Endodontic Services – South Bend

Endodontic Services – South Bend - General dentist in South Bend, IN
225 N Notre Dame Ave #2, South Bend, IN 46617
Closed today
Opens Monday at 7:00am
SundayClosed
Monday7:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday7:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday7:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday7:00am - 5:00pm
Friday7:00am - 5:00pm
SaturdayClosed

As root canal specialists, we work with general dentists and other dental specialists to provide you with the best possible multi-disciplinary care. We utilize state of the art, modern dental technologies in our practice to realize the goals of our patients. After conducting a thorough examination, we will discuss your treatment options, providing you with as much detailed information as possible. We are here to help you and answer your questions related to your dental treatment at Endodontic Services, Inc.

At the present time, 20 million root canals are performed each year on dental patients. The long term success of this treatment is over 90%! Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, involves relieving pain and discomfort by removing the nerve tissue (pulp) located in the center of the tooth and its root or roots (the root canal). Treatment involves making an access opening through the biting surface of the tooth to expose the pulp. The pulp tissue is removed with very fine metal files. Medication may be placed within the canals help sterilize the interior of the tooth if there is a significant infection present.

Each empty root canal is filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha and medicated cement. Occasionally a metal post is also inserted into the canal to help support a new crown. After root canal treatment we close the opening in the tooth with a temporary filling. After your root canal treatment is completed your dentist will place a permanent filling, and a crown (also called a cap) may be placed.

Endodontic Services – South Bend - General dentist in South Bend, IN

Twisted, curved or blocked root canals may prevent removal of all inflamed or infected pulp. Leaving any pulp in the root canal may cause your symptoms to worsen. If the pulp tissue cant be removed you may need an additional procedure called an apicoectomy. Through a small opening cut in the gum and bone, the root tip is removed and the root canal is sealed. An apicoectomy may also be required if your symptoms continue after your treatment has been completed and your tooth does not heal.

Once the root canal treatment is completed, it is essential to return promptly to your dentist to have your tooth properly restored. Because a temporary filling is designed to last only a short time (about six to eight weeks), failing to return to your dentist as directed to have the tooth sealed permanently with a crown can lead to the deterioration of the seal, resulting in decay, infection, gum disease and the possible premature loss of the tooth. Root fractures can also occur if you fail to have the tooth properly covered by your general dentist.

Root canal treatment is intended to allow you to keep your tooth for a longer period, which will help to maintain your natural bite and the healthy functioning of your jaws. There is no substitute for the natural tooth as good as the tooth itself, so we strongly feel that if the tooth can be saved, it is in your best interest to try and save it. However, if the tooth cannot be saved, there are several good alternatives. Extracting your tooth is the most common alternative to root canal treatment. This alternative may require replacing the extracted tooth with a removable or fixed bridge or an artificial tooth called an implant.

  • Pain, soreness and infection: After your root canal treatment you may experience pain, swelling or discomfort for several days, which may be treated with pain medication. You may also experience an infection following treatment, which would be treated with antibiotics.
  • Stiff or sore jaw joint: Holding your mouth open during treatment may temporarily leave your jaw feeling stiff and sore and may make it difficult for you to open your mouth wide for several days afterwards. Treatment may leave the corners of your mouth red or cracked for several days.
  • Broken instrument: Occasionally a root canal cleaning instrument will break off in a root canal that is twisted, curved or blocked with calcium deposits or prior filling materials. Depending on its location, the fragment can be retrieved or it may be necessary to seal it in the root canal (these instruments are made of sterile, non-toxic surgical stainless steel or nickel titanium, so they cause no harm). The broken instrument can be sealed in the canal with the root filling material or it can be removed by performing an apicoectomy.
  • Overfill: As a result of filling in the root canal, the incomplete formation of your tooth or an abscess at the end of the tooth (called the apex), an opening may exist between the root canal and the bone or tissue surrounding the tooth. This opening can allow filling material to be forced out of the root canal into the surrounding bone and tissue. An apicoectomy may be necessary to retrieve the filling material and seal the root canal.
  • Fracture of the tooth: Most teeth having root canal treatment are weakened by the original cavity or large filling. These teeth are more prone to fracture. You should return to your dentist for a permanent filling as soon as possible. Sometimes the tooth may already be fractured, or fracture before the final root canal visit. This may result in the extraction of the tooth.
  • Need for further treatment: In some cases, root canal treatment may not relieve all symptoms. If you suffer from gum disease (also called periodontal disease), this can increase the chance of losing a tooth even though root canal treatment was successful.
  • Endodontic Services – South Bend - General dentist in South Bend, IN

    Kylie is our newest employee at Endodontic Services, Inc. and serves as a dental assistant. She was recently granted permanent placement on staff at Endodontic Services, Inc! Kylie is following in the footsteps of a family member and looking to seek a career in the dental field. Kylie loves to help others and has a compassionate nature. She will make sure you are comfortable throughout your root canal process. We look forward to working with her and teaching her our standards of care!

