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Best Root Canal Dentists in El Cajon, CA (2026)

84 clinics offering root canals, rankedUpdated 6 endodontists0 paid placementsHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for root canals: Dental Arts San Diego, ranked #1 of 84 by service score; an endodontist on staff, 4.6★ from 685 Google reviews, 3 of 20 collected reviews mention root canals.

  2. 2

    Best specialist (endodontist): Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist, an endodontist on staff, 4.9★ from 423 Google reviews.

  3. 4

    Best for same-day pain relief: Emergency Dental Care, emergency visits.

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84 El Cajon clinics list root canals and are ranked here by service score. 6 list an endodontist, 1 offers same-day or emergency visits and 14 open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 53 of them.

Top 10 root canal dentists in El Cajon at a glance

Top 10 root canal dentists in El Cajon at a glance
RankClinicService scoreSpecialist on staffRating (reviews)Reviews mentioning root canalSame-day
1Dental Arts San Diego90Yes (endodontist)4.6★ (685)3—
2Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist80Yes (endodontist)4.9★ (423)——
3Avocado Family Dentistry79Yes (endodontist)4.9★ (407)——
4Emergency Dental Care78———Yes
5Jamacha Dental77—4.6★ (473)2—
6Steele Canyon Smiles Dental & Orthodontics75Yes (endodontist)4.3★ (263)——
7Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics75Yes (endodontist)3.9★ (464)——
8Dr. Shatha Mechael, DDS73————
9El Cajon Dentistry73————
10Emergency Dentistry73————

The 84 best root canal dentists in El Cajon, ranked

Ordered by service score: the DR Score plus bonuses for a specialist on staff, reviews that mention the service and same-day care where it applies.

  1. Ranked #1 for root canal in El Cajon

    #1 Dental Arts San Diego

    707 Arnele Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020, United States

    90/100

    Ranked #1 for root canals in El Cajon: an endodontist on staff; 4.6★ from 685 Google reviews.

    • 4.6from 685 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 11 AM–8 PM · Tue 11 AM–5 PM · Wed 11 AM–8 PM · Thu closed · Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Sat 9 AM–2 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  2. #2 Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist

    275 W Madison Ave #B, El Cajon, CA 92020, United States

    80/100

    Ranked #2 for root canals in El Cajon: an endodontist on staff; 4.9★ from 423 Google reviews.

    • 4.9from 423 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–6 PM · Tue 7 AM–2 PM · Wed 9 AM–6 PM · Thu 7 AM–2 PM · Fri–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Our professional and fun team provides each patient a positive and relaxing experience. We pride ourselves on possessing the state-of-the-art dental technology, techniques, and experience you can trust. Above all, new patients can expect what our life-long patients return for: outstanding dental care in an intimate practice where your time and concerns are respected. Plus, we have fun. We're glad you found us!

    From Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  3. #3 Avocado Family Dentistry

    711 Avocado Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

    79/100

    Ranked #3 for root canals in El Cajon: an endodontist on staff; 4.9★ from 407 Google reviews.

    • 4.9from 407 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Welcome to Avocado Family Dentistry, office of Dr. Sami Kashou! Dr. Kashou enjoys taking the time to educate patients on their oral health, ensuring that all treatment options are understood and all questions are answered. We offer comprehensive, general, and cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, Candid Clear Aligners, as well as ZOOM in office whitening. Please give us a call today to schedule your free Orthodontic Consult!

    From Avocado Family Dentistry's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  4. #5 Jamacha Dental

    767 Jamacha Road, El Cajon, CA 92019

    77/100

    Ranked #5 for root canals in El Cajon: 4.6★ from 473 Google reviews; 2 of 20 collected reviews mention root canals.

    • 4.6from 473 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Jamacha Dental is a family-owned and operated practice in El Cajon, providing the finest in general and cosmetic dentistry. We want you to feel great about your oral health, so we stay up to date with the latest technology. Our mission is to provide fantastic care in a warm, friendly environment. We can handle routine preventive care, while also offering cosmetic procedures like fillings, teeth whitening and veneers. We even offer short-term orthodontics and Invisalign. We…

    From Jamacha Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  5. #6 Steele Canyon Smiles Dental & Orthodontics

    2990 Jamacha Road #132, El Cajon, CA 92019, United States

    75/100

    Ranked #6 for root canals in El Cajon: an endodontist on staff; 4.3★ from 263 Google reviews.

