Videos Testimonials
Be our Next Success Story!
Request An Appointment and begin your smile journey!
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Sleep Through the Night Again
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Relief from Tooth Pain
500+
Smiles Restored
20+
Services Offered
98%
Satisfaction Rate
4.8
Average Rating
350+
Implants Placed
2700+
Lives Changed Last Year
500+
Smiles Restored
20+
Services Offered
98%
Satisfaction Rate
4.8
Average Rating
350+
Implants Placed
2700+
Lives Changed Last Year
500+
Smiles Restored
20+
Services Offered
98%
Satisfaction Rate
4.8
Average Rating
350+
Implants Placed
2700+
Lives Changed Last Year
500+
Smiles Restored
20+
Services Offered
98%
Satisfaction Rate
4.8
Average Rating
350+
Implants Placed
2700+
Lives Changed Last Year
500+
Smiles Restored
20+
Services Offered
98%
Satisfaction Rate
4.8
Average Rating
350+
Implants Placed
2700+
Lives Changed Last Year
500+
Smiles Restored
20+
Services Offered
98%
Satisfaction Rate
4.8
Average Rating
350+
Implants Placed
2700+
Lives Changed Last Year
500+
Smiles Restored
20+
Services Offered
98%
Satisfaction Rate
4.8
Average Rating
350+
Implants Placed
2700+
Lives Changed Last Year
Is Root Canal Treatment Right for You?
Throbbing keeps you awake: Intense pulsing pain worsens when lying down, making sleep impossible without strong pain medication every night.
Temperature triggers agony: Both hot and cold cause lingering pain that continues long after removing the temperature source from your mouth.
Facial swelling developing: One side of your face appears puffy, and the area feels warm or tender when touched gently.
Foul taste persists: A bitter, metallic taste won't go away despite brushing, and your breath smells bad regardless of oral hygiene.
Pressure pain prevents chewing: Even gentle contact sends shooting pain through your tooth, forcing you to avoid that area completely.
Gum bump appeared: A pimple-like swelling near the painful tooth may drain pus, temporarily relieving pressure before recurring again.
Don't Delay Your Relief
Understanding Your Root Canal Procedure Step By Step
Freedom From Pain Starts Now
Real Patient Transformations
Root Canal FAQs
Several symptoms suggest you might need root canal treatment. Severe, persistent tooth pain that interferes with daily activities is the most common sign. You might notice extreme sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers long after the stimulus is removed. Pain when biting or chewing indicates possible infection or inflammation in the tooth’s pulp. Facial swelling near the affected tooth, a white blister or pimple on your gums, tooth discoloration or darkening, and a foul taste or odor in your mouth all warrant immediate evaluation. Don’t ignore these symptoms because untreated tooth infections can spread and become more serious health concerns.
Modern root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. We thoroughly numb the treatment area with local anesthesia before beginning, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. In fact, most patients experience immediate relief once we numb the tooth because the infection has been causing significant pain. Dr. DJ at All In The Family Dental specializes in gentle endodontic therapy. After your anesthesia wears off, you might notice some tenderness for a few days as your tooth heals. Over-the-counter pain medication typically manages any discomfort easily. Root canals have an unfair reputation; the reality is far less daunting than most people imagine.
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when bacteria enter your tooth’s pulp chamber through cracks, fractures, or severe decay. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and when it becomes infected or inflamed, it causes significant pain. Without treatment, the infection will spread through the tooth and into surrounding bone and tissue, potentially causing abscesses, bone loss, and even systemic health problems. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue, cleans and disinfects the inside of your tooth, and seals it to prevent re-infection. This procedure saves your natural tooth, which is almost always preferable to extraction when possible.
Dr. DJ begins by numbing your tooth completely so you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. He then creates a small opening in the top of your tooth to access the infected pulp chamber. Using specialized instruments, he carefully removes all infected tissue from inside the tooth and its root canals. Next, he thoroughly cleans and disinfects the interior to eliminate bacteria. He fills the cleaned space with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and seals the tooth with a temporary filling. After your tooth heals completely, you’ll return to have us place a permanent crown to strengthen and protect the tooth, restoring its full function.
Most root canal procedures take 60 to 90 minutes to complete, though complex cases involving multiple canals or curved roots might take longer. Front teeth typically have one canal and are quicker to treat, while molars have three or four canals and require more time. You’ll need two appointments total: one for the root canal itself and another a few weeks later to place your permanent crown. Some dentists split root canal treatment across two visits, but Dr. DJ often completes the entire root canal procedure in one appointment at our Evansville practice, saving you time and reducing anxiety.
