Woman holding jaw because of root canal pain

Root Canal

An infected tooth can cause significant discomfort, and if left untreated, can damage your tooth and oral health. 

Fortunately, a root canal at Whiteman Dental Associates in Brookline, MA, is a virtually painless procedure that can treat advanced decay.

Dr. Daniel Whiteman has over 20 years of experience. Find out how he can eliminate pain and restore your smile.

Do You Have Tooth Pain? Call us today for an emergency appointment.

Sudden or intense tooth pain can be a sign you have an infection and need a root canal. If you have tooth pain or an obvious abscess, call our dental practice for an emergency appointment. We will fit you in as soon as possible to address your issues and ease your pain. We proudly serve the patients of Brookline, Boston, and the surrounding communities.

Root Canals Can Prevent the Need for an Extraction

Large cavities and cracks in the teeth can allow bacteria to enter the root canals, where the pulp, or soft inner tissues, reside. For many patients, root canal treatment can remove decay and preserve the healthy outer tooth structure.

A root canal at Whiteman Dental Associates can prevent the need for tooth extraction by removing the pulp from the tooth and the root canals and filling the space with durable dental material. To fully restore the tooth, a natural-looking dental crown is typically placed as well.

Illustration of dental crown

Root Canals Are Not Painful

It is a common misconception that root canal treatment is painful. In fact, a root canal can relieve the pain associated with infections.

Our skilled dentist will numb the area completely before treatment begins, so that you remain completely comfortable during treatment. If at any point you feel pain, please let your dentist know so he can make adjustments to ensure your comfort.

Daniel M. Whiteman is a dentist who offers multiple methods of local anesthesia depending on your needs. We can even help those who typically do not respond to traditional anesthetics. During your initial consultation, your dentist will discuss your options and your health history to ensure the most painless procedure possible. 

man receiving dental care

Why Choose Dr. Whiteman? Advanced Techniques to Ensure Your Comfort

Dr. Whiteman understands that undergoing dental treatment can be daunting. However, with advances in dental technology, a dentist can provide patients with quick and comfortable root canal treatment. At our practice serving Brookline and Boston, MA, we are committed to offering a range of options to ensure a virtually pain-free root canal.

Local Anesthetic

Before performing a root canal, a local anesthetic is carefully applied to numb the teeth and the gum tissue surrounding the pulp. In addition to this common and routinely used anesthetic, our dentist can administer other types of sedation to ensure optimum comfort.

PLI

A periodontal ligament injection (PLI) involves the dentist administering an anesthetic directly at the point where the tooth and gums meet. It's a great option for patients that are unresponsive to traditional anesthetic or prefer that numbness is focused on a targeted area rather than the whole mouth. 

Intraosseous Anesthetic

An intraosseous anesthetic is a numbing agent delivered directly into your jaw. This option is available to patients when other anesthetics fail to sufficiently numb the treatment area prior to the root canal.

Personalized Treatment Plan 

Thanks to our cutting-edge dental techniques, most patients find that root canal treatment is a pain-free experience. If needed, Dr. Whiteman will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you manage any pain following the root canal, ensuring that you are cared for even after you leave our office. 

The cost of root canal therapy ranges from $1,300 to $1,600 at our practice. We work with most major insurance providers.

Paying for the Cost of Root Canal: FAQ

1. ​How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

When you browse the websites of most dentists in Brookline, MA, and the greater Boston area, you won't find any pricing information, even though this is one of the first questions patients have about dental services. We are proud to be upfront and transparent about our pricing. The cost of root canal therapy ranges from $1,300 to $1,600 at our practice.

2. Will Insurance Cover the Cost of a Root Canal?

Generally speaking, most plans cover at least a portion of this treatment. Our team can work directly with your provider to get you the greatest amount of coverage. We can also provide you with an estimate of any out-of-pocket costs you can expect.

3. What Are My Other Payment Options?

We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards like Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, and Discover®. Many patients opt to use a credit card with zero interest or low interest so they can pay off the cost of this necessary treatment over several months.

Insurance Information

Deductibles

In some cases, an insurance plan may cover root canal costs only after you have paid your yearly deductible. For example, if your annual deductible is $1,000, you would be responsible for this fee out-of-pocket; after the deductible is met, the insurance plan may offer full or partial coverage for the remaining root canal costs. It is important to note that the deductible only applies to certain services; typically, you don't need to pay toward your deductible for preventative care, like dental exams, cleanings, and X-rays.

