Online Payment
Request an Appointment

Are Root Canals Really Painful? Separating the Biggest Myths from the Facts

If you've been told you need a root canal, you've probably heard a few horror stories. For decades, root canals have had an unfair reputation for being painful. Movies, television shows, and outdated stories have convinced many people that a root canal is something to fear. The truth? Modern root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain—not cause it. At Eastern Idaho Endodontics, one of the most common things we hear from patients after treatment is: "That was so much easier than I expected." Let's separate fact from fiction and answer some of the biggest questions patients have about root

2026-10-07T18:20:06+00:00August 28th, 2026|Root Canal Therapy, root canal treatment|
Read More

Cracked or Broken Tooth? Here’s How to Know If You Need a Root Canal Before It’s Too Late

A cracked or broken tooth can happen in an instant. Whether you bit down on something hard, took a hit during a sporting event, or experienced an unexpected fall, the damage may seem minor at first—but it can quickly turn into a serious dental emergency. One of the biggest questions patients ask is: "Do I need a root canal for a cracked tooth?" The answer depends on how deep the fracture extends. While some cracked teeth only require a filling or crown, others can expose or damage the nerve inside the tooth, making root canal treatment necessary to save it.

2026-10-07T18:20:06+00:00August 25th, 2026|Cracked Teeth, Cracked Tooth|
Read More

What Does an Endodontist Actually Do? (Hint: It’s Much More Than Root Canals)

If you've been referred to an endodontist, you may be wondering exactly what that means. Many people assume an endodontist is simply "the root canal doctor." While root canal treatment is certainly one of the most common procedures we perform, it's only part of what we do. Endodontists are specialists trained to diagnose tooth pain, treat diseases and injuries affecting the inside of the tooth, and save natural teeth whenever possible. So, what does an endodontist actually do? Let's take a closer look. What Is an Endodontist? An endodontist is a dentist who completes two or more years of advanced

2026-10-07T18:20:06+00:00August 19th, 2026|Endodontics|
Read More

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Which Option Saves You More Time, Money, and Your Smile?

When you're dealing with severe tooth pain, you may assume the easiest solution is to have the tooth removed. In reality, that's not always the best option. One of the most common questions patients ask is, "Should I get a root canal or have the tooth extracted?" The answer depends on the condition of your tooth, but whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is almost always the preferred choice. At Eastern Idaho Endodontics, our goal is to preserve your natural smile whenever it's possible to do so. Here's what you should know when comparing a root canal vs. tooth extraction.

2026-10-07T18:20:07+00:00August 15th, 2026|Endodontics, Root Canal Therapy|
Read More

Root Canal Pain: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Call Your Endodontist

If you've recently had a root canal, it's completely normal to wonder whether the discomfort you're feeling is part of the healing process—or a sign that something isn't right. One of the most common questions we hear at Eastern Idaho Endodontics is, "How much root canal pain is normal?" The good news is that most patients experience only mild soreness that improves over the course of a few days. In fact, modern root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain—not cause it. Here's what you can expect during recovery, what's considered normal, and when it's time to give your endodontist

2026-10-07T18:20:07+00:00August 10th, 2026|root canal treatment, tooth pain|
Read More

Who Should You Call for Severe Tooth Pain? A Dental Surgeon or an Endodontist?

When severe tooth pain strikes, most people do exactly what you'd expect—they search online for "dental surgeon near me." But is a dental surgeon actually the specialist you need? The answer depends on what's causing your pain. While oral surgeons and endodontists are both dental specialists, they treat very different conditions. Knowing who to call can help you get relief faster, save your natural tooth whenever possible, and avoid unnecessary procedures. Here's how to know which specialist is right for you. First Things First: What Is an Endodontist? An endodontist is a dentist who has completed two or more additional

2026-10-07T18:20:07+00:00August 4th, 2026|Endodontics|
Read More

Don’t Carry Tooth Pain Into Another Year: Why Now Is the Time to Get Answers

It's easy to put off dental care. Life gets busy. Work schedules fill up. Family commitments take priority. And when tooth pain comes and goes, many people convince themselves it can wait a little longer. But if you've been dealing with lingering tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or discomfort for weeks—or even months—there is an important question worth asking: Why continue living with uncertainty when answers may be available today? As the year moves forward, now is an excellent time to stop ignoring symptoms and take the first step toward protecting your oral health. Why People Delay Treatment Most patients do

2026-09-04T13:44:08+00:00June 29th, 2026|tooth pain|
Read More

Are You Chewing on One Side of Your Mouth? It Could Be a Sign Something Is Wrong

Most people don't spend much time thinking about how they chew. Eating is something we do automatically every day. But if you find yourself consistently chewing on one side of your mouth, avoiding certain foods, or favoring one side when you eat, your teeth may be trying to tell you something. While occasional one-sided chewing is usually not a cause for concern, a habit of consistently avoiding one side of your mouth can sometimes signal an underlying dental problem. In many cases, patients adapt to discomfort without realizing it, gradually changing how they eat to avoid a sensitive or painful

2026-09-04T13:44:09+00:00June 25th, 2026|tooth pain|
Read More

Tooth Pain Went Away? Why That Doesn’t Always Mean the Problem Is Go

Few things are more frustrating than a toothache. The discomfort can make it difficult to eat, sleep, focus at work, or enjoy your daily routine. When that pain suddenly disappears, it's natural to feel relieved and assume the problem has resolved itself. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case. One of the most common misconceptions in dentistry is that if tooth pain goes away, the tooth must be healing. In reality, some of the most serious dental infections can become less painful even as the underlying problem continues to worsen. Understanding why tooth pain sometimes disappears can help you avoid delaying

2026-09-01T15:25:46+00:00June 21st, 2026|tooth pain|
Read More

Root Canal Recovery Timeline: What to Expect After Treatment

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, it’s completely normal to wonder what happens after treatment. How long does recovery take? Will you be sore? Can you go back to work? And of course—how much does a root canal cost, and does insurance help cover it? This guide walks you through the root canal recovery timeline, explains what’s normal during healing, and answers the most common cost and insurance questions we hear from patients. What Is Recovery Like After a Root Canal? Modern root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. Most patients are surprised

2026-05-05T17:23:23+00:00January 29th, 2026|Root Canal Therapy, root canal treatment|
Read More

CONTACT US

3335 South Holmes Ave.
Idaho Falls, ID 83404

1598 Delphic Way, Ste. C1
Pocatello, ID 83201

Locations

PATIENT INFORMATION

PATIENT INFORMATION

Go to Top