- What Is Root Canal Treatment?
- What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
- What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Treatment?
- Frederick J Norfolk, DMD and Associates Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment
- Find Relief From a Painful Tooth
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment can relieve a painful tooth while helping you keep your natural smile. At Frederick J. Norfolk, DMD and Associates, we provide root canal treatment in Milford, MA for teeth affected by infection or serious damage. This form of endodontic treatment focuses on problems involving the soft tissue, or pulp, inside a tooth. Deep decay, cracks, dental injuries, and repeated dental work can allow bacteria to reach the pulp. Patients may notice severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or tenderness. In other cases, damaged or infected tooth pulp may cause few noticeable symptoms. A dental exam can help determine the source of the problem and the appropriate treatment. Schedule a consultation with our Milford, MA team to have a painful or damaged tooth evaluated.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
During a root canal procedure, the tooth and surrounding area are numbed to help keep you comfortable. An opening is made in the tooth so the damaged or infected pulp can be removed, and the small canals inside the roots are carefully cleaned and disinfected. The canals are then filled and sealed to reduce the chance of bacteria entering again. A filling or dental crown may be used afterward to restore the tooth, depending on its condition. A crown can add protection to a tooth that has lost a significant amount of its natural structure. By removing bacteria and damaged tissue from inside the tooth, this tooth infection treatment addresses the source of the problem rather than simply easing its symptoms.
What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Treatment?
Keeping a natural tooth can benefit your bite, chewing ability, and overall oral health. Root canal treatment at Frederick J. Norfolk, DMD and Associates in Milford, MA also removes infected tissue that cannot heal on its own. Benefits may include:
- Relieving pain caused by inflammation or infection
- Removing bacteria and infected tissue from inside the tooth
- Preserving the natural tooth
- Lowering risk of infection spreading to nearby tissues
- Restoring biting and chewing function
- Lowering need for tooth replacement after an extraction
- Protecting surrounding teeth and normal bite alignment
Frederick J Norfolk, DMD and Associates Reviews
Great dental practice that really cares about their patients.
Good experience and great staff. On time, no real wait for the appointment. Hygienist did a great job.
If you need Dental work, Dr. Norfolk, his Dental Staff, and his Office Team are “Best in Class”. This is a Dental Practice that cares about their patients and provides outstanding Dental work.
There's sinply no better dentist than Dr Norfolk I never worry about a thing when it go in for dental work under his expert care..He and his excellent and friendly staff are the very best!
I have had A LOT of dental work and procedures from injuries and genetics and this group of practitioners is by far the most precise, professional and compassionate I have encountered. I have recommended the Norfolk group to everyone I am in contact. Everyone has returned with a superlative responses and experience. I think Dr Norfolk is a caring and great dentist and person. (I am not related to him)
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Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment
How long does a root canal last?
A tooth treated with a root canal can often remain healthy and useful for many years. Its longevity depends on factors such as the condition of the tooth, the restoration, oral hygiene, and regular dental visits. Protecting the tooth with a crown may also be recommended when additional strength is needed.
What happens if you don't get a needed root canal?
An infection inside a tooth does not usually resolve on its own. Without treatment, bacteria may spread beyond the tooth and lead to swelling, an abscess, bone loss, or worsening discomfort. Delaying treatment may also reduce the chance of saving the natural tooth.
Can a tooth need a root canal without hurting?
Some teeth with damaged or infected pulp cause little or no pain, especially after the nerve tissue inside the tooth has died. Changes seen during an exam or on dental x-rays may reveal a problem before noticeable discomfort develops.
Can root canal treatment help with tooth pain?
Root canal treatment can relieve pain caused by inflamed or infected tissue inside a tooth. The procedure removes the damaged pulp and addresses the source of the irritation. Some tenderness may occur afterward, but this usually improves as the area heals.
What can you eat after a root canal?
Soft foods that require little chewing are often better after a root canal. Foods such as yogurt, eggs, pasta, soup, mashed potatoes, and soft vegetables can be good choices once numbness has worn off. Avoid chewing hard, crunchy, or sticky foods on the treated tooth until our team says it is ready for normal use.
Find Relief From a Painful Tooth
Dental pain can make eating, sleeping, and getting through the day difficult. Root canal treatment can remove infected tissue, relieve the source of discomfort, and often save a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed. Frederick J. Norfolk, DMD and Associates provides friendly, professional treatment with your comfort in mind. Contact our Milford, MA, practice to schedule an appointment to find relief from a painful or infected tooth.