How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in Mexico?

Root Canal Procedure 

Root canal treatment offers relief from intense tooth pain caused by infected tooth pulp. The tooth pulp is the innermost portion of the tooth. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. It acts as a sensory portion of the tooth by detecting the temperature and pressure changes through its nerve fibers. Typically, white enamel covers the tooth surface, and below this lies the hard dentin layer. These impermeable hard structures prevent the food particles or oral bacteria from entering inside. However, in cases of tooth cavities or damaged tooth structure, the bacteria can enter the tooth, causing infection. Dentists remove the infected and inflamed tooth pulp by performing a root canal procedure. 

Are You a Candidate for Root Canal Mexico?

You might need a root canal procedure when you experience one or more of the following tooth decay symptoms.

• Severe pain deep inside the tooth, radiating over the jaws and face.
• Redness of the tender and swollen gums with a rare accumulation of pus. 
• Sudden, sharp pain when you touch the tooth or apply pressure. 
• Loose tooth within the socket due to swollen and pus-filled gums.
• Discoloration of the tooth that generally appears dark.
• Small pimples or boils on the gums holding the infected tooth.
• Severe tooth sensitivity for hot, cold, and even sweet foods.

Typically, the nerves and blood vessels lying inside the tooth chamber serve as the live portion. The pulp holding them supplies nourishment to the outer dentin. In cases of decay, the inflamed pulp bulges and swells up, posing pressure on the tooth's outer layers, leading to intense pain. Further, in some cases of severe infection, the white blood cells die out of the body’s immune reaction toward the growing bacteria. These accumulate as pus, causing dental abscesses. Dentists remove the damaged pulp portion to offer relief from all these symptoms. 

Why Is Root Canal Treatment Beneficial?

Root canal treatment helps improve oral health. Below are the key benefits of getting a root canal procedure.

• Offers relief from severe pain and improves the quality of life.
• Improves bite force and restores normal chewing ability.
• Prevents further tooth damage and infection spread to other teeth and facial structures.
• Preserve the tooth, avoiding the need for tooth extraction and the side effects associated with it.^[1]

Are you overwhelmed by the benefits and wondering about the costs associated? Worry not as we briefed this in the upcoming section.

How Much Should a Root Canal Cost?

Root canal costs can be tricky. Various factors influence the charges for root canal treatment. These include the type and position of the tooth, the severity of tooth decay, the chosen clinic and the dentist, restoration type, and whether the insurance coverage applies. 

Typically, dentists in developed countries like the United States or Canada charge higher prices compared to those in countries like Mexico, India, or Turkey. In the US, root canal treatment costs between $800 and $1,500 per tooth. On the other hand, root canal costs in Canada range between $700 and $1,200. Conversely, root canal treatment cost in Mexico, begins at just $340 per tooth. In Turkey, the same costs $100. 

Why Are Root Canals So Expensive in the United States?

The charges for a root canal procedure and a crown are typically higher in the US due to the high equipment and material costs. Root canals within the tooth are tiny and require sophisticated tools to access and clean them. Moreover, root canals in the molars and premolars can be curved and complex. In these cases, dentists require cutting-edge tools for precise cleaning. While this is crucial to avoid re-infection, the microscopic tools can add a burden to the costs. 

Further, dentists restore the root canal-treated tooth structure using a crown. Dental crowns costs are expensive due to the quality of the material used. Dentists collect tooth impressions for crown fabrication and use advanced equipment for preparation. Furthermore, the expenses related to clinic and equipment maintenance, as well as material import costs, also amount to the final treatment bills.  These are typically higher in metropolitan areas like the US. These factors collectively make dental crowns quite expensive in the country. This adds up to the final root canal treatment costs.

On the other hand, in countries like Mexico, maintaining clinics does not involve much cost. The staff salaries and clinic rents are relatively low in Mexico, making clinic maintenance lighter. Furthermore, dental education in Mexico is subsidized by the government. This is in contrast to the Stateside dentists who graduate with enormous student loans to pay university fees. To cover these loans, US dentists charge higher fees—a burden that Mexican dentists do not face. As a result, Mexican dentists can solely focus on charging for treatment rather than satisfying the overhead charges or paying off hefty student loans. Additionally, the favorable currency exchange rate of US dollars to Mexican pesos further lightens the burden for Americans seeking dental treatment in Mexico. 

