Symptoms
Lingering sensitivity, pain when biting, swelling, or a deep cavity warrant a dental exam.
Root canal treatment can address infection or damage inside a tooth. An exam is the first step in finding out what is causing pain and whether the tooth can be saved.

Inside the tooth is soft tissue called pulp. When it becomes inflamed or infected, a dentist may recommend root canal treatment to remove the affected tissue, clean and seal the canals, and preserve the tooth.
Lingering sensitivity, pain when biting, swelling, or a deep cavity warrant a dental exam.
When possible, treatment may preserve the natural tooth instead of removing it.
A complex tooth or repeat treatment may need an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in care inside the tooth. Your dentist will explain any referral.
Call an office promptly for dental swelling. Trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly worsening facial swelling, or other life-threatening symptoms require emergency medical care.
The exact treatment and number of visits depend on the tooth and clinical findings.
Call an officeDiscuss symptoms and have the dentist examine the tooth and recommend imaging as needed.
If indicated, the provider removes affected pulp, cleans the canals, and seals the tooth.
A filling or crown may be needed afterward to protect the tooth. Ask about timing and referrals.

An evaluation matters because similar symptoms can have different causes. Pain alone does not prove a root canal is needed. The dentist assesses the tooth, gums, and imaging and explains alternatives, including extraction when a tooth cannot be restored.
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Northwest Indianapolis · Zionsville · Eagle Creek
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Anderson · Pendleton · Muncie
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Avon · Plainfield · Danville
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Beech Grove · Franklin Township · Southport
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Castleton · Fishers · Carmel
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Fishers · Noblesville · McCordsville
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Broad Ripple · Meridian-Kessler · Washington Township
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Martinsville · Greenwood · Center Grove
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Southport · Greenwood · Edgewood
7007 US 31 S., Suite C, Indianapolis, IN 46227Call (317) 676-3065Hours may change for holidays. Call to confirm your visit.
Speedway · West Indianapolis
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Tell the team about pain, sensitivity, or changes in the tooth. Ask your dentist about the treatment plan, any referral, and the final restoration.
Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and current medication list. Let the team know about allergies and relevant health conditions.
Your first visit →Medicaid is accepted at every office. Ask about your plan’s benefits, your treatment estimate, and available payment options.
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Answers to help you prepare for your visit.
Root canal treatment removes damaged or infected tissue inside a tooth, cleans and seals the canals, and helps preserve the tooth. A filling or crown may be needed afterward to restore and protect it.
Symptoms alone cannot confirm the treatment needed. A dentist examines the tooth and may use imaging to determine the cause of pain or infection and discuss suitable options.
The right choice depends on whether the tooth can be restored and on your overall situation. Ask the dentist to compare saving the tooth with extraction and any replacement options.
Tell the team about pain, anxiety, and past dental experiences. The dentist can explain the local anesthetic and comfort approach planned for your treatment.
A treated tooth needs a final restoration, which may be a filling or crown. Your dentist will explain what is recommended, why it is needed, and when it should be completed.
That depends on the tooth, treatment complexity, and final restoration. Ask about each stage so you can plan the treatment and follow-up visits.
Call an office promptly and describe your symptoms. Ask about an urgent evaluation. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a life-threatening situation requires emergency medical care.
Request an estimate for the root canal and the final restoration. Ask the office to check your benefits and explain any payment plan or financing options that apply.
Book online or choose an office to talk with the team.