Root Canal Therapy – Burlington, MA

Painless Tooth Repair
Without Fear

Animated smile in need of root canal therapy

When a decayed or injured tooth requires more help than a traditional filling can provide, a root canal can help to rescue the tooth from extraction. At Complete Dental Care, we provide comfortable, effective root canal therapy in Burlington, MA. Keep reading to learn more about this common restorative procedure, including why there is nothing to dread from modern root canals performed by Dr. James Kostas.

Why Choose Complete Dental Care for Root Canal Therapy?

  • State-of-the-Art Dental Technology
  • Helping Burlington Smile Since 1992
  • Various Options for Flexible Financing

What Is a Root Canal?

Woman in pain before root canal therapy

A root canal is a procedure for severely decayed or damaged teeth. Your dentist removes all of the infected tissue from the interior of the tooth and refills the area it with a biocompatible material. A sturdy crown or filling will be placed on top. Root canal therapy is recommended when decay or trauma has affected the interior of the tooth, which is called the pulp. Once this area has been exposed to bacteria or air, discomfort is likely to occur as a result. Root canals have developed the reputation of being painful, but this is likely due to the procedure being confused for the sensation of the aching tooth. In reality, an effective root canal gets you out of pain and able to move on with your life.

What Are the Symptoms of a Root Canal?

Animated tooth with progressively worse tooth decay before root canal therapy

It is usually difficult to ignore the need for a root canal. However, sometimes the tooth is so badly injured that the pulp has lost sensation and nothing may be felt at all. Watch out for these symptoms of a tooth needing a root canal to ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment ASAP.

  • A persistent toothache or throbbing tooth
  • A dark or gray tooth
  • A pimple-like bump on the gums below the tooth
  • A foul odor emitting from the tooth
  • Infected or red gums around the tooth
  • An aching jaw
  • Swelling in the area around the tooth

How Is a Root Canal Performed?

Animated smile during root canal therapy

Root canal procedures are performed under local anesthesia with sedation as desired for additional comfort. We will only begin once we are sure you are completely relaxed and at ease. Most root canals take place over the course of two visits to the dentist. Dr. Kostas will begin by creating a small access hole through which all of the infected tissue is removed. Once the interior of the tooth is clean, the root canals are reshaped. A material called gutta-percha is placed within the tooth and a temporary or permanent filling or crown is placed in the same appointment or in a follow-up visit.

What’s the Recovery Process After a Root Canal?

Woman smiling and giving thumbs up after root canal therapy recovery

After the root canal is complete, we will send you home with instructions to help you enjoy a comfortable and speedy recovery. Some of these include:

  • Plan to get plenty of rest and relaxation on the day of your root canal. Take it easy for as long as you need to in the days to follow.
  • Use an ice pack to reduce swelling and inflammation.
  • Keep your head propped up on a pillow.
  • Eat a soft foods diet until you feel comfortable resuming your regular eating habits.
  • Take all medication exactly as prescribed.

Follow our post-op instructions closely and you should feel better within a few days. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, however, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our dental office for prompt attention.

Learn More Today!

Dentist holding a model tooth after root canal therapy

Are you searching for the “dentist near me” providing root canal therapy? We’re here waiting for you at Complete Dental Care. Request an appointment today!