If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or signs of infection, you may need endodontic treatment, commonly known as a root canal. At Hammond Pond Dental Group in Chestnut Hill, MA, we provide gentle, effective root canal therapy to help patients from Chestnut Hill, Brookline, Newton, and surrounding communities save their natural teeth and relieve pain quickly.
Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but modern dentistry has changed dramatically. With advanced technology, local anesthesia, and sedation options, most patients report little to no discomfort during treatment. Our goal is to make your experience calm, comfortable, and completely stress-free.
When Is a Root Canal Needed?
A root canal is needed when the pulp (the soft inner tissue of the tooth) becomes infected, damaged, or inflamed. If left untreated, this can lead to severe pain, swelling, abscesses, or even tooth loss.
Common signs you may need a root canal include:
- Sharp, throbbing, or lingering tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swollen or tender gums
- Tooth discoloration
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums (possible abscess)
However, not all infected teeth cause pain. Sometimes the nerve becomes so damaged that it can no longer transmit pain signals, even though infection is still present. This is why prompt evaluation is so important.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our Chestnut Hill dental office right away, the sooner we treat the infection, the better the outcome.
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment
Many patients can complete their root canal in one visit, though additional appointments may be needed for more complex cases.
Here’s how the procedure typically works:
- Examination & Comfort Preparation - Your endodontist will examine the tooth and take diagnostic images to determine the extent of the infection. We use local anesthesia and offer sedation dentistry options to help you feel calm and relaxed throughout your visit.
- Cleaning the Tooth - A small opening is made in the tooth to access the infected area. Damaged tissue is removed, and the canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria.
- Filling the Canal - The cleaned canal is filled with a safe, biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which seals the tooth and prevents reinfection.
- Restoring the Tooth - To protect the tooth and restore full strength, we often recommend placing a dental crown. This ensures the tooth remains healthy, functional, and durable long term.
Most root canal treatments are completed within about 90 minutes, depending on the tooth and severity of the infection.
Comfortable, Expert Endodontic Care Near You
If you’re looking for gentle, effective endodontics in Chestnut Hill, MA, our team at Hammond Pond Dental Group is here to help. Our experienced dentists use advanced technology and a compassionate approach to ensure your treatment is as comfortable and efficient as possible.
Contact us today to schedule your exam and find out whether a root canal can help save your tooth and relieve your discomfort.
