We understand that cost is an important consideration when deciding on dental treatment. At Southwest Endodontic Centre we use a fixed-fee system for all endodontic treatments — this means you will know the exact cost of your treatment before it begins. No unexpected fees at the end of your appointment, no hidden charges, no estimates that turn into something higher. Your fee is confirmed when you book.
Specialist endodontic treatment represents an investment in saving your natural tooth — a tooth that, if lost, would cost significantly more to replace with an implant or bridge, and that no replacement can fully replicate. Our fees reflect the level of specialist training, the technology involved, and the time required to manage your case to the highest standard.
Treatment fees
| Treatment | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Consultation and radiographs | $300 |
| Root canal treatment — anterior teeth (front teeth) | $2,100 – $2,700 |
| Root canal treatment — premolar teeth | $2,100 – $2,700 |
| Root canal treatment — molar teeth | $2,400 – $3,000 |
| Apical surgery (apicoectomy / apicectomy) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
* Fees are indicative and subject to change. A confirmed fixed quote will be provided at the time of booking your appointment.
ℹ Additional costs — disclosed before proceeding
Additional fees may apply in certain cases for:
- Core restorations — where the existing filling or crown structure requires rebuilding before root canal treatment can proceed
- Post removal — where a pre-existing post inside the canal must be carefully removed before retreatment
- Fractured instrument removal — specialist management of a separated file lodged in the canal system
Any additional costs will always be discussed and quoted separately before any additional treatment is undertaken. You will never be charged for something you have not agreed to.
Why fees vary between teeth
Endodontic treatment fees reflect the complexity of the tooth being treated. A molar tooth has three to four root canals compared to one or two in front teeth — each canal must be individually located, cleaned, shaped, and sealed, requiring more time, more precision instruments, and more of the specialist's skill. Complex anatomy — including curved roots, calcified canals, or a C-shaped root system — increases the time and level of difficulty further.
Retreatment cases (where a previous root canal has failed and must be redone) are more involved than initial treatment, and may require additional procedures such as post removal or fractured instrument management. All of this is assessed at your consultation appointment and explained clearly before treatment begins. You will always know what you are paying for and why.
Private health insurance
Endodontic treatment is claimable under most extras and ancillary private health insurance policies in Australia. Rebate amounts vary significantly between funds and levels of cover, so we recommend contacting your health fund before your appointment to confirm exactly what you are entitled to claim under your specific policy.
We offer HICAPS — simply swipe your health fund card at our reception on the day of your appointment and we process the on-the-spot rebate claim for you. You pay only the gap amount. We accept all major health funds.
We accept all major health funds including Medibank, Bupa, HCF, NIB, AHM, and more.
Payment plans
Payment plans are available through a third-party provider. Please speak with our reception team at your consultation to discuss this option.
Medicare and dental treatment
Endodontic treatment is not covered by Medicare. Medicare does not cover general dental treatment for adults in Australia — dental care sits outside the Medicare system except in specific limited circumstances. One exception is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which provides eligible children under 18 with access to basic dental services including some endodontic treatment. If your child has been referred to us, please let our reception team know about CDBS eligibility at the time of booking.
Frequently asked questions
At Southwest Endodontic Centre in Liverpool, root canal treatment starts from $2,100 for front and premolar teeth and from $2,400 for molar teeth. These fees reflect specialist endodontic care delivered by AHPRA registered specialist endodontists using advanced technology — an operating microscope providing up to 25× magnification and CBCT 3D imaging for precise diagnosis. A full confirmed quote is provided before treatment begins.
Yes — most extras and ancillary private health insurance policies include endodontic treatment under dental benefits. The rebate amount varies significantly depending on your health fund and your specific level of cover. We strongly recommend calling your health fund before your appointment to confirm your exact entitlements — the item numbers that apply to your treatment can be provided by our reception team to assist with this enquiry. We offer HICAPS for on-the-spot claims on the day.
Payment plans are available through a third-party provider. Please speak with our reception team at your consultation to discuss this option.
Specialist endodontists complete a minimum of three additional years of full-time university training beyond their dental degree, focusing exclusively on endodontic diagnosis and treatment. They use advanced technology — operating microscopes and CBCT 3D imaging — that is not available in most general dental practices. This combination of specialist training and equipment supports higher success rates for complex cases and the ability to manage cases that a general dentist cannot. When the alternative to root canal treatment is tooth loss, specialist care is a sound long-term investment.
Yes — always. Our fixed-fee system means your exact treatment cost is confirmed at the time of booking, before any treatment begins. There are no surprise fees at the end of your appointment. If additional treatment is identified during your consultation that was not anticipated at the time of booking — for example, a fractured instrument requiring specialist removal — this will be discussed and quoted separately before we proceed. You will never be charged for anything you have not agreed to.
Yes. Our initial consultation including clinical examination and radiographs is $300. This fee applies whether or not treatment is recommended at that visit — the consultation enables our specialists to thoroughly examine the tooth, review all imaging, and provide you with a clear diagnosis and recommended treatment plan. A specialist assessment requires the same level of time and expertise regardless of what treatment (if any) is ultimately recommended.
Fees confirmed at time of booking. For a fee estimate before booking, call (02) 9129 8806.