Relieve Tooth Pain and Decay with Root Canals
Relieve Tooth Pain and Decay with Root Canals
Why Get Root Canal Therapy?
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
- Saves Your Natural Tooth — A root canal helps avoid extraction and preserves your smile.
- Prevents Bone Loss — Removing a tooth can cause the jawbone to deteriorate over time. A root canal stops this bone loss.
- Maintains Your Bite — Keeping your natural teeth intact helps sustain proper biting and chewing function.
- Restores Tooth Appearance — With a crown placed after the root canal, the tooth can look natural again.
- Cost Effective — Extracting then replacing a tooth with an implant or bridge costs significantly more over your lifetime.
- Provides Pain Relief — A root canal promptly relieves pain from an infected tooth.
- Low Risk — Root canal treatment is a safe procedure with predictable outcomes when done by an endodontic specialist.
- High Success Rate — Over 90 percent of root canals are successful and long-lasting with proper follow-up care.
Common Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- Toothache
- Persistent foul breath or taste
- Gum or jaw swelling
- Tooth sensitivity to temperature changes
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes
- Pus discharge
The Root Canal Process
Root Canal Aftercare
- Take any prescribed antibiotics as directed to prevent infection
- Rinse with warm salt water to promote healing
- Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth
- See your dentist promptly if you notice swelling, pain, or other issues
Frequently Asked Questions
▼How much does a root canal cost in Boston?
The average cost of a root canal in Boston ranges from $700 to $1,500 per tooth, depending on the location and condition. This can vary based on the complexity of the procedure. For example, a root canal on a front tooth may be less expensive than one on a back molar. Dental insurance typically covers a portion of the cost, but the patient is responsible for any copays or deductibles.
▼How long does a root canal take?
Most root canal treatments take one to two appointments of 60-90 minutes each. The first appointment involves removing the pulp and cleaning/shaping the canal. The second appointment entails sealing and filling the canal.
However, the duration can vary significantly based on factors like the number of root canals, anatomy, infection level, and accessibility of the tooth. Complex procedures may require additional appointments.
▼Is a root canal painful?
With modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients report little to no pain during or after the procedure. Any minor discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
▼How long does a root canal last?
With proper care, a root canal can last for many years or even a lifetime. Factors like gum health, oral hygiene practices, type of restoration, and biting forces impact longevity. With a suitable filling and crown, a root canal tooth can often last as long as your other natural teeth.
Restore Your Smile with Root Canal Therapy
You can also request an appointment right here online and schedule a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Stevens. We proudly serve the cities of Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Revere, MA, and the surrounding metro area.