Why Are Root Canals Not Covered by Insurance?

Dental treatment costs are not covered by health insurance in the United States. Patients can experience significant price coverage on various dental procedures by planning for dental insurance. Most dental insurance providers in the United States partially cover root canal costs. Patients can rest assured of 40-50% coverage for the root canal treatment. 

Note that the root canal cost with insurance varies with the insurance provider. In case you ask us, “How much do root canals cost out of pocket?”  the answer is it depends on whether you choose an in-network dentist or an out-of-network dentist. Note that some insurance providers expect a waiting period of a specified time before getting a root canal covered by insurance. Many Americans choose to pay the root canal cost without insurance rather than waiting in pain. Mexican dentists offer more or less similar quality of services compared to the Stateside dentists. For this reason, tens and thousands of Americans travel to Mexico for dental work.  

How Much Is It To Get a Root Canal in Mexico?

The price of root canal and crown in Mexico ranges between $670 and $790 per tooth. While the Molar City is a proximal choice, the Algodones dentist offers root canals at around $790 per tooth. Conversely, the root canal in Tijuana offered by Tijuana’s best dentists is priced at $670 per tooth. The prices in other Mexican cities fall more or less in a similar pattern. For instance, root canal cost in Nogales, Mexico, is the lowest at $280 per tooth. This price, along with a crown won’t be a burden compared to the Stateside prices. The prices for root canals south of the border are indeed lower than the Stateside cost. For instance, root canal cost in New Mexico, falls around $1,060, which is nearly 5 times higher than south of the border. Choosing Mexico for dental work is indeed an affordable choice for uninsured Americans. 

Are you ready to experience massive savings with root canal treatment in Mexico? Sign up with Envoy Health and get treated by top-rated dentists for high-quality care at a fraction of the cost! Say goodbye to hefty dental bills without compromising on quality. Your dental health deserves the best!

Is a Crown More Expensive Than a Root Canal?

Dental crowns are indeed considered more expensive than a root canal. However, it's worth mentioning that the cost difference between a root canal and a crown depends on the root canal complexity and crown material type. 

Dental crowns are custom-fabricated prostheses crafted to protect the root canal-treated tooth structure. This requires specialized equipment and top-quality dental materials. Crown costs depend on the type of dental material used. Typically, dental crowns made from zirconia or porcelain are expensive compared to the cheaper options like all-metal crowns. The aesthetic and durable porcelain or zirconia crowns cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per tooth in the United States. While geographical location also impacts dental costs, in Mexico, these cost you around $450 per tooth. 

On the other hand, root canals can also be pricey (in some cases) when they are complex and hard to access. While root canals for front teeth are simple, those in the molars are curved and complex. In addition, a few require microscopic tools to access them.^[2] Some require multiple sessions for effective cleaning.  

In case the root canal and crown cost Mexico, seems expensive for your budget, worry not. Mexican dentists offer a variety of alternative options for restorative purposes. 

Restoring a Root Canal Treated Tooth in Mexico

Dentists drill a hole within a decayed tooth to access the tooth interior. They will cover the opening after the root canals are cleaned. This protects the cleaned root canals from further infections. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth structure and are an efficient restorative option. While crowns may seem pricey, Mexico offers a few other low-cost options, like the onlays, inlays, or dental filling. 

Dentists use tooth-colored bonding material to cover the root canal drilled hole for any of these options. A dental filling is for a cavity drilled in the center of the tooth. While inlays cover the space between the cusps, onlays work as partial crowns covering the upper top portion of the root canal-treated tooth.  Dental crowns, on the other hand, cover the entire tooth structure. Dental fillings cost as low as $100 per tooth in Mexico. This price is far lower than the Mexican dental crown price of $490 per tooth, making fillings or onlays a cheaper alternative. However, crowns cover the entire tooth structure and are typically recommended when the decayed tooth loses its structure or has become weak and is more prone to break. Fillings and onlays are not for deformed or broken teeth, which is when a crown is mandatorily required. 

Why Choose a Root Canal in Mexico?

The benefits of choosing Mexico for root canal treatment are diverse. We listed them here.

