Can you see me today if I'm in pain?

We make every effort to quickly accommodate patients who are having discomfort, and we are almost always able to see them on the same day that you or your dentist contacts us. Call 951-693-2239.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Please bring the welcome form and health history form, your referral slip and any x-rays, a list of the medications you take, and your dental insurance subscriber information. A parent or guardian must come with any patient under 18. Ask the office for the patient forms to fill out ahead of time.

How long does a root canal take?

Root canal treatment is typically completed in one or two appointments, and each appointment lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. If treatment can't be finished in one visit, medicine may be placed inside the tooth between appointments.

Can I drive or go back to work afterward?

Treatment is done with local anesthesia, and there are usually no restrictions after the procedure on driving or returning to work. Please eat a full breakfast or lunch beforehand and keep taking your regular medications as your physician recommends. If there is a question, please call our office before your appointment.

What happens after my root canal?

Your tooth leaves with a temporary restoration, so see your general dentist within about two weeks for a crown or permanent filling. We email a report and a copy of the final x-ray to your dentist's office. The tooth and gums may be tender for several days, which is normal.

How much does a root canal cost, and how can I pay?

Cost depends on factors such as how badly the tooth is damaged and which tooth is treated. Our front desk gives you an estimated fee before treatment begins. We accept cash, check, debit card, MasterCard, Visa and CareCredit®, and our office will do our best to answer all of your insurance questions.

Do you offer sedation?

Local anesthetic is given before the procedure. In certain cases, nitrous oxide analgesia and/or oral conscious sedation can also be used. Call the office to ask about it.

Practice limited to endodontics

Patrick Y. Wei, DDS Endodontics · Temecula

Dr. Patrick Y. Wei in his treatment room beside the operating microscope

Office: Suite 202, Second Floor, Promenade Medical Plaza, 41278 Margarita Road, Temecula, CA 92591
Telephone: 951-693-2239
Fax: 951-693-4131

If you are having discomfort, we are almost always able to see you the same day you contact us.

Call 951-693-2239 Get directions

UCSF, 1993: DDS, University of California, San Francisco, cum laude
Tufts, 1995: Endodontic certification, Tufts University School of Medicine
Since 1998: Endodontist in the Temecula/Murrieta Valley
Member: American Association of Endodontists, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Tri-County Dental Society

Root canal treatment and related care

Saving your natural tooth should always be your first choice when dental care is needed. If your dentist recommends extracting your tooth, ask if an endodontist can help save it with a root canal.

Root canal treatment

A root canal treatment involves removing inflamed or infected dental pulp, the soft tissue in the middle of the tooth. The root canal system is then thoroughly cleaned and sealed. Local anesthetic is administered before the procedure, and nitrous oxide analgesia and/or oral conscious sedation can be used in certain cases.

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Inflammation and infection of the pulp can be caused by deep decay, traumatic injury, cracks, chips or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms include temperature sensitivity, pain, swelling in the gums, and visible injury to the tooth.

The procedure is typically completed in one or two appointments, with each appointment lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. When root canal treatment has been completed, a case report and copy of the final x-ray will be sent to your restorative dentist.

How much will it cost? The cost can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is treated. Our front desk staff will provide you with an estimated fee schedule before treatment is initiated.
Endodontic retreatment

In rare situations some endodontically treated teeth may fail to heal and/or pain can persist, sometimes months or years after treatment. During retreatment, the tooth is reopened and the existing root canal fillings are removed. The root canal system is carefully evaluated under a microscope, then cleaned, sterilized and re-sealed.

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Improper healing may be caused by curved or narrow canals that were not treated during the initial treatment, complicated canals that went undetected, a crown or restoration that was not placed within the appropriate amount of time, or a restoration that did not prevent saliva from contaminating the inside of the tooth.

New problems can also influence a tooth that was successfully treated: new decay can expose a root canal filling material, and a cracked or loose filling or crown can expose the tooth to new infection.

After retreatment, you will need to return to your restorative dentist within several weeks to have a new permanent crown or filling placed.
Apicoectomy

Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp. Occasionally it will not be sufficient, and your endodontist will recommend surgery. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy, or root-end resection.

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Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated.

An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months.

Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office.
Cracked teeth

Cracked teeth can manifest in many different ways, including discomfort when chewing, pain upon bite release, and temperature sensitivity. It is common for pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort.

Types of cracks

Craze lines
Tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These types of cracks are superficial and are usually of no concern.

Fractured cusp
When a cusp becomes weakened, a fracture may result. A fractured cusp rarely damages the pulp, so root canal is not necessary. Your dentist will usually restore the tooth with a full crown.

