Is a root canal painful?

Root canal treatment is performed by our endodontist and is designed to relieve pain by removing the source of infection. Most patients find modern root canals to be comfortable, and any lingering discomfort afterward fades as the tooth heals.

What are the signs I might need a root canal?

A severe toothache, an abscess or bump on the gums, sensitivity to hot or cold, and swelling or tenderness around a tooth can all be signs. Call the office for an evaluation if you notice these symptoms.

How successful is root canal treatment?

Root canal therapy is highly successful and typically lasts the life of the tooth, with additional treatment rarely needed. Good home care and regular exams support that long-term success.

What happens after the root canal is finished?

You will go home with aftercare instructions to support healing. Good home hygiene and regular exams protect the treated tooth over the long term.

Will I need a crown after a root canal?

Whether you need a crown depends on how much of the tooth structure remains and where the tooth is located. The office will discuss what your specific tooth needs after treatment.

Root Canal Treatment

Gentle, precise treatment to remove infection from inside the tooth and relieve pain, preserving your natural tooth for the long term.

When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or injured, a root canal clears the infection and saves the natural tooth, sparing you the cascade of issues an extraction can cause. Performed by our endodontist, modern root canals are typically very comfortable.

How a root canal works

Removing the infectionThe pulp and nerves inside the tooth are gently removed along with bacteria and any decay.
Sealing the toothThe resulting cavity is sealed with a material that prevents bacteria from re-entering. This step is sometimes called a pulpectomy.
Long-lasting resultsRoot canal therapy is highly successful and typically lasts the life of the tooth. Additional treatment is rarely needed.

Signs you may need a root canal

Severe toothachePersistent pain that does not resolve on its own.
Abscess on the gumsA pimple-like bump near the affected tooth.
Sensitivity to hot or coldLingering discomfort after the temperature change.
Swelling or tendernessSwollen gums or tenderness around a specific tooth.

When treatment is recommended

Decay reaching the pulpCavities that progress deep enough to affect the inner tooth.
Abscess or infectionInfection at the root tip or inside the tooth.
Injury or traumaAn impact that causes the pulp to die, putting the tooth at risk of infection.

"We'll send you home with aftercare instructions. Good home care and regular exams support recovery and long-term success."

Specialty Dentistry · Hingham Square, MA

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