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Best Root Canal Dentists in Monterey, CA (2026)

60 clinics offering root canals, rankedUpdated 0 paid placementsHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for root canals: Adriana Lalinde, DDS, ranked #1 of 60 by service score; ranked on access and profile data; Google ratings not yet collected.

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60 Monterey clinics list root canals and are ranked here by service score. 1 opens Saturdays. None list an endodontist on staff in our data yet. Google ratings are not yet collected for these clinics.

Top 10 root canal dentists in Monterey at a glance

The 60 best root canal dentists in Monterey, 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 Monterey

    #1 Adriana Lalinde, DDS

    73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #1 for root canals in Monterey 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

    I am a practicing family dentist with 38 years of experience. I have a background that includes periodontal health, TMJ rehabilitation and proudly hold a Diplomate Certificate from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine to treat sleep disorders including snore and sleep apnea. I have devoted my career to developing a compassionate, gentle, high-quality approach with an evidence based technique to master the art of dentistry. My devotion to superior dentistry has also…

    From Adriana Lalinde, DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  2. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #4 for root canals in Monterey 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. Lagier received her baccalaureate degree in Biology from the University of the Pacific and in Dental Hygiene from the University of California at San Francisco, both with honors. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific. While studying at UCSF she did research on calcium content of saliva in relationship to calcium levels produced by the parathyroid gland. Dr. Lagier is a member of the Monterey Bay Dental Society and has served on the…

    From Dr. Lois Lagier, DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  3. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #6 for root canals in Monterey 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

    If you've been referred to us, or are looking for a periodontist, be assured every member of my team and I are dedicated to providing the finest care you can receive. Our office is warm, friendly, and each of us strive to create a positive experience for every patient. I've devoted my career to providing my patients conservative, predictable, cutting-edge treatment that comfortably restores health, function and form.

    From Monterey Periodontics Center's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  4. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #7 for root canals in Monterey 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. Ryan Lehr received his degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry. Dr. Lehr has clinical experience in diagnosis and treatment planning, preventative care, as well as restorative and prosthodontic dentistry. Dr. Lehr believes the responsibility of a dentist is to educate and guide patients so they can make their own decisions on oral health care. When recommending treatment options, Dr. Lehr explains the how and why, ensuring each patient gains a comprehensive…

    From Ryan Lehr, D.D.S.'s own description. Not part of the ranking.
  5. #24 Alta Mesa Family Dentistry

    335 El Dorado St #1, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #24 for root canals in Monterey on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  6. #25 Alta Mesa Family Dentistry: Kroll Darcie M DDS

    335 El Dorado St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #25 for root canals in Monterey on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

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Emergency and weekend dentists in Monterey

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.

None of Monterey's 60 clinics offering root canals list an endodontist on staff in our data yet. See endodontists in Monterey

How much does a root canal cost in Monterey?

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

How much does a root canal cost in Monterey?
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 Monterey

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 Monterey root canal dentists

We scored 60 Monterey clinics offering root canals on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 12 were excluded (12 duplicate listings). Google ratings are not yet collected, so each score is renormalised over the factors we measured. 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 Monterey data
Reputation45%Bayesian-adjusted Google star ratingNot yet collected
Review volume15%log10(review count) against the city maximumNot yet collected
Recency10%Share of reviews in the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
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 Monterey: frequently asked questions

Who is the best root canal dentist in Monterey?

Adriana Lalinde, DDS ranks #1 of 60 Monterey clinics offering root canals by DentistsRanked service score. Brian D. Lackey, DDS ranks #2. 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 Monterey, CA?

A root canal in Monterey 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 Monterey do root canals?

Yes. None of the 60 Monterey clinics offering root canals list an endodontist on staff in our data, so general dentists there typically provide it. Typical reasons to see an endodontist: molars, retreatment of an earlier root canal, calcified or curved canals, or when your dentist refers you.

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 Monterey root canal dentists are open on Saturday?

1 of 60 Monterey clinics offering root canals lists Saturday hours, including Monterey County Dentistry Services. 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 Monterey?

60 Monterey clinics list root canals in our data. 0 of them list an endodontist on staff. 1 is open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for none of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Monterey

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 62 clinics.
  2. : 12 duplicate listings merged.