Cracked tooth
This crack extends from the chewing surface of the tooth and vertically migrates towards the root. Damage to the pulp is common, and typically results in the need for root canal treatment. A cracked tooth that is not treated will worsen, so early detection is important.

Split tooth
Usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth, identified by a crack with distinct segments. The position and extent of the problem will dictate whether any portion of the tooth can be saved.

Vertical root fracture
Begins at the root and extends towards the chewing surface of the tooth. They show minimal symptoms and may go unnoticed. Treatment involves endodontic surgery if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root; otherwise the tooth will have to be extracted.

Nothing is as good as your natural tooth.

Technology in our treatment rooms

Our office fully utilizes state of the art equipment.

Operating microscopes: Magnification and fiber optic illumination to see the tiny details inside your tooth.
CBCT cone beam imaging: Shows structures that may not be seen with a 2D x-ray.
Digital radiography: Images go straight to a monitor, where they can be enlarged and enhanced.
Apex locators: Electronic root-length measuring, used to insure accuracy.
Ultrasonics: In all of our treatment rooms, to remove obstructions and find extra or calcified canals.
Nickel titanium rotary instruments: Flexible instruments that follow the curves of the tooth canal.
Electric handpieces: Virtually silent, which can decrease the stress and anxiety of treatment.
Sterilization and water: A system that surpasses OSHA requirements; distilled (bottled) water in our dental units.

Your first visit

A typical visit begins with completing paperwork, which includes your medical history and consent forms. Your first appointment will be either a consultation to review your medical history and explain your diagnosis and treatment options, or in some cases the start of the root canal procedure. If you have been referred on an emergency basis, please allow ample time for the visit.

Please bring

Welcome form
Health history form
Your referral slip and any X-rays if applicable
A list of medications you are presently taking
If you have dental insurance, all subscriber information needed to access your policy

No pain medication six hours before consultation.

Take all other prescription medications as normal.

A parent or guardian must accompany all patients under 18.

What happens at the appointment

An assistant reviews and charts your chief complaint, your referring dentist's information and the history of the tooth pain, then takes x-rays.
The doctor greets you, reviews your paperwork and evaluates your symptoms, then tests the tooth in question along with adjacent teeth.
A diagnosis is given, and the doctor explains the benefits, options and risks so you understand how endodontic treatment can save your tooth.
Before treatment begins, you receive local anesthesia to numb any sensations during the procedure.
If the procedure can't be completed within one visit, medicine may be placed inside the tooth between appointments.
More x-rays are taken, and you are given post-operation instructions and told what to expect over the next few days.

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern before treatment (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints), take medications such as heart medications, aspirin or anticoagulants, or require antibiotic premedication.

Patient forms

If you were referred by your dentist, ask the office for the patient forms and bring the paperwork with you. This will save you time at your first visit.

Patient Information/Health
Consent
Notice of Privacy

Request an appointment

The first step towards restoring a healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office at 951-693-2239.

Call 951-693-2239

Before and after treatment

Before treatment

This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work.

Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician.
Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable.
If your physician or dentist has advised antibiotic premedication, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment.
If you can take ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), it does help reduce inflammation when taken pre-operatively. We recommend 2 tablets of either medication 2–4 hours before endodontic therapy.

If there is a question, please call our office before your appointment.

After treatment

The root canal system has been permanently sealed, while the outer surface of the tooth is covered with only a temporary restoration.

Make an appointment with your general dentist in a timely fashion (we recommend not waiting longer than about 2 weeks) to have the tooth restored with a crown or a permanent filling.

A report and a copy of the final x-ray will be emailed to your general dentist's office.

Postoperative discomfort

Your tooth, gum tissue and jaw may be tender for several days. This is normal and is no cause for alarm. Dr. Wei will typically prescribe ibuprofen to minimize post-operative sensitivity.

Avoid chewing on the affected side until your general dentist restores the tooth. Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications.

Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with these medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

Dr. Patrick Wei in his Temecula treatment room beside the operating microscope — Dr. Patrick Y. Wei

Meet Dr. Wei and our team

Patrick Y. Wei DDS is an endodontist, a root canal specialist whose practice is limited to endodontics, in Suite 202 of the Promenade Medical Plaza in Temecula. He has practiced in the Temecula/Murrieta Valley since 1998.

Dr. Wei grew up in Southern California and attended Mount Carmel High School in San Diego. He received his BS degree in Biochemistry/Cell Biology at the University of California, San Diego. He completed his dental training at the University of California, San Francisco in 1993, earning his DDS degree and a BA degree in Dental Materials. He earned cum laude and was rewarded top of his class in Operative Dentistry.