Monthly Premiums

Patients should know that lower monthly insurance premiums result in higher deductibles. If you expect to need more extensive restorative work, you may want to choose a full-coverage plan with a higher monthly cost rather than one that focuses on preventative services but has high deductibles for restorative work. However, there may be a period before full benefits kick in.

Co-Insurance

Often, your insurance plan may cover a percentage of your root canal treatment after the deductible has been met. In most cases, insurance providers pay 50% to 80% of root canal costs, and the patient is responsible for the remaining costs.

"He treated me so kindly" 5-Star Reviews

1

V M

2022

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I came to Dr. Whiteman in severe pain caused by the actions of another local dentist. He treated me so kindly and would not give up until he helped me. I continue as a patient for cleanings and checkups. I also referred 2 family members to this practice. The entire office staff makes me feel comfortable. I have had real nightmare experiences with dentists. But finally here is a great one.

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1

Jamie Scott

2022

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I recently heard GREAT things about the Whiteman practice! I called and was warmly welcomed by Karen . I explained my situation and was reassured that they would do everything they could for me and work with my to create a treatment plan. Karen was able to schedule my office visit very quickly. I have a great feeling about the Whiteman practice. I will follow up with another review after my appointment.

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Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a tooth infection, please contact our dentist today. Our amazing staff provides prompt and efficient service; in addition, access to our Wi-Fi hot spot allows you to stay connected to the internet throughout the entirety of your visit. Dr. Whiteman has been practicing for over 25 years and holds several distinctions:

  • Licensed to practice in the U.S., Canada, and Israel
  • ADA-compliant office 
  • Uses the most up-to-date materials and techniques

Our dentist's office is in T-accessible locations for patients in Brookline and Boston, MA, that utilize public transportation.

Request an appointment online 

or call us at:

(617) 731-4746

Dr. Whiteman with patient
Dr. Whiteman performing treatment on a patient at Whiteman Dental Associates

What to Expect Step-by-Step

Our advanced technology allows the dentist to craft a custom, same-day crown while you wait.
Our advanced technology allows the dentist to craft a custom, same-day crown while you wait.

Numb the Area

Before the dentist performs the root canal, your affected tooth and the surrounding area will be carefully numbed. Once the effects of the local anesthetic set in, you should not feel any pain or discomfort for the remainder of the procedure.

Create Opening

An opening is made on the surface of the tooth to access the inner pulp chamber, which contains nerve endings and blood vessels.

Clear Infection

Through this access point, the dentist can extract bacteria and pulp tissues. Dr. Whiteman also uses cutting-edge Waterlase® technology to sterilize the teeth and prevent reinfection.

Seal Tooth

The empty pulp chamber is filled with an inert rubber-like substance, and the tooth is sealed closed.

Place the Crown

Finally, the remaining healthy outer portions of the tooth will be reshaped to accommodate a custom dental crown. Our advanced imaging and milling system allows our dentist to craft a custom, same-day crown while you wait, giving you quick, high-quality results.

Root Canal Therapy: The Basics

Watch this video to see what happens during the root canal procedure.

"Absolutely Love This Office."

1

Natasha Egorova

2019

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Absolutely love this office  Karen and Dr. Whiteman and staff are
Very professional. Office clean, state of the art equipment and great hands!

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1

John Anderson

2021

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I drive 150 miles to have Dr. Whiteman care for my teeth. Dr. Whiteman and his staff are by every measure the best you can get for dental care.

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Same-Day Restoration and Beautiful Custom Crowns 

At Whiteman Dental Associates, we are proud to provide the Boston and Brookline, MA, region with superior quality dentistry and technology. In addition to expert, comfortable root canal therapy, Dr. Whiteman offers custom restorations. Our dental crowns are made using our on-site CEREC® imaging and milling system. This advanced, trusted technology fabricates custom crowns within an hour so you don't have to return to our dental office for a second visit. While same-day crowns are not the best solution for every patient, trust that our experienced dentist will ultimately provide you with natural-looking, long-lasting results.

CEREC Machine
The CEREC dental imaging and milling system streamlines treatment at our Brookline practice.