    Endodontic Services – South Bend - General dentist in South Bend, IN

    Patsy is our main front receptionist and front office billing manager for our South Bend facility. Patsy is full of life and can make just about anyone have a great day! Patsy possesses the special talent to make billing and insurance issues interesting and understandable, helping our patients have a smoother financial transition to their dental care. Patsy helps to negotiate insurance coverages on behalf of patients and loves to see a patient get a fair-rate of that coverage. Patsy gives her personal best every day, all day. Patsy has a son and has been married to her loving husband for over 30 years. She has 2 dogs in which she loves to take for walks on her spare time.

    Endodontic Services – South Bend - General dentist in South Bend, INEndodontic Services – South Bend - General dentist in South Bend, IN

    Lindsey is our Office Manager and Hipaa Compliance Officer at Endodontic Services, Inc. She makes sure that our offices, both South Bend and Elkhart run smoothly day to day and oversees the business operations. Whether she is performing quality assurance, public relations, ordering dental supplies, or delegating responsibilities to ensure continuation of care, she will act as a liaison to both our doctors and staff members. Lindsey enjoys working with our referring general dental offices and staff to help the community and serve patients that are in need of root canal therapy. It brings her great joy at the end of the day to go home to her two boys, knowing she full-filled her day by day helping others.

    Patti has been a dedicated employee at Endodontic Services, Inc. for 47 years! She is highly trained in the field known as endodontics and started when she was only 18 years old. Her exceptional skill set will help you to have a positive dental experience, whether this is your first root canal or a return visit to our office. Patti has been married to her loving husband of 44 years. She enjoys the outdoors and her annual vacation with her family and friends in Northern, MI.

    Endodontic Services – South Bend - General dentist in South Bend, INEndodontic Services – South Bend - General dentist in South Bend, IN

    Terri has been a dental assistant at Endodontic Services, Inc. since 1976! She has worked to strive in the improvement of endodontic procedures to enhance patient experiences over the eras for patient and create successful outcomes. With her years of experience, Terri has a lot of knowledge based around the equipment necessary during root canal treatments. Terri will always try her best to make you comfortable while in her dental chair and answer questions you may have during and after treatment. She enjoys her weekends spending time with family and loves her adorable kittens!

    Bridget is another long time, experienced dental assistant of over 35 years! Bridget treats every patient with TLC and you will find her listening and caring for each patient concern. Her love for dental assisting started early in life, for she began her career at the age of 23. Ever since patient care and seeing that others are out of pain has been her #1 priority, she truly enjoys her job at Endodontic Services, Inc. After hours, she spends her time with 2 daughters and a puppy named, Achoo.

    Endodontic Services – South Bend - General dentist in South Bend, INEndodontic Services – South Bend - General dentist in South Bend, INEndodontic Services – South Bend - General dentist in South Bend, IN

    Dr. Risser received a B.A. in biology from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana in 1994. He continued his education at the Indiana University School of Dentistry where he graduated with Distinction in 1998.

    After one year of private practice in Avon, Indiana, he returned to the dental school for two years of graduate Endodontic training. In 2001, he received his Certificate in Endodontics and a Masters of Science in Dentistry. Upon completion of his training, he moved to South Bend and joined Dr. Feltman in his well established endodontic practice.

    Currently, Dr. Risser lives in South Bend, Indiana and enjoys spending quality time with his wife Rebecca Risser and family. He and his wife, Rebecca, love to travel and are always seeking out new and exciting destinations. When home, he also enjoys playing golf, tennis, and going for a nice run.

    Dr. Risser is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), the Indiana Dental Association (IDA), and the North Central Dental Society (NCDS).

    Reviews

    Rating 4.4 out of 5 based on 25 reviews

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    Doug Bougher
    2 years ago
    I cannot recommend Dr Risser and his staff highly enough. The staff is so nice and it truly was about as pain free and as quick as a root canal could possibly be. He explained what he was doing throughout the procedure and got me in and out in no time. If you are in need of endodontic services, this is the place to go.


    Brent Baldwin
    2 years ago
    Dr Feldman needs to retire he's a rough and rude man we will never do business there ever again!!!!!! He actually did such a bad job they refunded our money.


    tammy morehouse
    2 years ago
    Very friendly and pain free.


    Jennifer Buck
    2 years ago
    Dr. Feltman was amazing. That was the most pleasant horrifying-sounding procedure I've ever had. And I've had a lot of horrifying-sound procedures. I was numb so quick (which often takes me forever), and I felt nothing the whole time. He does a great job of checking for appropriate numbness. The treatment was very quick but did not suffer for it. The skills of the doc and his team are well honed. I say all of this as someone who wants teared up in a dental waiting room because anxiety.


    Seana Violet
    2 years ago
    Dr Feltman is my hero! His kindness and concern for my comfort was a big deal for me. The entire office staff greeted me with genuine smiles and were very professional and efficient. I hope to see them all again under better circumstances.


    Steve guyse
    2 years ago
    Had my first root canal this morning. What an uneventful experience!! Dr Feltman was so reassuring, as he knew I was nervous. I had ZERO pain and was in/out in 45 minutes. I couldn't believe it! I highly recommend him, and can't say enough good about him. -Lisa


    Sadra Long
    2 years ago
    I can't even put into words how amazing Dr.Feltman and his staff are. They are such caring and wonderful people. He is a miracle worker!!!!!