He was accepted into Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts and received his endodontic certification in 1995. He practiced his specialty in North Andover, Massachusetts and Salem, New Hampshire for 3 years before returning to California. He is one of the earliest practicing endodontists in this area.

Dr. Wei is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, American Dental Association, California Dental Association and the Tri-County Dental Society.

Dr. Wei enjoys time with his wife and three children. He looks forward to catching waves and itches for both fresh and salt water fishing. He has been traveling to Haiti for more than 10 years with HEF (Haiti Endowment Fund).

Jamie, office administrator

Jamie has been in the Temecula area and in the customer service industry for over 20 years. She makes sure our patients feel comfortable and well taken care of while they're here in the office. Her pride and joy is spending time with her family.

Michelle, RDA

Michelle is a native Californian. She grew up here in the Temecula Valley and went to school at SJVC. She is a ray of sunshine and her laughter is contagious. In her spare time she enjoys time with family and friends, and being involved at her church.

What patients say

“My first root canal and to say the lest I was anxious about it. However from the moment i sat in the chair tll the procedure was completed I was completely at ease. Dr Wei explained everything step b…”
Joe A., Yelp
“I had to get a root canal, so naturally I was so nervous and stressed about it... and Dr. Wei was so caring, so kind, so patient.. and just really cared about my health and overall well being.. Very …”
Lily H., Yelp
“Thank you, Dr. Wei, Maria, and Michelle! You helped me through my first root canal. Not only were they all so kind and patient and understanding, but the office is very calm and inviting. Words canno…”
Darren S., Yelp

Payment and insurance

We want your dental experience with us to be a positive one. If you have any questions, please give us a call.

We accept

Cash
Check
Debit card
MasterCard
Visa
CareCredit®

Our front desk staff will provide you with an estimated fee before treatment begins. Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage. All insurance copayments are estimates and cannot be accurately determined until your claim is processed by your insurance company.

The contract your employer negotiated with your insurance carrier defines your dental benefits. Various dental plans cover endodontic procedures at different payment levels, so your payment portion may vary.

What is a "UCR" and how is it determined?

"UCR" is the term used by insurance companies to describe the amount they are willing to pay for a particular endodontic procedure. There is no standard fee or accepted method for determining the UCR, and the UCR has no relationship to the fee charged by our office. The administrator of each dental benefit plan determines the fees that the plan will pay.

Why was my benefit different from what I expected?

You have already used some or all of the benefits available from your dental insurance.
Your insurance plan paid only a percentage of the fee charged by our office.
The treatment you needed was not a covered benefit.
You have not yet met your deductible.
You have not reached the end of your plan's waiting period.

Why isn't the recommended treatment a covered benefit?

The doctor diagnoses and provides treatment based on his or her professional judgment and not on the cost of that care. Some employers or insurance plans exclude coverage for necessary treatment as a way to reduce their costs.

How do I know what my payment portion will be?

Your payment portion will vary according to the UCR of your plan, your maximum allowable benefit and other factors. Ultimately, the patient portion is not known until the insurance check has been received by our office.

How do I understand my Explanation of Benefits (EOB)?

The EOB identifies the benefits, the amount your insurance carrier is willing to pay and charges that are and are not covered by your plan. It includes the UCR, copayment amount/patient portion, remaining benefits, deductible and benefit paid.

How long does it take for a claim to be paid?

The time for a dental insurance carrier to process a claim varies. If you want to file a complaint about a delayed payment, contact the insurance commissioner in your state.

Will your office take my insurance?

In some cases we sign contracts with dental insurance carriers and accept the payment offered as payment in full; the doctor is then a Participating Provider in your plan.

In other cases we do not sign contracts but may still accept insurance company payments. You may then be responsible for a payment portion over and above the percentage provided by your insurance company.

In some instances the doctor is not a Participating Provider and does not accept payments directly from your carrier. The office will then ask that you be responsible for the entire fee, but will assist you in filing your claim.

What if I still have questions?

Our office will do our best to answer all of your insurance questions. Please keep in mind that there are many insurance plans available and that your employer chooses your plan and your benefits.

For referring doctors

Thank you very much for entrusting your patients to our practice. We realize that the care they receive in our office is a direct reflection of your decision to refer them here, and therefore we go to great lengths to ensure that their experience is a comfortable and positive one.

Professional communication is essential, and we welcome any feedback you or your patients may have for us.