What is a root canal?

The great majority of root canal treatments are non-surgical. This common procedure is performed on well over 14 million teeth each year. Root canal treatment will save natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.

At the center of each tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp. The pulp is comprised of blood vessels and nerves that are responsible for developing the hard structure of each tooth. The pulp may become inflamed or infected due to decay, trauma to the tooth, cracks or extensive restorations. Symptoms of this type of problem include temperature sensitivity, pain, swelling or sensitivity to biting.

Dr. Richard Bush,
Dr. Wesley Reed,
Dr. Steven Forgione
Dr. Timothy Gresla and
Dr. Deborah E. Tung are endodontists in the areas of Winchester, MA and Burlington, MA.
They specialize in endodontic treatment, apicoectomy and the treatment of teeth injuries, utilizing the latest in dental technology.

How is a root canal performed?

Treatment is performed by removing the diseased pulp tissue from each canal in the involved tooth. This would usually involve one canal in a front tooth and as many as four canals in a back or molar tooth. The root canals are thoroughly cleaned, shaped and filled with a material called gutta percha. This is a biocompatable material that has been used for this purpose for many years. Root canal treatments can often be completed in a single visit, however, more difficult teeth may sometimes require a second appointment.

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal has been completed a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a permanent restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide what type of restoration is necessary to best protect your tooth. It is perfectly normal for your tooth to be pressure sensitive for a variable period of time following completion of root canal treatment.

How much will the treatment cost?

The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on the particular tooth involved. In general, endodontic treatment is less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an implant or bridge.

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