Root Canals in Brookline, MA
Few dental phrases cause more anxiety than “you need a root canal.” The reality, though, is that this common procedure is nothing to fear. Root canal treatment is one of the most effective ways to relieve tooth pain, stop infection in its tracks, and preserve the natural tooth you were born with.
At Longwood Dental Group in Brookline, root canal therapy is provided by Dr. Zachary Kano, a Boston Magazine Top Dentists honoree, who works alongside our general dentists and specialty dentistry team under one roof. That means your diagnosis, your root canal, and the crown that protects your tooth afterward can all happen in one office, close to home.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is performed to clear infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue at the core of each tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this tissue becomes infected or severely inflamed due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, repeated dental procedures, or trauma, a root canal can remove the infection and secure the tooth to prevent it from spreading.
According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, and if left untreated, the infection causes pain or leads to an abscess. Modern root canals are completed with local anesthesia, and the vast majority of patients report feeling comfortable throughout the procedure.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Not every toothache signals the need for a root canal, but certain symptoms are worth paying close attention to. Persistent or severe tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, and darkening or discoloration of a tooth are all signs that the pulp may be compromised. Swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gums also indicates an underlying infection that warrants prompt evaluation.
What Causes Pulp Damage?
The most common causes of pulp damage may include:
- Deep decay that has reached the innermost layers of the tooth
- A crack or chip that exposes the pulp to bacteria
- Repeat procedures on the same tooth can irritate the pulp over time
- Trauma to the tooth, even when there are no visible chips or cracks
It is important to note that pulp damage does not always announce itself with obvious pain. Some patients have no symptoms at all, which is why regular dental exams are so valuable for catching problems early before they escalate.
Meet Dr. Zachary Kano, Root Canal Care in Brookline
Your root canal at Longwood Dental Group is planned and performed by a dentist who focuses on saving natural teeth.
Dr. Kano provides root canal therapy at our Brookline office, where he has been recognized by his peers in Boston Magazine’s Top Dentists list in 2021, 2022, and 2023. He works closely with our general dentists, so the same team that diagnoses your tooth can coordinate your root canal and the restoration that follows.
What to Expect During Your Root Canal in Brookline
A root canal takes one to two appointments. During the procedure, the treating dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Once you are comfortable, a small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The infected or inflamed pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned and shaped, and the space is filled and sealed with a material called gutta-percha.
Protecting the Tooth After Treatment
After a root canal, the treated tooth is more brittle than before, so restoring it with a dental crown is generally recommended for teeth in the back of the mouth. A crown protects the tooth from fracture and restores its full chewing function. With the right restoration and proper oral hygiene, a tooth that has had a root canal may last a lifetime.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is seriously infected or damaged, patients sometimes wonder whether extraction is the simpler path. In most cases, preserving the natural tooth is the better choice. Removing a tooth without replacement allows surrounding teeth to move, which affects your bite and leads to further dental complications. Replacement options like implants or bridges also require additional time, procedures, and cost.
| Root Canal | Extraction | |
| Natural tooth | Kept in place | Removed |
| Typical visits | One to two, plus a crown | One, plus later visits to replace the tooth |
| Neighboring teeth | Bite stays stable | Teeth can shift if the gap is not filled |
| Follow-up treatment | Crown or filling | Implant, bridge, or partial denture |
A root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth while eliminating the infection that is causing pain. Keeping a healthy oral environment also supports your overall health. Research has demonstrated a connection between poor oral health and systemic conditions, making regular attention to issues like gum disease and untreated infections all the more important. If you have been evaluated for periodontics or gum disease alongside your tooth concern, our team is equipped to address both.
Root Canal Cost, Insurance, and Payment in Brookline
The cost of a root canal depends on which tooth needs treatment, since molars have more canals than front teeth, and on whether the tooth needs a crown afterward. Imaging and any follow-up visits also play a part. We give you a clear estimate before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
Longwood Dental Group accepts most dental insurance plans, and many plans cover part of root canal treatment. Our team can review your dental insurance benefits with you. If you do not have insurance, ask about our one-year dental care plan.
Root Canal Treatment at Longwood Dental Group
Longwood Dental Group brings root canal therapy, restorative dentistry, and gum care together under one roof in Brookline. This multi-specialty model means you may not need to travel to a separate office for root canal care. Our team uses modern techniques and technology, including 3D CT scanning and digital X-rays, to diagnose and treat root canal infections with precision and care. We also have experience managing complex cases and providing post-operative support to make recovery as smooth as possible.
Root Canal FAQs
Here are answers to the questions Brookline patients ask most often about root canals.
Does a root canal hurt?
Root canals are done with local anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during treatment. Some tenderness for a few days afterward is common and usually eases with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in one or two appointments. Molars have more canals than front teeth, so they usually take longer.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
Back teeth usually need a crown, because a treated tooth becomes more brittle. Front teeth may only need a filling. Crowns are made in our in-house lab, and same-day CEREC crowns are available for patients who qualify.
Does dental insurance cover root canals?
Many dental insurance plans cover part of root canal treatment. Our team will review your benefits before treatment, and patients without insurance can ask about our one-year dental care plan.
What happens if I wait to get a root canal?
An infected tooth does not heal on its own. Waiting can let the infection spread or form an abscess, and a tooth that could have been saved may need to be removed.
How long does a tooth last after a root canal?
With a proper restoration and good home care, a treated tooth can last many years, and often a lifetime.
If you have been having tooth pain, sensitivity, or any of the warning signs mentioned above, do not wait. Getting treatment as soon as possible may be the difference between saving your tooth and losing it. We welcome you to contact our office to schedule your evaluation with the Longwood Dental Group team today.
Endodontic Treatment Information
For detailed information on Root Canals, please click on the following documents.