How Much Does Root Canal Cost in San Diego, CA?
San Diego pricing is 32% above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, mediterranean climate conditions, and San Diego's defense-biotech-tourism economy.See our methodology
Root Canal Pricing in San Diego, CA
San Diego is a high-cost market where root canal runs about 32% above the national average. The city's defense-biotech-tourism economy supports higher wages, which translates to elevated contractor rates. With a population of 1.4M, competition among providers exists but demand keeps prices firm.
Local climate plays a direct role in root canal costs here. Mild year-round climate means consistent pricing without seasonal spikes.
Market-specific factors matter in San Diego: high cost of living drives premium pricing; coastal location means salt air corrosion affects roofing and exterior work.
San Diego has strict permitting requirements. Budget an additional 5-15% for permits, inspections, and code compliance when planning your root canal project. Licensed contractors familiar with local codes can navigate this process efficiently.
San Diego vs National Average
What Affects Root Canal Cost in San Diego?
Tooth Type
Front tooth: $500-$900. Premolar: $700-$1,200. Molar: $1,000-$1,800
Crown
A crown after root canal adds $800-$2,500 to the total
San Diego Market Conditions
high cost of living drives premium pricing; coastal location means salt air corrosion affects roofing and exterior work
Local Climate Impact
mild year-round climate means consistent pricing without seasonal spikes
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Top-Rated Root Canal Pros in San Diego, CA
7 providersSummit Family Medicine
⭐ PREMIUMServing San Diego and surrounding areas since 2008. Licensed, insured, and committed to quality workmanship at fair prices.
Bright Smile Medical Center
✅ VERIFIEDValley Family Medicine
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Tips to Save on Root Canal in San Diego
- 1.General dentists often charge less than endodontists for straightforward cases
- 2.Get the crown done promptly to avoid needing a retreatment
- 3.Ask about bundled pricing for root canal + crown
- 4.In San Diego, verify your contractor handles local permits — the permitting process here is more involved than average and DIY permit applications can cause delays.
📈 Root Canal in San Diego Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,121 | — |
| 2021 | $1,168 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $1,244 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $1,279 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $1,320 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Root Canal in San Diego
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful?
Modern root canals are performed with effective anesthesia and are typically no more painful than getting a filling.
What happens if I don't get a root canal?
The infection can spread, causing an abscess, bone loss, and eventual loss of the tooth. In rare cases, untreated infections can become systemic.
Why does root canal cost different in San Diego than other cities?
San Diego's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the defense-biotech-tourism economy, mediterranean climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and strict permitting requirements. The competitive labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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