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Dental servicesRoot Canal Therapy

Root canal
treatment.

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.

An examination helps explain what your tooth needs.
Woman smiling at a table

Care for the inside of a tooth

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.

Symptoms

Lingering sensitivity, pain when biting, swelling, or a deep cavity warrant a dental exam.

Keeping the tooth

When possible, treatment may preserve the natural tooth instead of removing it.

When a specialist can help

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.

Severe swelling or a medical emergency?

Call an office promptly for dental swelling. Trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly worsening facial swelling, or other life-threatening symptoms require emergency medical care.

What treatment may involve

The exact treatment and number of visits depend on the tooth and clinical findings.

Call an office
  1. Diagnosis

    Discuss symptoms and have the dentist examine the tooth and recommend imaging as needed.

  2. Treat the canals

    If indicated, the provider removes affected pulp, cleans the canals, and seals the tooth.

  3. Restore the tooth

    A filling or crown may be needed afterward to protect the tooth. Ask about timing and referrals.

Woman holding her cheek because of tooth discomfort

A plan based on the tooth

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.

  • Find the cause
    An exam and imaging may identify the problem.
  • Review options
    The dentist discusses whether treatment or referral is appropriate.
  • Protect the tooth
    A final restoration may be recommended.
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Find an office near you

Compare locations, hours, and contact details, then book at the office you prefer.

86th

Northwest Indianapolis · Zionsville · Eagle Creek

View office hours
Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
SundayClosed
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3269 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Call (317) 830-0404

Hours may change for holidays. Call to confirm your visit.

Anderson

Anderson · Pendleton · Muncie

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Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
SundayClosed
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2128 Mounds Road, Anderson, IN 46016
Call (812) 247-0191

Hours may change for holidays. Call to confirm your visit.

Avon

Avon · Plainfield · Danville

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Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
SundayClosed
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10706 E. US Hwy 36, Avon, IN 46123
Call (317) 699-4090

Hours may change for holidays. Call to confirm your visit.

Beech Grove

Beech Grove · Franklin Township · Southport

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Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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4960 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203
Call (317) 830-0428

Hours may change for holidays. Call to confirm your visit.

Castleton

Castleton · Fishers · Carmel

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Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SundayClosed
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6150 E. 82nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250
Call (317) 204-8365

Hours may change for holidays. Call to confirm your visit.

Fishers

Fishers · Noblesville · McCordsville

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Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
SundayClosed
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14081 Mundy Drive, Fishers, IN 46038
Call (317) 795-0346

Hours may change for holidays. Call to confirm your visit.

Keystone

Broad Ripple · Meridian-Kessler · Washington Township

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Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
SundayClosed
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7102 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46240
Call (317) 648-2448

Hours may change for holidays. Call to confirm your visit.

Martinsville

Martinsville · Greenwood · Center Grove

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Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SundayClosed
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9351 IN-144, Martinsville, IN 46151
Call (765) 302-2128

Hours may change for holidays. Call to confirm your visit.

Southport

Southport · Greenwood · Edgewood

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Monday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
SundayClosed
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Exterior of 7 Days Family Dental of Southport
7007 US 31 S., Suite C, Indianapolis, IN 46227
Call (317) 676-3065

Hours may change for holidays. Call to confirm your visit.

West Indy

Speedway · West Indianapolis

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Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
SundayClosed
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4740 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Call (317) 854-0233

Hours may change for holidays. Call to confirm your visit.

Understand the plan
for your tooth.

Tell the team about pain, sensitivity, or changes in the tooth. Ask your dentist about the treatment plan, any referral, and the final restoration.

What to bring

Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and current medication list. Let the team know about allergies and relevant health conditions.

Your first visit →

Talk through costs before treatment

Medicaid is accepted at every office. Ask about your plan’s benefits, your treatment estimate, and available payment options.

Insurance & payment options →
Dental professional discussing a visit with a child and parent

Root canal questions

Answers to help you prepare for your visit.

What is root canal treatment?

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.

How do I know whether I need a root canal?

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.

Is a root canal always better than removing the tooth?

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.

How is comfort managed during treatment?

Tell the team about pain, anxiety, and past dental experiences. The dentist can explain the local anesthetic and comfort approach planned for your treatment.

Will I need a crown afterward?

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.

How many appointments will I need?

That depends on the tooth, treatment complexity, and final restoration. Ask about each stage so you can plan the treatment and follow-up visits.

What if I have swelling or severe pain now?

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.

What should I ask about the cost?

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.

Have a painful or damaged tooth?

Book online or choose an office to talk with the team.