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Best Root Canal Dentists in Santa Cruz, CA (2026)

44 clinics offering root canals, rankedUpdated 1 endodontist0 paid placementsHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for root canals: Coastal Endodontics - Dr. William G. Kuhn, DDS, ranked #1 of 44 by service score; an endodontist on staff, 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews, 3 of 9 collected reviews mention root canals.

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44 Santa Cruz clinics list root canals and are ranked here by service score. 1 lists an endodontist and 5 open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 1 of them.

Top 10 root canal dentists in Santa Cruz at a glance

Top 10 root canal dentists in Santa Cruz at a glance
RankClinicService scoreSpecialist on staffRating (reviews)Reviews mentioning root canal
1Coastal Endodontics - Dr. William G. Kuhn, DDS68Yes (endodontist)5.0★ (9)3
2Advanced Dentistry67———
3Brose Karl M DDS67———
4Guy Peabody67———
5Kevin Reuter67———
6Primavera Carl V DDS67———
7Santa Cruz Dentists67———
8Vogel Dari w DDS67———
9Vu H Le DDS Corporation47———
10Santa Cruz Smiles47———

The 44 best root canal dentists in Santa Cruz, 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.

  12. #12 Peabody Dental Care

    620 Frederick St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #12 for root canals in Santa Cruz: evening hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue–Wed 8 AM–5 PM · Thu 11 AM–8 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Peabody Dental CareFull profile(831) 457-0343
    In their words

    Whether you need a general dentist, cosmetic dentist, restorative dental services, emergency dental care or sedation to ease your dental anxiety, the office of Peabody Dental Care, in Santa Cruz, California can assist! We have helped patients maintain bright smiles since 1988. Peabody Dental Care is here to serve both your oral health and personal comfort.

    From Peabody Dental Care's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  13. #13 Western Dental & Orthodontics

    1107 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

    43/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #13 for root canals in Santa Cruz: Saturday hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 8 AM–4:30 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Western Dental & OrthodonticsFull profile(831) 227-2160
    In their words

    We make high quality dental care convenient and affordable at our Western Dental office located near you. Our friendly and experienced dental professionals provide a wide range of family dental services including orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and emergency dental care. Our general dentists, specialists and hygienists are all under one roof. Which means that treatment for implants, braces, or periodontal care can take place in the same office. Here, we gladly treat…

    From Western Dental & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  15. #15 Christie Family Dentistry

    550 Water St Suite E-1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #15 for root canals in Santa Cruz 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

    Book appointment at Christie Family DentistryFull profile(831) 429-8419

  17. #17 Donald P Connolly DDS

    824 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #17 for root canals in Santa Cruz 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

    Book appointment at Donald P Connolly DDSFull profile(831) 426-1056
    In their words

    Serving the Santa Cruz, Aptos, and Watsonville, CA, areas with affordable, comfortable and efficient orthodontic care, Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stan Sokolow, along with our friendly team, have been creating beautiful, straight smiles for more than 35 years. We're excited to build new relationships with the next generation of patients in our community with the same commitment to excellence that we've established over the past three decades.

    From Donald P Connolly DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  18. #18 Dr. Robert Matiasevich Jr. DDS

    1775 Dominican Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #18 for root canals in Santa Cruz 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–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Dr. Robert Matiasevich Jr. DDSFull profile(831) 316-1580
    In their words

    For their patient’s benefit, advanced learning and the implementation of new technologies at the leading edge of dentistry is a constant for Dr. Matiasevich and his office. The friendly team is known for their down to earth and non-technical communication style making complex dentistry easy to understand. We are open daily to meet your Santa Cruz dentistry needs.

    From Dr. Robert Matiasevich Jr. DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  19. #19 A. Gavin McClure, DDS

    525 Center St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #19 for root canals in Santa Cruz 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–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at A. Gavin McClure, DDSFull profile(831) 426-1343

  20. #20 E. John Baron, DDS, INC.