    Melissa Douthit
    3 years ago
    Dr. Feltman is excellent! I was terrified to get a root canal, and it was painless! The staff is excellent , and I would highly recommend this place!


    Jennifer Williamson
    3 years ago
    Best dental experience I have ever had. Total time in the office was approximately 45 minutes. This was my 2nd root canal ever and the first one was a horrific experience by a general dentist. First root canal took almost 5 hours on two separate days, so I was terrified to have another root canal. Dr. Feltman and his staff were excellent, professional and caring. I cannot thank them enough! God forbid I ever need another root canal, but if I do Endodontic Services Inc. (Dr. Feltman) will be my very first choice.


    Danielle Handy
    3 years ago
    Dr risser has been amazing everytime I've been there, along with the staff. Had a surgery today and couldn't feel a thing, and after having a question about a pain when I got home he answered and explained everything. Worth the 45 min drive


    April Aistrop
    3 years ago
    Let me start by saying that Dr. Feltman is a super nice guy! I feel very at ease going into the root canal and I've never been nervous about going to the dentist. As soon as the numbness wore off the pain was excruciating! I immediately drove 40 minutes back, only for them to file down the filling and take off half the inside of my tooth with it, which was then cutting my tongue, but I figured it was fine, getting a crown. They put me on pain meds. A few days later it was just as bad if not worse. I went back. Dr. Feltman was very short with me, didn't even look. He explained to me that it was the empty cavity filling itself in, whatever that means. A week later, still in pain, I called my regular dentist who sent me to another specialist who had to end up pulling the tooth!! My husband had a root canal there and his still hurts! Don't go here!!


    Colleen J
    3 years ago
    Amazing. Dr. Risser was professional, calm and very reassuring. Spoke to me the whole time explaining what was happening next. I was terrified to get a root canal! No pain at all during the procedure. Better than any filling I've ever had done. Carrie (not sure on the spelling?) Who was assisting Dr. Risser on my case was fantastic. Put me at ease from the very start. I can't say enough good things!!


    Melissa Douthit
    4 years ago
    Dr. Feltman is excellent! I was terrified to get a root canal, and it was painless! The staff is excellent , and I would highly recommend this place!


    April Aistrop
    4 years ago
    Let me start by saying that Dr. Feltman is a super nice guy! I feel very at ease going into the root canal and I've never been nervous about going to the dentist. As soon as the numbness wore off the pain was excruciating! I immediately drove 40 minutes back, only for them to file down the filling and take off half the inside of my tooth with it, which was then cutting my tongue, but I figured it was fine, getting a crown. They put me on pain meds. A few days later it was just as bad if not worse. I went back. Dr. Feltman was very short with me, didn't even look. He explained to me that it was the empty cavity filling itself in, whatever that means. A week later, still in pain, I called my regular dentist who sent me to another specialist who had to end up pulling the tooth!! My husband had a root canal there and his still hurts! Don't go here!!


    Colleen J
    4 years ago
    Amazing. Dr. Risser was professional, calm and very reassuring. Spoke to me the whole time explaining what was happening next. I was terrified to get a root canal! No pain at all during the procedure. Better than any filling I've ever had done. Carrie (not sure on the spelling?) Who was assisting Dr. Risser on my case was fantastic. Put me at ease from the very start. I can't say enough good things!!


    K. Jean
    4 years ago
    I most definitely recommend Dr. Feltman's services to everyone! He is very skilled, considerate and kind.


    Danielle Handy
    4 years ago
    Dr risser has been amazing everytime I've been there, along with the staff. Had a surgery today and couldn't feel a thing, and after having a question about a pain when I got home he answered and explained everything. Worth the 45 min drive


    Jennifer Williamson
    4 years ago
    Best dental experience I have ever had. Total time in the office was approximately 45 minutes. This was my 2nd root canal ever and the first one was a horrific experience by a general dentist. First root canal took almost 5 hours on two separate days, so I was terrified to have another root canal. Dr. Feltman and his staff were excellent, professional and caring. I cannot thank them enough! God forbid I ever need another root canal, but if I do Endodontic Services Inc. (Dr. Feltman) will be my very first choice.


    Jim Madala
    4 years ago
    After 2nd root canal, I explained how much pain I was in before the 3rd root canal. I asked for twilight which the office does not do.Finally I asked for the topical to be applied extra to reduce pain before the numbing shot prior to root canal. The Dr. Agreed . He started the process of root canal and the pain was unbearable. I cried in pain and I'm 64 years old. I wish there was a way to prevent unbearable pain at this office, because the Dr. Seems very knowledgable, and professional.


    Morgan Gibson
    4 years ago
    I was terrified to have a root canal done. I have had such an awful experience when dealing with fillings and extractions. Dr. Feltman told me there would be no pain and he said it wouldn't even be as painful as as a cleaning. However I was still nervous. Needless to say he was right! He was super friendly and reassuring. There was no pain and it only took about 30 minutes! I would reccomend Dr. Feltman to anyone who may be apprehensive about seeing an endodontist.


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