Smiley Dental Waltham

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Root Canal

Root Canal Treatment in Waltham, MA

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, lingering sensitivity, or swelling, you may be concerned that extraction is your only option. In many cases, a root canal can save your tooth, relieve discomfort, and stop infection from spreading.

At Smiley Dental Waltham, we provide root canal treatment that is comfortable, predictable, and stress-free. Our focus is on helping you feel informed, relaxed, and confident throughout every step of your care.

We proudly serve patients in Waltham and nearby communities including Newton, Watertown, Belmont, Lexington, Weston, and surrounding MetroWest areas.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a routine dental procedure that removes infection from the inside of a tooth, known as the pulp. When the nerve becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks, trauma, or a failing filling, it can lead to pain, swelling, or sensitivity.

A root canal helps to:

Root canal therapy is one of the most effective ways to avoid extraction while restoring full function to your smile.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Common symptoms include:
If you’re unsure, an exam and X-ray can determine whether a root canal is necessary.

Common Causes of Tooth Infection

Once infection reaches the nerve, it cannot heal on its own. Root canal treatment is required to save the tooth.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Exam and X-Ray

We begin by evaluating your symptoms and taking diagnostic X-rays to confirm the diagnosis.

Numbing and Comfort

The tooth and surrounding area are fully numbed to ensure a comfortable, pain-free experience.

Removing the Infection

The infected pulp is carefully removed, and the canals are cleaned and disinfected using precise instruments.

Sealing the Tooth

The canals are sealed with a safe, rubber-like material to prevent future infection.

Final Restoration (Crown)

Most teeth require a crown after a root canal to restore strength and protect the tooth from damage.

Why the Crown Is Important

After a root canal, the tooth no longer receives nourishment from the nerve, which can make it more fragile over time. A crown helps to:
Delaying or skipping the crown increases the risk of the tooth breaking later.

Why a Root Canal Is a Smart Choice

Root canal treatment:

h proper care, root canal–treated teeth often last many years and can last a lifetime.

Does the Procedure Hurt?

Modern root canal treatment is comfortable and efficient. With today’s anesthesia, the procedure feels similar to receiving a filling. Mild soreness afterward is normal and typically resolves within 24–48 hours.

Aftercare Instructions

After treatment, we may recommend:

We provide personalized aftercare instructions based on your treatment.

Cost, Insurance, and Payment Options

Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of root canal treatment and part of the crown. Our team will:

Smiley Dental Waltham accepts CareCredit, Cherry, Sunbit, LendingTree, and other flexible financing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Persistent pain, sensitivity, swelling, or tooth discoloration are common signs. An exam and X-ray are needed to confirm.

Most patients experience significant relief the same day or within 24–48 hours.

Saving your natural tooth is usually the better option. Extraction can lead to shifting teeth, bone loss, and the need for more complex treatment.

Delaying allows infection to spread, increasing pain and the risk of tooth loss.

Antibiotics are prescribed only if the infection has spread beyond the tooth.

Reinfection is uncommon but possible if decay develops around the crown or the tooth cracks. Retreatment may be an option if needed.

Some teeth receive a temporary filling first, but placing the crown as soon as possible helps prevent fractures.

You can eat once numbness wears off, but avoid chewing on the treated side until the crown is placed.

With good oral care and a properly placed crown, a treated tooth can last many years or even a lifetime.

Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation

If you’re in pain or think you may need a root canal, contact our Waltham team today. We’re here to help you feel better quickly.

Call 781-666-6000 to schedule your visit.

Other Smiley Dental locations

Boston: 857-888-8000

Beverly: 978-288-1000

Lowell: 978-999-9000

Fairhaven: 508-967-1000