Root Canal

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a treatment that saves a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. During the procedure, the nerve and pulp inside the tooth are removed, the inner space is cleaned, and the tooth is sealed. Without treatment, an infection can spread to the tissue around the root and form an abscess, which is why many dentists recommend saving the tooth instead of pulling it.

At Pure Santa Ana Dentist, our doctor is trained in endodontic treatment. Our goal is to keep your natural tooth working for you whenever that is a sound option.

Who needs a root canal?

You may need a root canal if you notice any of the following:

• Pain or throbbing around a tooth
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
• Severe tooth decay
• An injury that affects the tooth or the bone around it

Only a dental exam and x-rays can confirm whether a root canal is the right treatment. Some toothaches have other causes, so it is worth having the tooth checked as soon as you notice symptoms.

What to expect during a root canal

The visit follows a clear sequence. Your doctor will first numb the area with anesthetic so you are comfortable. Then a small opening is made in the tooth, which reaches down to the pulp chamber.

Next, your doctor uses small dental instruments to remove the remaining pulp from the canals inside the root. The tooth is then disinfected and sealed with a strong material that helps prevent new infection.

Most root canals are completed in one or more appointments, depending on how complicated the tooth is. Your doctor will explain the plan before treatment begins.

When a specialist is needed

Difficult procedures will be referred to a specialist. If your tooth needs more advanced care, we will tell you what to expect and help you with the next step.

Root canal and crown: what comes next

After a root canal, a tooth can become more brittle, so many patients need a crown to protect it and restore normal chewing. A crown is a cap that covers the whole tooth above the gumline. We offer crowns as part of our general and restorative services, and your doctor will talk with you about whether a crown is recommended for your tooth.

If you are comparing a root canal and crown, it helps to know that they are often planned together. Your doctor can explain both steps before you start, so you know the full plan.

Root canal cost, insurance, and payment

The cost of a root canal and crown depends on the tooth, how complex the treatment is, and the coverage in your dental plan. We cannot quote a single price for every patient, because each tooth is different. What we can do is review the details with you before treatment starts.

Our office honors many dental plans, including PPO and indemnity plans, Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, Smile California, and CalOptima dental plans. Coverage for root canals and crowns depends on your specific plan, including your annual maximum, waiting periods, and what your plan lists as covered. Our team can review your benefits with you before your visit, at no charge, so you know what to expect.

If you do not have dental insurance, or your plan does not cover all of the treatment, we have affordable payment options and finance plans. Our team can go over those options with you when we talk about your treatment.

Recovery and aftercare

Many patients return to normal activities the same day. Some tenderness in the tooth or gums is common for a few days after treatment, and your doctor will explain how to manage it. Follow the instructions you are given, especially about eating and chewing on the treated tooth until the crown or final restoration is placed.

Contact our office if you have swelling, a bad taste, pain that gets worse instead of better, or a crown that feels loose. Early attention can prevent a small problem from becoming a larger one.

Emergency root canal visits in Santa Ana

Dental pain does not wait for a convenient day. If you have a toothache, a broken tooth, or other dental emergency, call us during office hours and tell our staff you need to be seen right away. We will try to see you the same day during our office hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Our office is also one of the few practices that can often be reached after hours, so call and let us know what you are experiencing.

Why patients choose Pure Santa Ana Dentist

Pure Santa Ana Dentist is a family run practice in Santa Ana, CA. We aim to give every patient pleasant, careful dental care in a calm setting, and we want you to feel like a special guest from the moment you arrive.

Our team includes three dentists, a treatment coordinator, a lead dental assistant, and staff who handle insurance and scheduling. Our team takes continuing education regularly so we can keep up with current methods.

We use electronic records and high-resolution digital imaging, which improves accuracy while using less radiation than traditional film x-rays. Our office also has a Cerec machine, a CT scan, a diode laser, and Itero scanning technology. We use these tools as your doctor recommends for your care.

We value your time. We work to keep appointments on time, and we offer same-day visits when we can.

How to book a root canal appointment

To schedule a root canal consultation, call us at (714) 705-6852 or use the schedule online button on our website. You can also send us a question through our website if you want to talk through your symptoms first.

Our office is located at 1125 17th St Suite E227, Santa Ana, CA 92701. We are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. If you are in pain now, call us during office hours so we can work to see you the same day.