Our Crowns Are Indistinguishable from Natural Teeth

Before Root Canal
Before
After Root Canal
After

Contact Our Practice

If you are experiencing dental pain, come to our office so we can check the health of your teeth, gums, and other oral structures. You can contact us online to ask our Brookline practice a question or request a consultation. You can also reach us by phone:

(617) 731-4746

Root Canal FAQ

How Successful Are Root Canals?

The majority of root canals are successful in eliminating the infection, removing the decayed pulp, and saving the natural tooth. The International Endodontic Journal reports a 95% success rate associated with root canal treatment. Of course, it is important to have an experienced dentist or endodontist perform the procedure. We are highly trusted in this field in the Boston and Brookline area, providing successful root canals to our patients since 2003.

Monthly Premiums

Patients should know that lower monthly insurance premiums result in higher deductibles. If you expect to need more extensive restorative work, you may want to choose a full-coverage plan with a higher monthly cost rather than one that focuses on preventative services but has high deductibles for restorative work. However, there may be a period before full benefits kick in.

Co-Insurance

Often, your insurance plan may cover a percentage of your root canal treatment after the deductible has been met. In most cases, insurance providers pay 50% to 80% of root canal costs, and the patient is responsible for the remaining costs.

What Are the Benefits of Treatment?

There are many benefits of undergoing root canal therapy. Most importantly, the dentist should be able to save your natural tooth without extraction and a costly implant. After a root canal, your pain and sensitivity around the cavity or infected pulp area should subside almost immediately. Root canal therapy is a fast procedure, and oftentimes, no follow-up visit is required. 

Shouldn't I See an Endodontist for a Root Canal?

Endodontists are specifically trained to address issues with the tooth roots. However, our Brookline dentist is trained in root canals and many other dental procedures. A benefit of seeking treatment with our Dr. Whiteman is that you can have your root canal procedure and a dental crown placed in one location. We provide comprehensive treatment to address your oral health needs in one location.

Why Not Just Extract an Infected Tooth?

When you lose a tooth, the jawbone no longer receives the stimulation the tooth roots once provided. Without that stimulation, the jawbone can atrophy, leading to issues such as more missing teeth. This can lead to further oral health concerns and more extensive dental procedures later. By removing the infected pulp and preserving the tooth structure, your dentist can restore your oral health and possibly prevent the need for procedures like dental implants and bone grafts.

Can't I Just Take Antibiotics to Treat the Infection?

When the infection reaches the pulp, antibiotics alone are often ineffective in eliminating the issue. When left untreated, this infection can spread. Antibiotics are often used in conjunction with root canal therapy to ensure the infection is removed.

"I Recommend Dr. Whiteman Without Hesitation!" More 5-Star Reviews of Our Brookline Practice

1

Meghan Guidry

2018

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Dr. Whiteman and the team are phenomenal!...Over the past 2+ years, they've seen me through three crowns, numerous fillings, two root canals, and a completely re-imagined care plan...I've had no new cavities, and only had to do repairs on 10+ year old implants (two fillings and a crown that had worn through). I can't recommend this practice and the people who make it possible enough! They even got me to start flossing regularly, which is probably the highest compliment I've ever given a dental experience ever.

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1

Fern James

2018

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I have been to many dental practices over decades of years and I can say Dr. Whiteman and his staff are unequivocally the best! From routine fillings, root canals, and crowns to implants, I have had excellent experiences and outcomes. Dr. Whiteman is highly skilled and attentive. Karen, the office manager, is personable and kind. I recommend Dr. Whiteman without hesitation!

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Dr. Whiteman

Whiteman Dental Associates Daniel M. Whiteman, DMD

Dr. Daniel Whiteman is dedicated to providing exceptional care at his Brookline, MA, practice

  • Licensed to practice in the U.S., Canada, and Israel
  • Over 20 years in practice
  • Uses state-of-the-art technology
  • ADA-compliant office
  • General, cosmetic, and restorative treatments
  • Patient-oriented approach
  • Implant and CEREC (same day crown) dentistry
  • Laser dentistry including gum contouring and fibroma removal

To schedule your consultation, contact us online or call us at (617) 731-4746.

Contact Us Today

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Google map image of our location in 8 Alton Pl Ste 1 Brookline, MA

Brookline Office

8 Alton Pl
Ste 1
Brookline, MA 02446

Open Today 8:30am - 5:30pm

(617) 731-4746 Send a message