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1314 Eagle Ridge Drive, Schererville, IN 46375 219-865-4095
Crossroads Family Dental

Restorative care

Root Canal Treatment in Schererville, IN

A root canal treats infection or damage inside a tooth so the tooth itself can stay in place, with the same comfort-first approach as everything else we do.

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3D medical illustration of a root canal procedure showing the inner anatomy of a molar

The basics

What Is a Root Canal?

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, usually from deep decay, a crack, or repeated dental work on the same tooth, it can cause significant pain.

A root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the space inside the tooth, and seals it, so the tooth can stay in your mouth instead of being extracted.

Afterward, the tooth typically needs a crown to restore its strength, since a root canal is usually performed on a tooth that was already weakened.

A digital monitor displaying a 3D model of a patient's teeth and gums

Why it matters

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Persistent tooth pain

Especially pain that lingers after hot or cold, or that wakes you up at night.

Swelling or tenderness

Swelling in the gum near a specific tooth, or tenderness when you bite down.

Sometimes silent

Found on an X-ray

Sometimes an infection shows up on a digital X-ray before you feel any pain at all.

Which fits

Root Canal vs. Extraction

  • A root canal saves your natural tooth, which generally functions better long-term than a replacement.
  • Extraction removes the tooth and infection entirely but leaves a gap in your bite.
  • We'll always explain which option we recommend and why before moving forward.
  • If extraction is the better choice, we'll explain why and what comes next.

Comfort first

What to Expect During Treatment

We numb the area thoroughly before starting, and we offer nitrous oxide for patients who want extra comfort during the procedure. Learn more about sedation and comfort options →

At your visit

What Happens During Treatment

  1. 01

    Numbing.

    The tooth and surrounding area are fully numbed.

  2. 02

    Cleaning the canal.

    The infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped.

  3. 03

    Sealed & crowned.

    The tooth is sealed, and a crown is typically placed afterward to restore its strength.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a root canal hurt?

The procedure itself is done under numbing, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. The pain that brought you in is usually what gets resolved.

Will I need a crown after a root canal?

Usually, yes. A root canal is typically performed on a tooth that's already weakened, so a crown helps protect it going forward.

What happens if I don't get a root canal?

An infected tooth won't heal on its own. Left untreated, the infection can spread, and the tooth may eventually need to be extracted.

Tooth Pain That Won't Quit? Let's Find Out Why.

New patients can start with a first visit, or contact us with questions first.

Call 219-865-4095
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