• Cost savings: Mexico dental work costs significantly less compared to those in the States. Choosing a root canal in Mexico will save you around 70% on treatment. In addition, some Mexican clinics offer free consultation and guarantees of treatment as well. 
• Top-rated clinics: Some of the finest Mexican dental clinics are state-of-the-art equipped. They rely on digital imaging and dental lasers for diagnosis. Using specialized ultrasonic tools and advanced anesthetics will ensure precise results with the least chance of re-infection. 
• Quality treatment: Getting root canal therapy at reputed clinics offers a high success rate. The treatment is more or less similar to that offered by a Stateside dentist, and the chances of root canal re-infection are significantly low.  
• Seamless experience: Many Mexican dentists speak good English. So you don’t have to worry about the communication hassles. Further, reputed Mexican dental clinics maintain 24/7 patient support chat services. Some also offer complimentary virtual consultations, transport shuttles, and accommodation options. So, the burden of managing everything in a foreign land is indeed low when you choose Mexico for root canals. 
• Vacation opportunity: Traveling to Mexico for dental work offers a chance to visit popular Mexican cities. You can blend a boring dental trip with a refreshing vacation in Mexico. 

Being a dental tourist, it's natural to worry about safety in a foreign land.  Not all cities in Mexico are equally dangerous. Further, accidents or mishaps can happen anywhere in the world, even in the United States. All you need to do is to stay vigilant with your choice. You can perform basic pre-treatment research about the city of your choice. We briefed on this in the following section. 

Where To Get Root Canal Treatment in Mexico?

Cities like Los Algodones, Tijuana, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen are the best for dental work, including root canal procedures. Los Algodones and Tijuana are closer to the US-Mexico border and are proximal and safer options. Cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen are beach resort cities and are popular tourist attractions. Every year, thousands of tourists visit these cities for quality dental work while witnessing the marvel of Mexico. Read our article “Best Cities in Mexico for Dental Work” to gain a better understanding. 

Top Dental Clinics for Root Canal Treatment in Mexico

Below, we listed a few top-rated dental clinics for root canal treatment in Mexico. We considered the clinic credentials, accreditations, dentist qualifications, certifications, professional memberships, the technology they use, cleanliness and hygienic standards, and patient reviews for this.

• Sani Dental Group 
• Marietta Dental Care
• Cancun Dental Care
• Dentavida
• Supreme Dental Clinic

Some of these clinics are American Dental Association-approved. Dentists here are highly qualified and are professional members of the International Team of Implantology and the American Dental Association. A few of them have been in dentistry for over 30 years with a successful track record. Don’t take our word for it. Check what the real patients talk about our partner dental clinics in Mexico.

“Best dental work I’ve ever experienced. The staff are amazing and very accommodating. They are all fluent in English and Spanish, and everything is set at an amazing price. Will be coming back for the foreseeable future.”

-Manuel about the Dental Clinic in Tijuana, Mexico

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I was a little apprehensive about going to Mexico for dental work. But without a doubt, Supreme Dental Clinic was the best experience I have ever had, and I am 79 years old. Everyone at the clinic was extremely friendly and offered to help in any way they could. The facility and equipment were modern and clean. More importantly, my dentist was second to none. I can’t say enough positive and good words about my dentist, Ivan Gerardo. He was a true professional and explained my options in detail. I plan on using him as my primary dentist from now on, even though it is 4 hours driving from my home.”

-Bob about the Dental Clinic in Los Algodones, Mexico

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

These real patient experiences speak volumes about the quality of care one can expect.  

Are you ready to transform your smile and elevate your dental experience? With Envoy Health, you gain access to world-class dental care in Mexico, where top specialists provide personalized treatments in state-of-the-art facilities. We ensure your journey is seamless, affordable, and stress-free! Sign up today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!

How Long Does It Take To Get Root Canal Treatment in Mexico?

Root canal treatment in Mexico is carried out in 1-4 dental appointments, with each session taking 45-60 minutes. Note that the exact time required for treatment varies with the complexity of the root canals and the severity of the infection.

