Save the tooth.
Stop the pain.
A root canal removes the inflamed or infected tissue inside a tooth so you can keep the tooth instead of losing it. We numb the area first, find the cause with 3D imaging and explain every step before we start.
- Numb firstlocal anesthesia before any treatment
- 3D CBCTsee the roots and bone, not just the crown
- Same-day crownoften possible after treatment with CEREC
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment that cleans out the inflamed or infected pulp inside a tooth, disinfects the canals and seals them, so the tooth can stay in your mouth.
With local anesthesia, most patients feel pressure rather than pain during treatment. The goal is to remove the source of the toothache, not to add to it.
Because a treated back tooth can become brittle, it usually needs a crown afterward. With our in-office CEREC system, that crown can often be made and placed in a single visit.
Restoring a damaged tooth.
Tooth-colored restoration at Integrity Dental Boston. Patient images shared with permission. Individual treatment needs and results vary.
You may need a root canal if you have…
Only an exam and X-rays can tell for sure. Sometimes a simpler filling is enough — we'll tell you which.
- A lingering toothache, especially at night
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that stays after the food is gone
- Pain when you bite or chew
- Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum
- A tooth that has darkened after an injury
- A deep cavity or a cracked tooth
What to expect.
- 01
Exam & 3D imaging
We check the tooth and take digital X-rays or a CBCT scan to see the roots.
- 02
Numbing
We make sure the area is fully numb before we begin.
- 03
Treatment
We clean, shape and disinfect the canals, then seal them.
- 04
Protect the tooth
A crown — often made the same day with CEREC — protects the tooth for the long term.
If your case is better handled by a root canal specialist (endodontist), we'll tell you and help you get there.
Root canal care that respects your time.
See what we see
Digital X-rays and in-office 3D CBCT, explained on screen in plain English.
Treatment and crown together
Root canal and crown under one roof — often the crown on the same day.
Cost before treatment
We check your insurance and explain your out-of-pocket cost before we start.
What a root canal costs.
The cost depends on which tooth needs treatment and whether it needs a crown afterward. Most PPO plans cover part of root canal treatment — we check your benefits and explain your cost before we begin.
- 01We check your insurance benefits and explain your out-of-pocket cost before treatment begins.
- 02We work with most major PPO plans and file the claims for you.
- 03Monthly payment options are available through Cherry, Proceed, HFD and CareCredit, subject to approval.
Care from people who explain, not rush.
What patients ask us.
Does a root canal hurt?
We numb the tooth before treatment, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Some tenderness for a few days afterward is normal.
How long does a root canal take?
Many root canals are done in one visit; some teeth need two. We'll tell you what to expect after the exam.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth usually do, because a treated tooth can become brittle. With CEREC, the crown can often be made and placed the same day.
Can I go back to work after a root canal?
Most people go back to their day after treatment. Your lip and cheek may stay numb for a few hours.
Is it better to pull the tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth is usually the better long-term option when it can be saved. If it can't, we'll explain the alternatives, including implants.
Do you take my insurance?
We work with most major PPO plans and check your benefits before treatment. We do not accept MassHealth.
In the Financial District, on the 7th floor.
- Address
- One International Place, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02110 — a short walk from South Station - Hours
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm - Parking
- Use the garage entrance on Purchase Street — we validate your ticket. A QR code for building access is emailed on the day of your appointment.
- Insurance
- We work with most major PPO plans and handle the paperwork. We do not accept MassHealth.
Toothache? Let's find the cause.
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