    • 4.3from 263 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9 AM–6 PM · Wed 8 AM–5 PM · Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    At Steele Canyon Smiles, we have quality dental care in El Cajon, CA, for the whole family! Our services include sedation dentistry, pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. Our team works together to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for each of our patients. From dental check-ups to orthodontic treatment, our team is ready to help you work toward your smile goals. We are currently accepting new patients of all ages and look forward to helping you maintain a…

    From Steele Canyon Smiles Dental & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  6. #7 Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics

    2502 Jamacha Road, El Cajon, CA 92019, United States

    75/100

    Ranked #7 for root canals in El Cajon: an endodontist on staff; 3.9★ from 464 Google reviews.

    • 3.9from 464 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–5 PM · Tue–Wed 9 AM–6 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–4 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Your dentist at Bright Now Dental is waiting to provide you with exceptional dental care.The El Cajon dental staff specializes in dental emergencies and dental services such as root canals or dental crowns that may arise unexpectedly. You'll also find Bright Now Dental El Cajon's family and pediatric dentists to be knowledgeable and friendly, making your next dental check-up, teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, or braces appointment a great one.

    From Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  7. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #9 for root canals in El Cajon on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    At El Cajon Dentistry, our dental team of Waseem Alpatty, DDS & Ronda Alpatty, DDS is committed to providing advanced and compassionate care. With experienced general dentists dedicated to excellence, you can rest assured your family's smiles are in the best of hands.

    From El Cajon Dentistry's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  8. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #15 for root canals in El Cajon on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Dr. Ana and Diana Cluff are dentists committed to providing the most outstanding level of dentistry to patients. Serving the Chula Vista and Lakeside area, Dr. Cluff assures that as a patient, you can expect the highest quality care in a comforting, gentle environment. She works together with her team to create a personalized treatment vision and helps patients achieve their dental health goals. Her treatment specialities consist of dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, teeth…

    From San Diego Healthy Smiles Dr. Ana Cluff & Associates's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  9. #18 Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics

    480 Magnolia Ave Ste 103, El Cajon, CA 92020

    73/100

    Ranked #18 for root canals in El Cajon: 4.7★ from 125 Google reviews.

    • 4.7from 125 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Jack Harouni prides himself on providing exceptional patient care. He is the founder of Sacramento Spa Dentistry, one of the most elite and favorably reviewed dental offices in the Sacramento region. Dr. Harouni and his team are excited to bring his expertise and high regards for quality patient care to his new offices in three San Diego locations! SmilePlus Dentistry offers and specializes in a variety of dental services, including: -…

    From Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  10. #20 Professional Family Dental

    1100 N 2nd St Ste.1106, El Cajon, CA 92021

    73/100

    Ranked #20 for root canals in El Cajon: 4.7★ from 175 Google reviews; 3 of 20 collected reviews mention root canals.

    • 4.7from 175 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    At Professional Family Dental we strive to provide the best service at an affordable rate. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help you through every step of your dental visit. Appointments are scheduled promptly, usually within 48 hours, and we do our best to ensure that you are seen quickly with minimal wait time. Our experienced dentists will work with you to create a personalized oral health plan to meet your specific dental needs.

    From Professional Family Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  11. #23 RSD Dental Group and Orthodontics

    2907 Jamacha Road Ste B, El Cajon, CA 92019, United States

    72/100

    Ranked #23 for root canals in El Cajon: 4.5★ from 269 Google reviews; 1 of 20 collected reviews mentions root canals.

    • 4.5from 269 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–7 PM · Tue–Thu 8 AM–6 PM · Fri 7:30 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    As a Smile Generation Trusted office, we welcome you to RSD Dental Group and Orthodontics! With state-of-the-art infection control procedures in place, our #1 goal is to keep you and your family safe. We provide comprehensive specialty services with advanced, proven technology and offer customized financial solutions for you. We are proud to be your complete El Cajon dental provider with services including Teledentistry, Same-Day Dental Crowns, Boost Whitening, Oral Surgery,…

    From RSD Dental Group and Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  12. #25 Granite Hills Dental Team

    810 Jamacha Road Suite 104, El Cajon, CA 92019

    71/100

    Ranked #25 for root canals in El Cajon: 5.0★ from 302 Google reviews.

