reflects specialist training and microscope-assisted precision.
Yes, if you have major dental extras cover and have served the waiting period (typically 12 months). Most funds apply a benefit of $500–$1,200 per tooth per year under endodontic items. Check whether your plan covers items 415, 416, and 417 — some budget extras policies only cover general dental items and exclude specialist treatments.
Prices are estimates based on publicly available data, ADA fee surveys, and listed clinic rates. Actual costs vary by clinic, case complexity, and health fund. Always obtain a written treatment plan before proceeding. Our editorial policy.