Endodontics
Dr. Devika Kapoor treats the nerve and pulp inside the tooth. Root canal therapy performed in-house saves teeth that would otherwise be lost.
Endodontics treats the inside of the tooth, the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels live. The goal is to relieve pain and save the natural tooth, which protects neighboring teeth and your long-term oral health.
- Decay reaching the pulpCavities that progress deep enough to affect the inner tooth.
- Abscess or infectionInfection that develops at the root tip or inside the tooth.
- Injury or traumaAn impact that causes the pulp to die, putting the tooth at risk of infection.
- Fractured rootA crack or break that compromises the root of the tooth.
- Problematic anatomyUnusual tooth structure that threatens the long-term health of the tooth or its neighbors.
- Root canal therapyWhen pulp damage is too extensive for the tooth to heal on its own, a root canal is the treatment of choice. The pulp, nerves, bacteria, and any decay are carefully removed, and the cavity is sealed to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
- Other endodontic careEndodontists also treat root fractures, abscesses, and complex tooth anatomy that general dentistry cannot resolve.
- Typically one visitMost endodontic treatment can be completed in a single appointment. Some sensitivity is normal for several days afterward and fades as the tooth heals and inflammation subsides.
Comfort comes from skill and technique. We'll send you home with care instructions, and good home hygiene plus regular exams protect your treated tooth long-term.
Dr. Devika Kapoor
DMD · Endodontist
Dr. Devika Kapoor has been a member of the Hingham Dentistry family for over 20 years. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree with Distinction from McGill University in 1997, she went on to study at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, graduating with her DMD in 2001. In 2003, Dr. Kapoor received her postgraduate degree in endodontics from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
Her professional memberships include the American Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, and Massachusetts Dental Society. Dr. Kapoor is an extremely talented endodontist with excellent treatment outcomes. She is loved by her patients for her thoroughness, efficiency, and caring attitude.
What Dr. Kapoor treats.
- Root Canal TreatmentGentle, precise treatment to remove infection from inside the tooth and relieve pain, preserving your natural tooth for the long term.Read the guide →
- Oral Sedation DentistryAlso offered with our other specialistsFor anxious patients, oral sedation helps you relax through longer or more involved treatments.Read the guide →
Endodontics · Hingham, MA
Endodontics questions, answered.
Every mouth is different. If your question is not here, call the office and we will answer it directly.
What is an endodontist?
- An endodontist is a dentist with additional specialty training in the nerve and pulp inside the tooth. Dr. Kapoor earned her DMD from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and her postgraduate degree in endodontics from Boston University.
Will I be sent somewhere else for a root canal?
- No. Dr. Kapoor has been part of Hingham Dentistry for more than 15 years and treats patients in our own office, so your dentist and your endodontist are on the same team and share your records.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
- Persistent pain, sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers, tenderness when you bite down, swelling, or a tooth that has darkened can all point to an infected or inflamed pulp. An exam and an x-ray tell us for certain.
Does a root canal hurt?
- The procedure itself is done under local anesthesia, and most patients say the pain they arrived with was worse than the treatment. Oral sedation is available if you would prefer it.
Is saving the tooth better than pulling it?
- Whenever the tooth can be saved, keeping your own tooth preserves the bone around it and the way your bite fits together. If a tooth cannot be saved, Dr. Le and Dr. DeVitre can plan an extraction and a replacement in the same office.
What happens after the root canal?
- The tooth usually needs a crown or another restoration to protect it. Your general dentist here handles that step, so the two visits are coordinated rather than scheduled by two separate offices.
Start with the specialist who knows this work.
Tell us what you are experiencing, and our team will route the request to this specialty.