Root Canal Therapy in Somerville, MA
Save Your Natural Tooth with Gentle, Effective Care
At Anthony P. Parrella, DMD, we perform root canal therapy to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and preserve your natural tooth—avoiding the need for extraction. Contrary to its reputation, modern root canal treatment is comfortable, precise, and highly successful.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth, known as the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue—and when it becomes damaged due to deep decay, trauma, or infection, it can cause severe pain and swelling.
During a root canal, we remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect the inner chamber, and fill the space with a biocompatible material. The tooth is then sealed and typically restored with a crown to protect it and restore full function.
Why Save the Tooth Instead of Extracting It?
Many patients assume removing a painful or infected tooth is the best option, but keeping your natural tooth is almost always better for your long-term oral health. Extraction may lead to:
- Shifting of neighboring teeth
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- The need for costly replacements like bridges or implants
Root canal therapy helps you avoid these complications and restores your ability to bite, smile, and speak with confidence.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
You may not always feel symptoms, but common warning signs include:
- A persistent or severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling or tenderness near the gums
- A pimple-like bump (abscess) on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
- Pain when chewing or biting
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, prompt care is key to saving the tooth.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Root canal therapy is typically completed in one or two appointments and may be performed by Dr. Parrella or a trusted endodontic specialist depending on complexity.
Here’s how the process works:
- Numbing & Isolation: The tooth is numbed, and a rubber dam is placed to keep the area clean and dry.
- Access & Cleaning: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp. Using specialized instruments, we gently remove the pulp, bacteria, and any decay.
- Shaping & Disinfection: The inner canals are shaped, rinsed, and disinfected to ensure no infection remains.
- Filling & Sealing: The cleaned space is filled with a durable material (gutta-percha) and sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
- Final Restoration: In most cases, a crown is recommended after a root canal to protect the tooth and restore its full strength and function.
All procedures are performed with attention to detail and respectful, calming care to ensure a comfortable experience.
Root Canal Therapy FAQ
All the answers to your questions can be found here, and if a new question pops up, don't worry feel free to call us
- Deep decay that has reached the pulp
- Infection or abscess at the root tip
- Cracked, fractured, or injured tooth
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
You may experience some mild sensitivity or soreness for a few days as the tooth heals, especially if there was infection or inflammation beforehand. This discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions and encourage excellent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups to ensure the long-term success of your treatment.
Root canal therapy has a very high success rate and often lasts a lifetime with proper care. Occasionally, retreatment may be needed if reinfection occurs, but most treated teeth remain healthy and pain-free for many years.
Once bonded and adjusted, porcelain fixed bridges perform like natural teeth in chewing, speaking, and maintaining alignment when properly cared for.
Ready to Relieve the Pain and Save Your Tooth?
If you're experiencing dental pain or have been told you need a root canal, don’t delay care. Our experienced team is here to guide you through treatment comfortably and confidently.
We’ll confirm your visit and answer any questions.
Let’s Connect — We’d Love to Hear from You
Whether you have a question, need to reschedule, or are ready to book your first visit, our friendly team is here to help. Reach out anytime — we're happy to assist you.
Phone: (617) 625‑3022
Email: office@drparrella.com