Root Canals Abroad: What to Expect

A root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the canal, and seals it — typically followed by a crown to protect the now-weakened tooth. In the US, a root canal alone (before the crown) commonly costs $700-$1,500 depending on the tooth; in Cali, the equivalent procedure runs $150-$350.

Root canals are usually completed in a single visit (occasionally two, if the infection is severe and needs a temporary dressing period before final sealing), making them one of the more travel-friendly procedures on this list. However, because a root canal is almost always followed by a crown, most patients should budget for both procedures and a few extra days in Cali to allow the crown to be fabricated and placed.

If you're traveling specifically for a root canal on a tooth that's currently causing pain, prioritize getting X-rays to your clinic before you fly — an infection that's more advanced than expected may need antibiotics started before you arrive, or could affect how quickly the procedure can be completed once you land.

Bottom line: root canals are typically a fast, single-visit procedure, but plan for a few extra days if a crown is also needed on the same tooth.