Root Canal Treatment in Boston

Our primary goal is to help patients save their natural teeth.

Our Boston area endodontic practice specializes in root canal treatment. The word “endo” comes from the Greek language and means “inside” or within. Endodontists work with the “inside” of a tooth. Root canal treatment is commonly performed when the dental pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, old restoration, cracks, or trauma. Some signs that your tooth has pulp damage include prolonged sensitivity to cold or heat, sensitivity to biting, swelling or tenderness in the gingiva near the affected tooth or discoloration in the tooth structure. In some cases, you will have no physical symptoms. Teeth may have 1 to 4 main canals depending on tooth position in the mouth. We use our expertise, experience and advanced technology to find and successfully treat the entire root canal space. Endodontic treatment combined with an appropriate restoration by your dentist can add decades of service to the tooth that otherwise would be extracted.

People often ask, “What does it mean to have root canal treatment and how does it save my tooth?”  The procedure is typically done in one or two visits. This is based on a case-by-case discretion. During root canal treatment the pulp of the tooth is removed painlessly under profound local anesthetic and then roots are filled with a suitable filling material.  As a result of removing the inflamed or necrotic pulp, your symptoms will subside and the tooth will return to its normal state. After treatment is completed and the tooth is completely comfortable, your general dentist will place a crown or a permanent restoration in the tooth to strengthen and restore full function to the tooth. This is advised within a couple weeks of having the procedure to ensure the long- term success of the tooth. You should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been restored by your general dentist to avoid fracturing the tooth.

Pre-operative and post-operative instructions for root canal treatment can be accessed by clicking in the imbedded link.

At North Shore & Brookline Endodontic, we take the time to thoroughly assess the risk factors in every case.  When needed, we use 3D imaging CBCT scans and clinical microscopic examinations to evaluate the case.  

Most teeth can be endodontically treated. Occasionally, a tooth can’t be saved due to a severe fracture, calcified canals or inadequate bone support. Our endodontists will collaborate with your dentist to recommend the best possible treatment for your specific case.

For more information regarding root canal treatment, please visit the American Association of Endodontics.