Irvine Root canal

Contents : Do I need It? | How much it costs? | Appointment | FAQs

Root canal in Irvine, CA

The visible portion of your natural tooth, called the crown, finds much of its protection from dental enamel below the gum line. It is also protected all the way down to the tip of the root by something called dentin, a naturally hard substance, only a slightly less hard than enamel itself. Inside this strong structure, along the length of the root, is a cavity or a canal. It is also called the pulp chamber because it is filled with dental pulp.

The pulp contains nerve tissue and other matter, as well as blood vessels that feed the tooth. If the pulp gets infected, bacteria and debris can cause excessive pressure to build up inside. The pressure then causes significant discomfort all the way to unbearable pain.

Quite often, this extreme pain is what brings many patients in for help. The treatment for this is called root canal treatment, also known as Root canal therapy. This Endodontic treatment removes the infected pulp, often saving the tooth from extraction. It nearly always results in immediate pain relief. The procedure is quite safe, even for those wearing braces or experiencing other dental concerns. The results are long lasting and it is well worth doing, especially if you are in a lot of pain or discomfort.

How Root Canal get Infected?

It begins when the enamel is attacked, which can happen because of the foods you eat. Food particles stick to your teeth, even a while afterwards, especially the inter dental spaces on the chewing surfaces of your molars. If you aren’t diligent about brushing and flossing, the bacteria can convert sugar and carb content in those food particles into acid. The acid in turn reduces the saliva’s natural protective effect on the enamel, which then begins the erosion. This can quickly lead to cavities and tooth decay. If those cavities aren’t filled, eventually the enamel will be worn away and infection will lead to the pulp. Besides infected pulp, it can also cause diseases in the oral cavity, jaws or salivary glands.

This same bacteria can also spread to the gums. When gums are loosened, they can expose and puncture the layer of dental below the gum. This provides another route of infection to the pulp. However the infection is introduced, the pulp must be removed to avoid repeats. If it isn’t removed, it could lead to an abscess, which will ultimately lead to having the tooth pulled.

Other causes of pulp infection include an untreated dental injury, chips, cracks, and sometimes even repeated restorations.

Why Not Extract a Tooth?

Root canal therapy costs more than a tooth extraction, so why not just pull the tooth to begin with? The simple answer is that an artificial one will never function as well as your natural ones. The ability to eat, smile, and talk can be compromised if you lose a tooth without a natural replacement. The vacant tooth socket will trigger many issues, including jaw bone erosion around the gap, which leads to sagging or distorted facial features.

When is Endodontic therapy required?

It can be used to treat many problems, such as inflamed or dying nerves, a dead nerve, a failed Root canal, even a cracked or dead tooth. In some cases, it can be used when removing nerves or teeth. In any case, the final decision whether to extract or have the Endodontic therapy will be yours and we’ll be glad to help once our specialist has examined you and discussed it with you.

It usually can be completed in one or two visits. In some cases, a permanent filling can be done on the very first visit, which will keep the recovery time to a minimum. Otherwise, a follow-up visit is needed to check the treatment, or sometimes to fill it permanently.

Early Symptoms that Could Require an Endondontic treatment

•  Toothache

•  Infection

•  Swelling

•  Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold

What Dentist May Ask about the Symptoms?

• Where the pain and swelling are

• How long it has been hurting

• When did the pain begin

• Type of pain – is it continuous or throbbing?

Observable Signs

You may not even be aware that infection is developing in the pulp until it is too late. Keep an eye out for these hints that may be easier to spot:

• Color

• Signs of pus discharge

• Visible changes in soft tissue, and asymmetry

Abscessed Teeth Treatment

Tests

While these hints are helpful, they are not enough to make a definite diagnosis. We may need to do additional tests, such as an X-ray, percussion, thermal sensation, and/or electronic pulp testing.

Step by Step procedure

• Imaging – We first size up the condition of the affected tooth, usually taking X-rays to determine the root configuration and the damage within. Rear teeth can have multiple roots, some or all could be infected. The Endodontist will need to know ahead of time which root is problematic and how it is oriented.

• Anesthesia – Local anesthesia will be used as RCT is considered surgery.

• Opening the Canal – A hole will be drilled through the enamel to expose the problem area. It will immediately release that pressure, and you’re not likely to feel that intense pain anymore, even after the local sedation wears off. The hole will be drilled in the crown if it is a molar, from the lingual side if the tooth is in front.

• Cleaning – The canal will then be evacuated when the nerve tissue and pulp matter are removed. It will be flushed and dried thoroughly.

• Sealing – The empty canal is then filled with Gutta percha, a rubbery substance as well as a sealant so no empty space is left inside. It can’t be left open or there will be a risk of infection or abscess.

• Temporary Filling – The new hole will be covered with a temporary filling.

• Permanent Seal – At the follow up appointment, if you are no longer experiencing pain and if it looks well, the temporary filling will be replaced with a permanent one. In some cases a permanent restoration can be placed on the same appointment.

Why is Crown placement needed after Surgery?

The treatment can leave the tooth vulnerable because it now has thinner walls. It is recommended that it be made stronger with the help of a dental crown. Complete healing will need to take place before a permanent crown is placed, but a temporary crown can be done immediately while impressions are sent to the lab to make the permanent one. This will require another visit to fit the crown once it’s made. Sometimes, when the tooth itself is extremely weak or broken, additional work might need to be done to prepare for the crown placement. Find out more about Root Canal Treatment Cost.

Root Canal Aftercare

Infection:

Getting an infection after  a successful root canal is minimal, but it does happen. If infection is suspected:

• Antibiotics may be used.

• The canal may be reopened, cleaned, and sealed again during re-treatment.

Depending on the strength of the sedation that was used during the surgery, it may be advisable to arrange a ride. You may feel well enough to drive safely home but this should be discussed with the surgeon first.

Root canal cost in Irvine

This type of restorative treatment may vary in price. It mostly depends on the condition of the tooth, the skill of the orthodontist, and additional services required (ex. after-hours appointment) to get the treatment done. As it can save the tooth from extraction and restore your smile with a crown, the procedure’s cost is more than worth it. That being said, you’ll get better results if you spend your money on a specialist with good reviews, is close to you, and has options for financing that fit your needs and budget. Our office accepts most PPOs and works with lenders such as CareCredit. We also offer interest-free in-house payments.

How much does Root canal cost in Irvine?

Root Canal and Crown costs include an Exam, X-ray, Local anesthesia. In Irvine California, Average cost of a Root Canal ranges from $600 to $1400. Average amount for a Crown ranges from $600 to $2000. The cost depends on the location of the tooth, dentist and insurance. 

Prices without insurance:

• Bicuspid –  $700 – $1,000
• Molars – $1,000 – $1,400
• Front tooth (anterior) – $600 – $900

Other costs may include: 

• Diagnostic – An exam and Xray will be needed to find out where the tooth decay is located
• Treatment – These can include a local anesthesia, and other costs that may occur from an emergency or after-hours appointment
• Aftercare – When there is pain, over-the-counter pain relievers can help to stop the pain. According to the American Association of Endodontists, ”this treatment is no more painful than having a cavity filled.”

Root Canal Near Me – Irvine, CA

Think you need an Emergency root canal? Call us right away instead of spending any more time in pain. We make every effort to see our patients in pain as soon as possible. Our California office is conveniently located near you in Irvine, CA. Contact Us to make an appointment in Orange County.

FAQ for Root Canal Irvine

Root Canal Near Irvine, CA