Start with the tooth and your concerns
You might have pain when chewing, a tooth that wakes you at night or discomfort around an old root canal. Write down when it began and what has changed. Bring any diagnosis your dentist has already discussed with you. You do not need to know the name of the procedure before arranging a consultation.
Tell us if a previous dental experience makes you anxious, or if you are concerned about anesthesia, costs or the time available. If you are visiting family in eastern El Salvador, include your arrival date, return date and the days you can travel to San Miguel.
Prepare a small set of records
Bring a list of your medicines and doses, allergies and relevant medical history. Include nonprescription medicines. If another office has X-rays or a treatment report, request readable digital copies with their dates. Do not stop taking a medicine on your own to prepare for a dental visit.
The American Association of Endodontists describes a consultation as a review of your history and symptoms, an examination and appropriate tests before treatment options are discussed. Existing records support that process; they do not replace examining the tooth.
Questions worth asking in the chair
Ask what was found, which options are reasonable and what might affect the outcome. Two useful questions are: “If we keep this tooth, how will it be restored?” and “Is there anything that would require referral to another professional?”. Ask for unfamiliar terms to be explained.
Tell us if the tooth has been treated before, and when. A new symptom does not establish which procedure is needed. The consultation may lead to treatment, further investigation or another recommendation. It does not guarantee that a root canal will begin during that appointment.
Read the estimate by stage
Initial root canal treatment costs $390 per tooth, including a second appointment if needed. The fee is the same for a front tooth or a molar. Medication and the final restoration are separate. If a crown is indicated, it costs $300 in zirconia or $450 in lithium disilicate. Retreatment is quoted individually.
Ask which items apply to your tooth, what remains conditional and who will complete any later stage. A root canal price alone should not be mistaken for the cost of every procedure a tooth might need. Take time to check the appointment sequence as well as the amount.
Arrange the visit around real availability
Dra. Stefany Colato sees patients in Spanish and English. The clinic is at 15 Avenida Norte y 12a Calle Poniente, Colonia Hirleman, San Miguel. Sharing your dates and existing records helps us prepare for the appointment. The diagnosis and treatment schedule still require an in-person evaluation.
To ask about a consultation, message +503 7678-8897 on WhatsApp with your concern and the dates you have available.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can request an evaluation directly. If another dentist refers you, bring the report and the office’s contact details.
Can I book only an X-ray?
Digital periapical imaging is provided as part of clinical care. It is not offered as a standalone X-ray service.
Does the evaluation commit me to treatment?
It gives you information about the findings, options and costs. You can ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
Published: October 12, 2026