    550 Water St Ste L-1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #20 for root canals in Santa Cruz 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–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at E. John Baron, DDS, INC.Full profile(831) 325-0236
    In their words

    At E. John Baron, DDS, INC. dentist office in Santa Cruz CA, your smile is our top priority. Dr. Baron with the entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve. Part of our commitment to serving our patients includes providing information that helps them to make more informed decisions about their oral health needs.

    From E. John Baron, DDS, INC.'s own description. Not part of the ranking.

  21. #21 Dr. Mohana Awasthi DDS Inc

    1588 Soquel Dr Suite #3, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #21 for root canals in Santa Cruz 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–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Dr. Mohana Awasthi DDS IncFull profile(831) 454-8120

  22. #22 Micro Endodontics of Santa Cruz: Niyati Patel DDS

    550 Water St Bldg I-1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #22 for root canals in Santa Cruz 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–Thu 8:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Micro Endodontics of Santa Cruz: Niyati Patel DDSFull profile(831) 427-1660
    In their words

    Thank you for your interest in Micro Endodontics of Santa Cruz. We are specialist members of the American Association of Endodontists. We look forward to being of service to you. Our expert team, led by respected endodontic specialist Dr. Niyati Patel, includes an experienced endodontic staff. We provide the highest standard of professional care in a friendly, comfortable environment. By referring you to our office, your dentist has shown their concern that you receive the…

    From Micro Endodontics of Santa Cruz: Niyati Patel DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  23. #23 Alana Thompson DDS- Seabright Dental Studio

    1016 Soquel Ave #2, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #23 for root canals in Santa Cruz 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–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Alana Thompson DDS- Seabright Dental StudioFull profile(831) 431-6477

All 44 clinics

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #44, in DR Score order; each links to its full profile.

RankClinicDR Score
26Santa Cruz Dental Care37
27Audrey Wingo, DDS37
28Five Gables Family Dentistry37
29Jeffrey Smith, DDS37
30Advanced Dentistry Kevin Ippisch, DDS, Inc.37
31Aura Marcela Torres DDS37
32Mission Hill Dental - Flavio Cheng D.M.D37
33Dr. Randall Medefesser, DDS37
34Kai Family Dentistry: Lynda Tran, DDS37
35David Refaee DDS33
36David Refaee DDS Kathy Ansarinia DDS33
37Santa Cruz Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery33
38Dientes Community Dental Care, Beach Flats33
39Dientes Community Dental Care, Capitola Road33
40Trang K Tran, DDS33
41Dr. David L. Biles, DDS33
42Heit Family Dentistry DDS33
43Dr. Steve S. Kerba, DDS33
44Yien Laurence DDS33

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Emergency and weekend dentists in Santa Cruz

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.

1 of Santa Cruz's 44 clinics offering root canals has an endodontist on staff. See endodontists in Santa Cruz

How much does a root canal cost in Santa Cruz?

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

How much does a root canal cost in Santa Cruz?
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 Santa Cruz

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 Santa Cruz root canal dentists

We scored 44 Santa Cruz clinics offering root canals on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 1 was excluded (1 duplicate listing). 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz: frequently asked questions

Who is the best root canal dentist in Santa Cruz?

Coastal Endodontics - Dr. William G. Kuhn, DDS ranks #1 of 44 Santa Cruz clinics offering root canals by DentistsRanked service score. It has an endodontist on staff and 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews. Advanced Dentistry 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 Santa Cruz, CA?

A root canal in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz do root canals?

Yes. 43 of the 44 Santa Cruz clinics offering root canals do not list an endodontist, so general dentists there typically provide it. 1 lists 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.

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 Santa Cruz root canal dentists are open on Saturday?

5 of 44 Santa Cruz clinics offering root canals list Saturday hours, including Vu H Le DDS Corporation, Santa Cruz Smiles and Santa Cruz Children's Dental Group. 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 Santa Cruz?

44 Santa Cruz clinics list root canals in our data. 1 of them lists an endodontist on staff. They include Coastal Endodontics - Dr. William G. Kuhn, DDS. 5 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 1 of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Santa Cruz

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 63 clinics.
  2. : 1 duplicate listing merged.

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