Root Canal Procedure

You will first visit your dentist in Mexico or attend a virtual consultation. They will understand your oral health concerns and examine your oral cavity. Next the dentist will conduct a thorough physical examination along with a few diagnostic tests like dental X-rays and CBCT. Based on the findings, the Mexican dentist will explain the treatment schedule along with the pros and cons and various anesthesia options. The common steps of a root canal procedure include the following:

• Your dentist will inject a local anesthetic into the gums so that you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Note that most root canals do not require sedatives and are carried under local anesthesia. Some cases of root canal infection below the gum line require a minor surgical incision, which may require a sedative.
• They will drill a small hole into the decayed tooth to access the decayed root canals.  Further, the dentist will clean the infected root canals, remove the infected pulp and debris and finally disinfect the root canals and pulp chamber.
• Next, they will seal the drilled hole using a dental sealant to prevent bacteria or food debris from re-entering the cleaned root canals. 
• The dentist will fix the permanent restoration on the root canal-treated tooth. While some patients require dental fillings, a few others require dental crowns. Dental fillings will be fixed on the same day. However, getting dental crowns follows a specific protocol, which takes a few more days. 

Root Canal in Mexico: Recovery and Aftercare

You will recover in one to two weeks after root canal treatment in Mexico. A few patients recover in less than a week, too. It typically depends on the severity of the infection and overall health condition. Adhere to the below-mentioned steps for a smoother recovery.

• Use the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers.
• Chew using the opposite of teeth so that the dental filling or restoration does not move.
• Avoid too hot, cold, or hard and crunchy foods. Instead, go for soft foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, boiled veggies, cheese and yogurt. 
• Follow your oral care routine, brush your teeth twice daily, and floss them on a regular basis. 

Risks of Root Canal Treatment in Mexico

Root canal treatment is a minimally invasive technique with low side effects and a high success rate. The treatment has long-lasting results when performed by a qualified and skilled dentist. However, few complications arise due to improper diagnosis or ineffective treatment protocols. A failed root canal treatment is typically manifested with painful, sore gums with slight swelling and tenderness. It can be due to:

• Inadequate cleaning of root canals
• Nerve damage 
• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Allergic reaction
• Weakened tooth structure 

The risks of root canal failure or treatment going wrong can be minimized with effective planning. We briefed them in the upcoming section.

Tips for a Successful Root Canal Treatment in Mexico

Here are the tips for a successful and peaceful dental trip to Mexico. 

• Get treated by a qualified, certified dentist. Find a reliable dental provider by performing meticulous research. Consider the clinic accreditations, dentist credentials, qualifications, years of experience, and success rate. 
• Attend a virtual consultation and ask your queries. A genuine dentist will explain them and help you understand every detail clearly. They will provide a transparent price breakdown so that you can compare among a few providers. Enquire about the price inclusions in case you choose dental packages for your root canal therapy in Mexico.   
• Choose a reputed dental clinic and a dentist with positive patient reviews and a high success rate.   
• Get your aftercare tips, along with post-procedure medicine and dental X-rays. The post-procedure X-rays serve as proof that your treatment has been carried out correctly or not. 
• Opt for clinics offering effective patient support services and dentists offering a warranty on treatment. This is to ensure that you are not left without assistance after treatment. Some Mexican dentists also offer virtual follow-ups, avoiding you traveling all the way around for post-treatment check-ups.  

With the right dental provider, your dental journey for healthier teeth is simple and seamless. While the root canal Mexico cost offers considerable savings, you can enjoy top-notch dental care paired with a soulful vacation. Are you overwhelmed about making the right choice for your decayed teeth? Relying on trusted dental tourism partners like Envoy Health will ensure a smoother and safer journey. We prioritize patient safety and associate with top-rated clinics only after thorough scrutiny. 

Sign up with Envoy Health and get treated by the finest dental professionals. Experience peace of mind as we guide you through every step of your dental journey, from helping you choose the right clinic and scheduling appointments to coordinating follow-ups and providing ongoing support. Let Envoy Health be your trusted partner in achieving a healthier, more confident smile!

References

1. Outcomes Of Primary Root Canal Therapy: An Updated Systematic Review Of Longitudinal Clinical Studies Published Between 2003 And 2020
2. Expert Consensus On Irrigation And Intracanal Medication In Root Canal Therapy