Seva Bedi ’26: Central New England Endodontics and Implantology

Most people don't give root canals a second thought until they're told they need one. Before this summer, I was one of those people. I didn't know the difference between a root canal and a routine dental cleaning. But that changed when I began my internship with Dr. Michael Russo at Central New England Endodontics and Implantology in his Worcester office. For four weeks this summer, I had the opportunity to observe the fascinating world of endodontics, where precision, anatomy, and patient comfort all come together.

Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing and treating issues related to the dental pulp, the soft inner tissue of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels, and the surrounding tissues near the tooth roots. One of the most common endodontic procedures is the root canal, a treatment that removes the infected or damaged pulp to save the natural tooth. When done correctly, this treatment helps to relieve pain, prevent the spread of infection, and preserve the structure and function of the tooth. Thanks to advances in technology and technique, root canals today are more efficient and comfortable than ever before, and during my internship, I learned exactly how much thought and care go into making that possible. 

The process of treating toothaches as an endodontist begins with a precise diagnosis. The key question is: how is the pulp (or the nerve) of the tooth doing? If the pulp is irreversibly irritated or necrotic (dead), then a root canal is usually necessary. To determine this, endodontists perform several diagnostic tests. Thermal testing, either hot or cold, can reveal hypersensitivity, which may indicate nerve inflammation. Percussion testing, tapping or applying pressure on the tooth, can indicate whether the pulp has died. One of the most important tools in this step is the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan, a type of 3D X-ray that offers a highly detailed view of the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. I learned how to take these scans by selecting the area of interest, adjusting the headpiece, and giving the patient clear instructions on where to bite. 

example of a CBCT scan that takes scans

If a root canal is needed, the patient will be numbed through an injected anesthetic. During my time at the office, I spent time researching types of local anesthetics and how they work. I learned about the facial nerves connected to different teeth and what type of anesthetic block or infiltration was needed to numb these teeth. Understanding anesthetics is crucial to patient comfort and endodontic success.

When I began my internship, my role was purely shadowing. I observed root canals from start to finish, beginning with the numbing process and isolation of the tooth using a rubber dam, all the way through shaping, cleaning, and sealing the root canals. Over time, as I became more familiar with the process, I was able to assist more directly.

Another intern and I shadowing procedure

One of the most important hands-on tasks I was entrusted with was suctioning, a surprisingly essential part of the procedure. Suction keeps the field dry, removes debris, and helps maintain a clear line of vision for the doctor. It is also essential for patient comfort, as it prevents water, disinfectants, and other materials from accumulating in the mouth, which can otherwise cause discomfort, gagging, or anxiety during the procedure. Root canals require extreme precision and patience. The dentist must navigate tiny twisting root canals (sometimes less than a millimeter wide), remove infected tissue while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

What surprised me most was how much emphasis was placed on patient comfort. Dr. Russo and his team paid close attention to how the patient was doing every step of the way, constantly checking in, ensuring numbness, and even providing blankets for when patients are cold. 

Though endodontics isn't just about what happens during the procedure, it also involves careful preparation and post-procedure protocols. One of my responsibilities was pre-cleaning instruments, which began by placing used tools into the ultrasonic cleaner, a machine that uses high-frequency vibrations to remove debris and contaminants. After the cycle finishes, I would rinse the instruments with cold water and lay them out to dry before placing them into sterilization bags to be steam sterilized in a machine called an autoclave. 

Rinsing tools I just took out of the ultrasonic Drying tools on a paper towel 

This internship gave me a much deeper appreciation for the complexity and care behind a field I once barely understood. I learned that dentistry is not just about treating teeth; it's about treating people. Every diagnosis is made with thoughtfulness, every procedure is executed with skill, and every patient is approached with compassion. I saw firsthand how science, technology, and human interaction work together in a clinical setting. This experience has strengthened my interest in healthcare, and I'll carry it with me into whatever path I choose next. 

I'm incredibly thankful to Mr. Schlenker for connecting me with this opportunity, and to Dr. Russo and his entire team for welcoming me into their office and trusting me to be part of their work.