After your root canal, you’ll notice that the severe pain you experienced before treatment is gone. You might feel some tenderness and mild soreness for a few days as your tooth and surrounding tissues heal. This discomfort is typically far less intense than the infection pain you had before treatment. We recommend sticking with soft foods for the first few days and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen effectively manage any discomfort. Contact our office if you experience severe pain, swelling that worsens, or any signs the infection hasn’t fully resolved.
Yes, most teeth that undergo root canal treatment need a crown to protect and strengthen them. Root canal therapy removes the tooth’s blood supply, making it more brittle and prone to fracture over time. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, distributing biting forces evenly and preventing cracks or breaks. Front teeth sometimes don’t require crowns if they haven’t lost much structure, but back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces almost always need crowns. We’ll place your crown about two to three weeks after root canal treatment, once we’re certain your tooth has healed properly.
While rare, untreated tooth infections can potentially become serious health concerns. The infection can spread from your tooth to your jaw, then to your neck and face, causing significant swelling and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, bacteria can enter your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body, including your heart and brain. People with weakened immune systems face higher risks from dental infections. This is why we treat root canal infections as dental emergencies at All In The Family Dental. If you suspect you have a tooth infection, don’t delay treatment. Contact our Evansville office immediately for prompt care.
Several factors can lead to tooth infections requiring root canal treatment. Deep cavities that penetrate through the enamel and dentin into the pulp are the most common cause. Cracks or fractures in teeth, even tiny ones you can’t see, create pathways for bacteria to reach the pulp. Trauma to a tooth from injury can damage the pulp even if the tooth doesn’t crack. Large fillings that come close to the pulp sometimes lead to inflammation and infection over time. Regular six-month dental checkups help us identify and treat decay early, often preventing the need for root canals.
Avoiding necessary root canal treatment allows the infection to worsen and spread. Your pain will intensify as the infection progresses, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or focus on daily activities. The infection will eventually kill the tooth’s pulp, potentially forming an abscess at the root tip. Abscesses cause severe swelling, fever, and general illness. The infection can damage surrounding bone and spread to neighboring teeth. Ultimately, you’ll lose the tooth and need extraction, which then requires more expensive and complex treatment to replace the missing tooth. Root canal therapy saves your natural tooth and prevents these complications.
Still Have Questions?
Your Comfort Through Technology
You experience less discomfort and faster healing with laser dentistry, which often eliminates the need for numbing. CEREC technology lets you get permanent crowns in just one visit, while digital impressions mean no more uncomfortable goopy materials. Your treatment becomes more precise with CBCT 3-D imaging, allowing your Evansville dentist to plan procedures perfectly.
Dental Clinic Membership Club
Adult Membership
13 and Older
$
36
/month
🎉 Save at least $474 a year!
Child Membership
12 and Younger
$
26
/month
🎉 Save at least $330 a year!
Perio Membership
Periodontal Disease
$
68
/month
🎉 Save at least $594 a year!
* As determined by your dentist.
THIS IS NOT DENTAL INSURANCE. Cannot be combined with other insurance or discount plans. Membership plan is specific to one person and cannot be transferred. Covered services not used within the specified time period will not be carried over or transferred. Services will be provided at this location only. Membership plan will auto-renew each year on the renewal date. If a patient presents with periodontal infection, a personalized treatment plan will be presented at an additional cost. The perio plan is strictly for preventive maintenance care.
Join Today, Save Today. No Waiting.
Flexible Payment Options
NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.
NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.
NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.
NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.
Take the First Step Toward Your Healthier Smile Today
Your Neighbors Share Their Experiences
Experience What Everyone's Smiling About
Meet the Doctors
DMD
DDS
Be our Next Success Story!
Your Dental Home on Lincoln Avenue
Join Your Neighbors Who've Made Us Their Dental Home
Dental Blog
Preserve Your Natural Smile with Root Canal Treatment
Search for services, dental procedures, and expert tips from our patient resources.
Popular searches: Dental Implants, Cleanings, Insurance.
Contact us today and experience the difference of personalized, compassionate dental care.
Take This 60-Sec Quiz to See If Dental Implants are Right for You!
Take This 60-Sec Quiz Smile Assessment to Help You Get Started.
Take This 60-Sec Quiz to See If Dental Implants are Right for You!