can I call different dentists to get an estimate on a root canal?

You have the right to be a consumer and try to get a bargain. I take it that either A) you don’t have dental insurance, or B) your insurance doesn’t cover it or covers little. Most dentists will be more than happy to provide the cost for the procedure.

No you can’t call around and get a quote on a root canal from different dentists. It’s not like buying car insurance. You will not be able to get a price from a dentist without him/her seeing you first. By law they can not quote you a price for a procedure without seeing you first. It’s the same thing as calling a Dr. you’ve never seen before and asking them to diagnose your problem over the phone. It can’t be done. There are many types of root canals and they all cost different prices. It also depends on what tooth it is and what kind of crown the dentist will put on it. Most people think there’s a set fee for this type of procedure but that isn’t the case. It is a case by case scenario and if you feel like the price is too high at your current dentist I reccomend getting a copy of your xray and getting a second opinion. Normally for a root canal and a crown you are looking at spending around $900 for both. Of course, if you have insurance then the price would be drastically less. Some dentists have payment plans/options and I would look into that if you are paying cash for this. Good luck, I have had a root canal and crown myself and it’s not fun!