Like almost everything else in life, there is some variation as to what you might be experiencing when your dentist says that you need to have a root canal. Some people are in constant, distracting pain; others have no pain at all. The vast majority will have had some tooth pain, usually characterized by increased ouch! from cold or hot liquids, biting tenderness, a throbbing or aching jaw, and occasionally swelling and drainage.
Every tooth has a small amount of soft tissue inside. Its called the dental pulp, but most of the world, unfortunately, calls it the nerve, which just sounds bad and foreboding. The pulp plays a critical role in tooth development, so when you are a child or in your early teens the pulp is busy doing its lifes work. Once the tooth is fully developed the pulp switches into a more casual mode of life, letting you know if youve got ice cream in your mouth, but otherwise not causing much fuss.
However, many things can damage that tissue irreversibly, sometimes as quickly as overnight and sometimes as slowly as over 10+ years. Anyway, most of that tissue is located in a network of small tubes that run through the roots, like microscopic finger holes in a glove. These can be as small as the diameter of a human hair, or as wide as an uncooked thin spaghetti noodle. Someone in ages past named these tubes the root canals, and the name has stuck. Endodontics can be broken down into two root (Ha!) words, endo-inside and dont-tooth. Thus the work of an endodontist is usually to clean the damaged pulp tissue from within those small canals, thus allowing both the tooth and the often-sore jaw to heal.
With unrelenting advances in technology, including three dimensional cone beam imaging, visual magnification and lighting, special miniaturized equipment, and many, many years of experience, Dr. Meier and his staff can complete almost all cases in 25-40 minutes, with you being totally comfortable from start to finish. Weve got your back. We know your great aunt may have told you about her painful root canal back in 1963, but that was a different place and time, and were not going there.
If you are interested in finding out more about the nuts and bolts of endodontics, these links connect you to the information pages at the American Association of Endodontists. Its a great site, so have a good time.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 29 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJennifer Mayhall
a year ago
My entire experience was wonderful at Endodontic Center of Southern Indiana's Jasper office. From the folks checking me in, the techs, and Dr. Long, the whole process ran smoothly and professionally. Everything was explained in a way I could easily understand and everyone treated me with the upmost kindness. I would highly recommend this office if you need dental procedures beyond what the dentist provides.
Christopher Holly
a year ago
Happy with my root canal! Dr Meyer and staff were very professional and personable. My only quibble is that a script for two or three or five hydrocodone or something similar would have made the experience better. Pain was not relieved by anti-inflammatories over the counter. The national opioid scare has made pain relief verboten in this country.
Joseph Crow
2 years ago
I was in such pain from needing a root canal I couldn't get anybody locally to take care of my pain and I drove two hours just to see Dr. Meier and he gave me such a relief I highly recommend if you have pain that you can't control with your teeth to schedule an appointment God bless the people at Southern Indiana endodontics! Thank you Dr. Meier You are truly gods healing hands!
Christy Loner
2 years ago
Starting from the moment I talked to the receptionist I received caring service. Dr Long was exceptional and Delilah his assistant was outstanding. Delilah eased my concerns and Dr Long, a skilled endodontist, performed the procedure without discomfort to me. He also verified that I was comfortable throughout the procedure. He demonstrated care for me as his patient and his staff did the same. I would highly recommend them for dental care especially if fearful of dental work.
Sara Cockerham
2 years ago
The staff here is so friendly and Dr. Myers is so good at what he does! I always know I'm dealing with true professionals when I come here.
Esther Tien
2 years ago
I had such a great experience at Endodontic Center of Southern Indiana. I had been struggling with severe tooth pain, and was referred to Dr. Meier. I was lucky enough to get an appointment pretty soon after I called. Michelle greeted me and did an X-ray for me. She was so warm and comfortable to be around. Dr. Meier was so kind and humorous. He helped me to feel less anxious about the fact that I needed a root canal for my front teeth. The procedure was completely painless, even days after! I really hope I won't have to get another root canal ever again in my life, but if it happens, I will for sure be back. Before that ever happens, I'm just going to let all my friends who are in need to know about this awesome doctor. Thank you for a great experience!
Barbara Grissom
2 years ago
My first root canal and my last! I started having swelling and pain the day after root canal. I called the office and was told to start taking my antibiotics and I would be better the next day. Well, I was worst. I called and wanted to come in. I even offered to drive to the Jasper office. I was told they would get me into an oral surgeon. Tooth had to be pulled. 2 weeks after root canal I had to go to ER. It seems the infection from root canal had gone to my heart. I now have to see cardiologist monthly and take medication daily from the damage root canal did to my heart.
