Root Canal Therapy – Tustin, CA

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

There’s an area deep inside teeth called the pulp chamber where the blood vessels, nerves, and tissue that keep the tooth alive are located. When bacteria enter this area through a deep cavity, crack in the tooth, old dental work, or dental trauma, an infection develops. Often, the first indication of an infected root canal is pain, but it can also be asymptomatic.

Common symptoms of an infected tooth are:

• Tooth pain that continues to worsen
• Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Pain when touching or biting down on the tooth
• A whitish-looking raised bump on the gums
• A bad taste or odor in your mouth

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call Zhang Dental Group of Tustin right away to schedule an appointment.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

The purpose of root canal therapy is to remove the infected pulp, which relieves your severe toothache and preserves the remaining healthy tooth structure. At Zhang Dental Group of Tustin, we are pleased to use state-of-the-art technology called rotary endodontics to perform comfortable, efficient root canal treatment.

After we remove the infection, our dentist disinfects the inside of the tooth, fills it, then seals it with a temporary filling. We allow the healing process to take place for about two weeks and then have you return so we can place either a final filling or dental crown to protect the tooth and restore function.

Root Canals Don’t Cause Pain!

Root canals are the subject of many bad jokes and horror stories; however, the reality is quite different; root canals don’t cause pain—they relieve it. A root canal performed today with strong local anesthetics, state-of-the-art technology, and a caring dental team is not much more complicated than having a tooth filled.

There’s no reason to fear any dental procedure at Zhang Dental Group of Tustin, including root canals. We understand your concerns, but Dr. Zhang is a Tustin dentist who you can trust to deliver a comfortable, stress-free procedure.

We use strong local anesthetics to numb the tooth so you don’t feel any pain. Rotary endodontic technology replaces manual instruments, making the process quieter, more comfortable, and much more efficient. If you need help with dental anxiety, Dr. Zhang can prescribe a sedative for you to take before your procedure.

Schedule a Root Canal in Tustin, CA

If you have an excruciating toothache or another symptom listed above, please call our root canal dentist to schedule an appointment. If you are in pain, we will do everything possible to see you the same day to provide relief and an emergency root canal if necessary.

Please don’t put off root canal treatment; aside from a worsening toothache, you face life-threatening consequences if we don’t stop the infection from spreading.

Call us at (714) 836-5600, and a member of our team will be happy to help you. We are pleased to serve patients from Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange, Irvine, and all surrounding communities.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

Now that you know more about how Dr. Zhang can use root canals to alleviate aches and restore your tooth’s appearance and functionality, it’s natural to wonder how much they cost. Many patients want to know in advance what they can expect to pay in advance, but the amount can vary based on your unique circumstances.

Continue reading to learn more about different considerations that affect the price of your root canal, and feel free to contact us for additional information.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Before your procedure, you must consult with Dr. Zhang so he can examine your troublesome tooth to determine the extent of the damage and ensure it’s the best solution to meet your needs. Then, our team can provide a detailed estimate based on his findings.

Several factors can affect the final total, including:

• The type of tooth. Molars in the back of your mouth are harder to access and have more roots to be cleared, increasing the cost.
• The severity of your condition. If your tooth is severely damaged or infected, a specialist may be required, which comes with additional fees.
• Other services. Any other treatments, like a dental crown to cap your injured tooth, must also be paid for.

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

You might wonder whether it’s more cost-effective to have your decayed or damaged tooth removed rather than treated. While extractions cost less initially, there are other long-term consequences of losing your natural teeth. For instance, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding jaw density within the first year without a root in place to stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down and chew. This can lead to sunken cheeks and additional fine lines on your face. Furthermore, your remaining teeth can shift out of alignment to fill in the gap, which wears down your enamel and increases your vulnerability to cavities and other injuries.

A dental implant can prevent these outcomes but tend to be more expensive and involve oral surgery. It’s usually better for your oral health and your budget to undergo a root canal than opt for an extraction.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?

Most dental insurance policies cover 50% or more of the cost of major procedures, including root canals. However, there’s no guarantee that your treatment is included, so you may want to confirm with the insurance provider, first.

Please let us know if you require assistance in finding the information or with claims paperwork. Our friendly office staff are familiar with many different policies and can help you maximize your available benefits.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable 

Having a root canal can potentially save your smile, and we don’t want your budget to stand in the way. We understand not all patients carry dental insurance, so we provide an in-house savings plan to help make services more affordable. There are several tiers of membership so you can choose an option that works for your wallet.

For a low monthly or annual fee, you gain access to a designated number of exams, imaging, and cleanings, along with 25% to 50% discounts on other services. If you are interested, let us know, and we’ll gladly help you sign up!