    • 5.0from 302 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 10 AM–6 PM · Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed–Thu 7 AM–3 PM · Fri–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    As a dentist in El Cajon, our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as a leading practice in the community. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve. When you visit Granite Hills Dental Team, your smile is our top priority. At Granite Hills Dental Team, we pride ourselves on providing patients with exceptional customer service and a unique dental experience. At the end of each appointment we send patients…

    From Granite Hills Dental Team's own description. Not part of the ranking.

All 84 clinics

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #84, in DR Score order; each links to its full profile.

RankClinicDR ScoreRating (reviews)Evenings / weekends
26Sun Valley Dental Care714.8★ (129)
27Fletcher Hills Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Center714.9★ (25)
28El Cajon Dental & Orthodontics704.1★ (228)Sat
29Simhairy Dental704.3★ (105)Sat
30Cesar Jimenez, DDS704.9★ (372)
31Dr. Selma Y. Younan, DDS703.3★ (12)
32Family Dentistry: Nguyen Hung DDS694.3★ (3)
33San Diego Smiles694.9★ (211)
34Laurel M. Morello. DDS695.0★ (59)
35East County Family Dental Center684.2★ (441)Evenings
36Urgent Dental Assistance673.7★ (3)Evenings · Sat · Sun
37Dr. Ana I. Cluff, DDS67
38Dr. Kevin C. Osborn, DDS67
39Dr. Yeukkei Cheung67
40Family & Cosmetic Dentistry67
41Hillside Family Dental Center67
42Mina Abdullah67
43Rancho Dental Group67
44Singing Hills Family Dentistry67
45Korel Family Dentistry664.6★ (64)
46Dr. Tao D. Nguyen, DDS663.7★ (6)Evenings · Sat
47East County Dental Associates664.6★ (100)Evenings
48Western Dental & Orthodontics663.9★ (798)Sat
49Fletcher Hills Dental Arts664.8★ (90)
50Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates655.0★ (80)
51Sycuan Medical Dental Center644.6★ (96)
52San Diego Children's Dentistry645.0★ (1)
53Bella Dental Group645.0★ (49)
54Immediate Dental Help642.3★ (3)
55CITIDental Rancho644.9★ (54)
56Dr. David B. Joseph, DDS635.0★ (1)
57Dr. Hemant Sachdeva635.0★ (1)
58Family Dentistry633.7★ (3)
59Rancho Dental Arts634.7★ (40)
60Kaiser Permanente Bostonia Medical Offices634.0★ (144)
61Brenda Evans Louka DDS - El Cajon, CA623.5★ (32)
62Keen Dentistry624.7★ (15)Evenings
63Tower Dentistry614.7★ (15)
64Dr. Maribel A. Celebrado, DDS614.3★ (17)Sat
65Jared George C DDS612.1★ (14)Evenings
66Dr. Maria Elda Alsayeh614.1★ (14)
67Dr. Gary A. Olen, DDS594.9★ (16)
68Uriarte Dental Practice Inc592.8★ (10)
69Samar Atto DDS.595.0★ (11)
70Graham R Freer Inc575.0★ (5)
71Horizon Dental Group563.3★ (110)
72J R Gassman DDS565.0★ (4)
73STEPHAN FAMILY DENTAL47Sat
74Parcel Gary V DDS47Sat
7540/30 DENTAL47Sat
764030 DENTAL47Sat
77Duran Frank DDS37
78Michael J Maurer DDS,MS, Inc. and Associates37
79Rancho San Diego Dental37
80Dr. H Hermes, DDS37
81La Maestra Dental - El Cajon33
82La Maestra Family Clinic33
83Santee Cottonwood Dental33
84Mansour Raymond N DDS33

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Emergency and weekend dentists in El Cajon

Clinics that list same-day or emergency care, or post Saturday, Sunday or after-6 PM hours. Severe swelling or bleeding: go to a hospital.

What is a root canal?

A root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, then cleans, disinfects and seals the canals. It is done to save a natural tooth that would otherwise need to come out. Most back teeth need a crown afterward.

Root canal: specialist or general dentist?