Jason VanLandingham
2 years ago
I went in for a root canal. Scared with a lot of anxiety. I found myself sitting in the right chair. Absolutely the most calming, reassuring chair side manor I've ever witnessed for a procedure. It can't get any better than this place. Well done all!
Dmitriy The Therapist Volodko
2 years ago
Huge thanks to Dr. Meier and team for they highly performed treatment. If you looking for a qualified dental surgery, Endodontic Center of Southern Indiana should be your destination.
Nani Moon
3 years ago
They saw me very quickly and knew the pain I was experiencing so they helped me out tremendously and I certainly appreciate their care.
Dmitriy The Therapist Volodko
3 years ago
Huge thanks to Dr. Meier and team for they highly performed treatment. If you looking for a qualified dental surgery, Endodontic Center of Southern Indiana should be your destination.
Christina Friberg
3 years ago
Dr. Meyer is by all indications a talented endodontist, and my tooth itself did not cause me discomfort during or after my root canal. However, during the procedure, he did not take into consideration how badly having my jaw open for 45 minutes would impact my TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome, which was indicated on my chart). I even told him during the procedure that it was hurting my jaw a lot, but there were no breaks for relief. After the procedure it took me WEEKS to recover and I am still now having issues with my jaw that I had overcome years before with careful therapy. I had to take several days off of work due to pain and disorientation from the jaw/inner ear pain. I was deeply disappointed in the experience overall. Next time I will communicate my needs more clearly and not assume the doctor will read my chart.
rcktshp 4
3 years ago
The entire staff was friendly and professional. I didn't think a root canal could be so easy. I came in with a molar that had been crowned and was giving me terrible pain. He numbed me up and I laid back and caught an episode of Perry Mason about midway through (there is a small tv mounted on the ceiling so you look right up at it) and he had me finished before I could hear the verdict at the end of the show. He got the angry nerves out of that tooth and had me out in about 25 minutes. No pain during the procedure and no pain now! Excellent
Nani Moon
3 years ago
They saw me very quickly and knew the pain I was experiencing so they helped me out tremendously and I certainly appreciate their care.
rcktshp 4
4 years ago
The entire staff was friendly and professional. I didn't think a root canal could be so easy. I came in with a molar that had been crowned and was giving me terrible pain. He numbed me up and I laid back and caught an episode of Perry Mason about midway through (there is a small tv mounted on the ceiling so you look right up at it) and he had me finished before I could hear the verdict at the end of the show. He got the angry nerves out of that tooth and had me out in about 25 minutes. No pain during the procedure and no pain now! Excellent
Christina Friberg
4 years ago
Dr. Meyer is by all indications a talented endodontist, and my tooth itself did not cause me discomfort during or after my root canal. However, during the procedure, he did not take into consideration how badly having my jaw open for 45 minutes would impact my TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome, which was indicated on my chart). I even told him during the procedure that it was hurting my jaw a lot, but there were no breaks for relief. After the procedure it took me WEEKS to recover and I am still now having issues with my jaw that I had overcome years before with careful therapy. I had to take several days off of work due to pain and disorientation from the jaw/inner ear pain. I was deeply disappointed in the experience overall. Next time I will communicate my needs more clearly and not assume the doctor will read my chart.
Judi Brown
4 years ago
Friendly, compassionate, helpful staff. Dr. Meyer takes the time to do the job correctly, and ensures the patient's comfort.
Libby Benson
4 years ago
Dr. Meier and Heather receive the award for first procedure I've had (in my 30 years of extensive dental work) with no tears. He and his staff were friendly, compassionate and thorough. Not once did I feel any pain. They also took the time to check-in with me about any pain during the procedure (there was none), offer words of encouragement, and put extra vaseline on my lips to ensure my comfort. For any future patient with anxiety or nerves about getting a root canal done, please be assured that it is not a big deal and that Dr. Meier + team will take excellent care of you! I can't thank them enough =:-)
Judi Brown
5 years ago
Friendly, compassionate, helpful staff. Dr. Meyer takes the time to do the job correctly, and ensures the patient's comfort.
Libby Benson
5 years ago
Dr. Meier and Heather receive the award for first procedure I've had (in my 30 years of extensive dental work) with no tears. He and his staff were friendly, compassionate and thorough. Not once did I feel any pain. They also took the time to check-in with me about any pain during the procedure (there was none), offer words of encouragement, and put extra vaseline on my lips to ensure my comfort. For any future patient with anxiety or nerves about getting a root canal done, please be assured that it is not a big deal and that Dr. Meier + team will take excellent care of you! I can't thank them enough =:-)
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