Expert Endodontic Care in Rockland, MA
At Deller Smiles Dental Care & Orthodontics, our dentists provide gentle, effective endodontic care to relieve pain, remove infection, and save your natural teeth. Endodontics focuses on the inside of the tooth, including the pulp, nerves, and root structures, and is an important part of protecting your long-term oral health.
What Is Endodontic Treatment?
Endodontic treatment, commonly referred to as a root canal, is performed when the soft tissue inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to deep decay, cracks, repeated dental procedures, or trauma. Rather than extracting the tooth, a root canal allows us to remove the infection, save the tooth, and restore function.
During the procedure, the infected pulp is carefully removed, the canals are disinfected and shaped, and the space is sealed with a biocompatible material. A crown or restoration is then placed to protect the treated tooth and restore its strength.
What are the Benefits of Endodontic Care?
Choosing endodontic treatment offers several important advantages:
- Saves your natural tooth and avoids the need for extraction
- Relieves pain and sensitivity caused by infection or inflammation
- Prevents the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and tissues
- Restores normal chewing and biting function
- Protects your overall oral health for years to come
Our Endodontic Services
We provide a full range of endodontic services, including:
- Root Canal Therapy – Treats infection and inflammation inside the tooth.
- Endodontic Retreatment – Addresses previously treated teeth that require additional care.
- Apicoectomy (Surgical Endodontics) – Removes the root tip if infection persists after standard treatment.
- Post and Core Build-Ups – Reinforce and stabilize the tooth before a crown is placed.
Using modern techniques, digital imaging, and advanced materials, we ensure your treatment is efficient, comfortable, and highly effective.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Comprehensive Exam
We use digital imaging and a thorough clinical evaluation to diagnose the problem accurately. - Comfortable Procedure
The area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. We then access the pulp chamber, clean out the infection, shape the canals, and seal the tooth. - Restoration
After treatment, a crown or restoration is placed to strengthen and protect the tooth. - Follow-Up Care
We schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and ensure long-term success.
How Should You Care for Your Tooth After Treatment?
Most patients experience mild soreness for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. You should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final crown or restoration is placed. Good daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental checkups, will help keep your restored tooth healthy for many years.
Schedule Your Endodontic Appointment
If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or signs of infection, endodontic treatment may be the solution. Our goal is to save your natural teeth and restore your comfort with expert endodontic care and a gentle, patient-focused approach.
Contact our office today to schedule an evaluation and learn whether root canal therapy is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about what to expect from root canal treatment or endodontic care in general? Here are answers to some common questions patients ask.
How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal Instead of a Filling?
A filling treats decay on the outer part of the tooth, while a root canal is needed when the infection or irritation has reached the nerve. Signs can include lingering pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling, or pain when chewing. A dental exam and X-rays are needed to determine which treatment is appropriate.
Will a Root Canal Hurt?
With modern anesthesia, a root canal is usually no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. You may feel some soreness after the procedure, but this typically improves within a few days and is often less painful than the toothache caused by the infection itself.
How Long Does a Root Canal Appointment Take?
Most root canals can be completed in one visit that lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth and the number of roots. More complex cases or retreatments may require an additional appointment.
Can I Drive Home After Endodontic Treatment or Should I Go With a Family Member?
Yes. Since treatment is performed with local anesthesia, most patients can safely drive themselves home and return to normal light activities the same day, unless instructed otherwise by the dentist.
How Long Will a Tooth Last After a Root Canal?
With a quality restoration, good oral hygiene, and regular dental checkups, a tooth that has received endodontic treatment can last many years and often for a lifetime. Protecting the tooth with a properly fitted crown is a key part of long-term success.