Root Canal Therapy Can Help Save and Restore Your Smile
Root canal therapy at our Boston, MA, practice can safely save a damaged tooth and prevent the need for extraction. During the procedure, Dr. James Stein will remove infected tissue from inside the tooth, clean and seal it, and place a dental crown on top to prevent further decay. This treatment can also restore form and function back to your smile. Dr. Stein will recommend root canal therapy when irreversible dental damage occurs from either trauma or decay that is unable to be repaired with just a tooth-colored filling or dental crown. For your immediate relief, we also offer emergency dental treatment.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental treatment used to restore the structural integrity of a tooth when the roots, nerves, and soft tissue inside the pulp chamber become infected. This type of damage is generally caused by a deep cavity, cracked tooth, or trauma. Once the roots are affected, the tooth is unable to be fixed with a simple filling and will require an extraction if root canal therapy is not administered in a timely fashion.
Treatment is typically necessary when symptoms include:
- Chronic bad breath
- Tooth pain or sensitivity when biting down or chewing
- Failed dental crown or tooth-colored filling
- Visible signs of infection
- Abscessed tooth
- Fever
- Gum inflammation or tenderness
Choosing an experienced prosthodontist like Dr. Stein can reduce your risk of complications and ensure that you experience a smooth recovery.
What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy can usually be completed in one to two hours and will help retain your smile and prevent further infection from occurring. Root canal therapy generally consists of:
- Anesthesia: Dr. Stein will provide a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues before administering treatment in order to make you as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure. During your initial consultation, you can also speak with Dr. Stein about stronger sedation.
- Cleaning Out the Tooth: Once you are comfortable, Dr. Stein will place a small rubber dam around the tooth to keep the area dry and free from contamination. He will then use a special dental instrument to access the inside of the tooth and remove the infected tissue and nerves, and thoroughly clean the pulp chamber and roots.
- Tooth Preparation: He will then gently reshape the tooth and fill the pulp chamber with a rubber-like material known as gutta percha to help seal the tooth and protect its structure.
- Impression: Using our state-of-the-art CADENT iTero™ and same-day milling system, Dr. Stein can take digital impressions of your tooth and design a realistic-looking dental crown all within the same appointment.
- Dental Crown Placement: Once the crown is created, the doctor will check the fit and permanently attach it with dental cement. This will strengthen and restore the tooth back to its natural function.
Benefits and Aftercare
The short and long-term benefits of root canal therapy include:
- Prevent the need for extraction
- Ease uncomfortable symptoms
- Restore dental function
- Improve your oral and physical health
- Provide natural-looking, lasting results
It is not uncommon to experience mild sensitivity for the first few days after treatment. You should be able to manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft diet, and you should also carefully follow your post-treatment instructions. Having your procedure performed by an experienced prosthodontist like Dr. Stein will reduce your risks for complications and ensure that you experience a smooth recovery.
Save and Strengthen Your Smile
Dental infection requires the immediate attention of a trained professional. Contact our practice today by using our online form or call (617) 227-6076.