DentalNPI
Specialty

Endodontists in the U.S.

Root canals and tooth-pulp specialists. Featuring 60 top-ranked providers across 29 states, classified under the endodontist dental sub-specialty.

Verified · NPPES (CMS)refreshed May 7, 2026

National endodontist snapshot

Aggregates over 502 indexed endodontists in 51 states.

Indexed providersNPPES

502

Across 51 states.

Medicare-enrolledCMS

76%

383 of 502 have CMS enrollment on file.

HPSA-servingHRSA

9%

44 practice in HRSA-designated dental shortage areas.

Median MIPSCMS QPP

91/ 100

Interquartile range 91–91.

Calculated from 1 endodontists who report MIPS.

Methodology →
Avg practice locationsCMS

1.7

Mean across CMS provider enrollment records — oral surgeons trend higher because of multi-site privileges.

Avg hospital affiliationsNPPES

1.0

Mean affiliated hospitals per provider with ≥1 affiliation.

Median industry paymentOpen Payments

$347

Calculated over 462 endodontists with disclosures. Higher in implant/oral-surgery specialties — disclosure is normal under federal Sunshine Act.

Top states

Years in practice (graduation → today)

Among indexed endodontists with a graduation year on file. Shape signals whether the specialty skews early- career or established.

  • 0–91
  • 20–291
  • 30–391

Browse endodontists by state

Featured providers

Sorted by content score

Showing the top 60 nationwide. For deeper lookups, pick a state above.

What is a endodontist?

An endodontist specializes in problems involving the tooth's pulp and the tissues around the root. The bulk of their practice is root canal treatment and root canal retreatment, plus apicoectomy (surgical root-end procedures), traumatic dental injuries, and cracked teeth. They use operating microscopes and rotary instruments that most general dentists don't.

Training

After dental school, an endodontist completes a 2- to 3-year accredited residency focused exclusively on the dental pulp, root canal treatment, and surgical endodontics. Board certification is through the American Board of Endodontics.

When to see one

  • Severe tooth pain or swelling, especially with hot/cold sensitivity that lingers
  • A previous root canal that has flared up (retreatment)
  • A tooth your general dentist tried to save but couldn't open the canal
  • Cracked tooth pain when biting
  • Trauma — a knocked-out adult tooth, especially in a child

Typical costs

Uninsured cash estimates from FAIR Health and ADA Health Policy Institute. Prices vary widely by region.

Root canal — front tooth
$700–$1,200
Root canal — premolar
$800–$1,500
Root canal — molar
$1,000–$1,800
Retreatment (re-do)
$1,000–$2,200
Apicoectomy
$900–$1,800
Frequently asked

Questions about endodontists

  • Why see an endodontist instead of a general dentist for a root canal?
    Endodontists do root canals all day, every day, with a microscope and specialized instruments. Success rates for complex molars and retreatments are higher with an endodontist. For a simple front-tooth root canal, a general dentist with experience can be a reasonable choice.
  • Does a root canal hurt?
    The procedure itself, with modern anesthesia, is similar in discomfort to a filling. Most of the pain people associate with root canals is from the tooth infection that prompted the treatment, not the treatment itself. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is normal.
  • Will my insurance cover an endodontic specialist?
    Most PPO plans cover root canals at the same percentage whether done by a general dentist or an endodontist (typically 50–80% after deductible). HMO plans may require a referral. The crown that often follows a root canal is billed separately.
  • How long does a root canal last?
    A well-done root canal followed by a properly fitted crown can last 10+ years and often a lifetime. Failure is most often due to a leaky crown or a vertical root fracture. Regular check-ups catch problems early.