Root Canal Therapy in MA
Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Therapy in MA
Root Canal Therapy
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consult us for a root canal:
- Persistent toothache or deep pain in the jaw
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Swelling, tenderness, or pus around the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gum near the affected tooth
These symptoms often indicate infection or inflammation in the pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth that houses nerves and blood vessels. Left untreated, this infection can spread, resulting in abscesses, tooth loss, and potentially systemic health issues.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
- Pain relief: Eliminates the source of infection and inflammation
- Preservation of natural teeth: Helps you avoid tooth extraction and implants
- Improved oral function: Restores the ability to chew and speak properly
- Protects adjacent teeth: Prevents shifting of surrounding teeth
- Aesthetics and confidence: Maintains the natural appearance of your smile
Procedure of Root Canal Therapy at Atlantic Dental Partners
- Diagnosis and Digital Imaging: Your journey begins with a comprehensive exam and digital X-rays to locate the infection and assess the severity of damage. This helps us plan the treatment accurately.
- Local Anesthesia: We numb the area using local anesthesia to ensure the procedure is entirely pain-free. Our team will guide you through the process to keep you informed and relaxed.
- Removing the Infected Pulp: A small opening is made in the top of the tooth, and the infected or dead pulp is carefully removed using specialized instruments. We clean and disinfect the inner canals to eliminate bacteria.
- Shaping and Filling the Canals: Once cleaned, the canals are shaped and filled with a biocompatible gutta-percha material. This seals the tooth and prevents reinfection.
- Sealing the Tooth: A temporary or permanent filling is placed over the treated tooth. In most cases, we recommend a crown afterward to provide strength and restore full function.
- Follow-Up and Crown Placement: During a follow-up visit, we place a custom crown over the treated tooth to protect it from future damage and restore its natural look and function.
Aftercare for Root Canal Therapy
- Avoid chewing on the treated side until the final crown is placed
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Maintain good oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing
- Attend follow-up visits for crown placement and assessment
- Call us if you notice swelling, pain, or any unusual symptoms
Additional Services to Support Your Recovery
- Same-Day Crowns: Get a custom-fitted crown on the same day as your root canal
- Emergency Dentistry: Prompt care for sudden dental pain or trauma
- Digital Smile Design: Plan your post-treatment aesthetic goals with precision
FAQs
Modern root canal treatment is performed under anesthesia and is generally no more uncomfortable than a filling. You may experience mild soreness after the procedure, which resolves in a few days.
Most root canal treatments can be completed in one or two visits, depending on the case’s complexity and whether a crown is placed the same day or later.
Yes, but it’s rare. Reinfection can occur if the tooth was not properly sealed or the crown becomes damaged. Regular checkups help detect and address any issues early.
Delaying treatment can lead to a dental abscess, severe pain, bone loss, or the need for tooth extraction. Early treatment saves your tooth and avoids more invasive procedures.
Yes. After the procedure, we place a crown that looks and feels like your natural tooth. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference.