Endodontic Services
Westford and Bedford, MA

Emerson Dental provides endodontic services in Westford and Bedford, Massachusetts. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 978-399-0017 for our Westford office or 781-394-9213 for our Bedford office.

Endodontics is a specialization within the field of dentistry that focuses on the soft pulp inside of the teeth. The soft pulp is made up of tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. A tooth can become infected if bacteria invades the pulp. Endodontics involves treatment and prevention of tooth infections.

Endodontics has many benefits in the field of dentistry: 

• Reduce and prevent pain. An infected tooth can be extremely painful, and it often cannot be managed with over the counter pain medication. Endodontic treatment can relieve the pain of an infected tooth or prevent a tooth from becoming infected in the first place.

• Restore the health of a tooth or teeth. Endodontic treatment, when applied in time, can save the tooth and allow it to remain in place in your mouth. Multiple teeth may be restored with endodontics, preventing the need for extraction and replacement. 

• Repair damage to the roots of the teeth. Endodontics focuses on the root portion of the teeth that exists below the gum line. Teeth need healthy roots to anchor them in place.

We provide the following endodontic services: 

• Root canal. When a tooth is infected or damaged in some way, such as a deep cavity or a crack, a root canal may be necessary. The procedure involves removing the soft pulp from inside the tooth and replacing it with composite material. This removes any infected tissue and prevents further infection. In many cases a crown will need to be placed over the tooth following a root canal. 

• Retreatment. Occasionally a tooth that has been treated with a root canal will need to be retreated due to a new infection. This can occur if all of the root canals inside of the tooth were not filled or if a new root canal forms. 

• Apical surgery. An infected tooth that does not respond to a root canal may require apical surgery. This procedure involves removing the tip of the tooth root and sealing it off to prevent bacteria from reentering and causing further infection. 

• Cracked tooth repair. If a crack in a tooth reaches the inner portion where the soft pulp resides, it may need a root canal and crown to repair it.

If you have a severe toothache or a tooth that is chipped, cracked, or broken, you may be a good candidate for endodontic treatment. Endodontics has a high success rate for saving existing teeth so that they can remain in place in your mouth. Multiple teeth can be restored with root canal treatment or apical surgery.

Our dental team includes general dentists as well as an endodontist who specializes in endodontic treatment and care. At Emerson Dental we strive to do everything we can to help you keep your natural teeth in place. Preserving your natural teeth provides you with the best dental health and function. We are a family dental practice, providing quality dental care for patients of all ages.

Although there are myths about root canals, the truth is that the procedure is no more painful than a routine cavity filling. Local anesthesia is used to ensure you feel no pain during your root canal treatment. For anxious patients we provide sedation options, so please let us know if you feel you will need some help with relaxation.

Endodontics is a specialization within the field of dentistry. A licensed endodontist has completed all of the education and training required of a general dentist with additional training and education in endodontics.

X-Rays provide your dentist with a view of the roots of the teeth that are below the gums, as well as the inner portion of the teeth. This is an important diagnostic tool that allows the endodontist to see what needs to be done and create a detailed plan for treatment.