Many general dentists perform root canals, especially on front teeth and premolars. Endodontists are root canal specialists with 2–3 extra years of training. They are often recommended for molars with curved or hidden canals, retreatments, and teeth with unusual anatomy.

6 of El Cajon's 84 clinics offering root canals have an endodontist on staff. See endodontists in El Cajon

How much does a root canal cost in El Cajon?

Typical ranges in USD for El Cajon, CA. Your price depends on the tooth, the case and the clinic.

How much does a root canal cost in El Cajon?
TypeTypical range (USD)BasisAs of
Front tooth (anterior)$980–$1,450DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California—
Premolar (bicuspid)$1,100–$1,700DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California—
Molar$1,400–$1,950DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California—
Retreatment of a previous root canal$1,550–$2,350DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California—

Estimates, not quotes. Ask the clinic for a written estimate. Full root canal cost guide for El Cajon

What to expect from a root canal

Typical ranges for most patients. Your dentist's plan may differ.

A root canal: visits, chair time and recovery
FactTypically
Typical visits1–2 visits, plus a later visit for a crown on most back teeth
Chair timeAbout 60–90 minutes per visit
RecoveryMost patients return to normal activity the next day; tenderness for a few days is common
When to see a specialistMolars, retreatment of an earlier root canal, calcified or curved canals, or when your dentist refers you

How we ranked El Cajon root canal dentists

We scored 84 El Cajon clinics offering root canals on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 29 were excluded (2 closed and 27 duplicate listings). Data from Google listings and clinic websites, refreshed October 21, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Featured clinics are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

DR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn El Cajon data
Reputation45%Bayesian-adjusted Google star ratingMeasured
Review volume15%log10(review count) against the city maximumMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews in the last 12 monthsMeasured
Access15%Evenings, Saturday, Sunday, same-day/emergency, accepting new patientsMeasured
Services10%Services offered out of 17Measured
Profile completeness5%Named dentists, years open, languages, insurance, photosMeasured

Root canals in El Cajon: frequently asked questions

Who is the best root canal dentist in El Cajon?

Dental Arts San Diego ranks #1 of 84 El Cajon clinics offering root canals by DentistsRanked service score. It has an endodontist on staff and 4.6★ from 685 Google reviews. Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist ranks #2 (an endodontist on staff). The score weighs reputation, access, services and profile data, plus a bonus for an endodontist on staff.

How much does a root canal cost in El Cajon, CA?

A root canal in El Cajon typically costs $980–$1,960 USD. By type: front tooth (anterior) $980–$1,450; premolar (bicuspid) $1,100–$1,700; molar $1,400–$1,950. These are estimates, not quotes. Basis: DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California. Ask the clinic for a written estimate.

Do general dentists in El Cajon do root canals?

Yes. 78 of the 84 El Cajon clinics offering root canals do not list an endodontist, so general dentists there typically provide it. 6 list an endodontist on staff. Typical reasons to see an endodontist: molars, retreatment of an earlier root canal, calcified or curved canals, or when your dentist refers you.

Which El Cajon clinics offer same-day root canals?

1 of 84 El Cajon clinics offering root canals lists same-day or emergency appointments, led by Emergency Dental Care. Same-day treatment depends on the diagnosis and the schedule, so call ahead to confirm before you go.

Is a root canal covered by insurance or Medicaid in California?

Many dental insurance plans cover root canals as basic or major care, often at 50–80% after the deductible, up to the annual maximum. The crown is usually billed separately. Medicaid coverage for adults varies by state.

Does a root canal hurt?

Most patients say a root canal feels similar to getting a filling, because the tooth is numbed with local anesthetic. The infection beforehand is often more painful than the procedure. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is common and usually eases with over-the-counter pain relief.

Which El Cajon root canal dentists are open on Saturday?

14 of 84 El Cajon clinics offering root canals list Saturday hours, including Dental Arts San Diego, Emergency Dental Care and Jamacha Dental. Hours come from each clinic's listing; check with the clinic before you go, since holiday and summer hours can change.

How many dentists offer root canals in El Cajon?

84 El Cajon clinics list root canals in our data. 6 of them list an endodontist on staff. They include Dental Arts San Diego and Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist. 14 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 53 of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for El Cajon

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 92 clinics.
  2. : 27 duplicate listings merged.
  3. : 2 closed clinics removed.