Paradigm Dental – Gentle Root Canal Treatments in Lake Oswego, OR

Tooth pain can stop you in your tracks. If you’re dealing with sensitivity, swelling, or a throbbing toothache, a root canal may be the solution. At Paradigm Dental, we offer gentle, modern root canal therapy to relieve your pain and save your natural teeth.

What is a Root Canal?

Many people hear the words “root canal” and feel nervous—but in reality, this treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it.

Inside your tooth lies soft tissue called pulp. When this pulp becomes infected from decay, cracks, or trauma, it can lead to:

A root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further issues. Often, we restore the tooth with a strong crown so it looks and functions naturally again.

Why Root Canals Matter

Ignoring an infected tooth can cause major problems. Left untreated, the infection may spread, leading to bone loss, facial swelling, or other health risks.

Root canal therapy helps you by:

Eliminating pain and discomfort

Stopping infection from spreading

Preserving your natural tooth

Restoring chewing function and strength

Protecting your overall health

he Paradigm Dental Difference

Root canals at Paradigm Dental are far different from the old stories you may have heard. Our patients often say the experience was much easier than they expected. Here’s why:

Advanced Technology

Digital X-rays and precise tools for accurate results.

Gentle Techniques

Effective numbing keeps you comfortable.

Same-Day Crowns

Restore your tooth in one visit with CEREC technology.

Compassionate Team

We listen, explain, and make sure you feel at ease.

What to Expect During a Root Canal

Here’s a step-by-step look at how we make the process smooth and comfortable:

Diagnosis & Imaging – We take digital X-rays and confirm if root canal therapy is needed.
Comfort First – Local anesthesia ensures you won’t feel pain. Sedation options are also available.
Cleaning the Infection – We remove the infected pulp and disinfect the inner canals.
Sealing the Tooth – The canals are filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.
Restoring the Tooth – In most cases, we place a crown for protection and strength.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Common symptoms include:

Affordable Root Canals in Lake Oswego, OR

We make dental care accessible with:

Why Saving Your Natural Tooth Matters

When faced with tooth pain or infection, some people think pulling the tooth is the easiest solution. While extraction may be necessary in severe cases, saving your natural tooth with a root canal is almost always the better option.

Benefits of a Root Canal vs Extraction:

Keeps Your Natural Smile:

Nothing looks or feels as natural as your own tooth.

Better Chewing Strength

An extracted tooth may require a bridge or implant to restore function.

Prevents Shifting

Removing a tooth can cause surrounding teeth to shift, affecting your bite.

Less Costly Long-Term

A root canal is often more affordable than replacing a missing tooth with implants or bridges.

Recovery & Aftercare for Root Canals

Healing after a root canal is usually quick and straightforward. Most patients are surprised at how good they feel once the infection is gone.

What to Expect After Treatment:

Mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days (easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief)
The ability to eat and chew normally once your tooth is fully restored
Immediate relief from the severe pain caused by infection

Tips for a Smooth Recovery:

Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until your crown is placed
Brush and floss gently around the area
Take medications as prescribe.
Schedule regular checkups to ensure long-term success

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Do root canals hurt?

Not anymore! With modern techniques, they’re no more uncomfortable than a filling.

How long does treatment take?

A: Most root canals are finished in 60–90 minutes.

What happens afterward?

Mild soreness may last a few days, but your pain will be much better than before.

Will my tooth look normal?

A: Yes. A crown restores both the strength and natural look of your tooth.

How long do results last?

With proper care, root canal-treated teeth can last decades—or even a lifetime.

Don’t Let Tooth Pain Hold You Back

If you’re living with tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, it’s time to take action. Root canals don’t just save your teeth, they restore your comfort and protect your health.

Root canal treatment is necessary when the tooth’s pulp becomes infected and inflamed. The pulp is the soft part inside your teeth that contains the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. When the pulp is infected or inflamed, it cannot repair itself and professional intervention is required to correct the problem. This type of infection can result from untreated tooth decay, large fillings, cracks in teeth, trauma, etc.

If the condition is not treated promptly, it can lead to pain and the need for a tooth extraction. If this occurs, the neighboring teeth can shift, become loose, or even fall out. Treating an infected tooth at Paradigm Dental as soon as possible is best to avoid further issues.

During a root canal treatment, the nerve and all diseased tissue from inside the tooth are removed. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and sealed with a material called gutta-percha. A crown is usually placed over the tooth after the root canal to protect it from breaking and restore its strength. If your tooth had a severe crack or fracture before needing a root canal, it might need to be extracted and replaced with an implant or bridge restoration.

The Root Canal Procedure

During a root canal, our dentist will remove the infected nerve tissue and bacteria from your tooth. Then, they will disinfect and fill your tooth to prevent further infection. Finally, our dentist will place a crown over the tooth to restore its strength and improve its appearance. If a root canal is not the best procedure for you, our dentist may perform other procedures, such as bridgework or dental implants.

While a root canal procedure is considered invasive, our dentist will be able to ease any discomfort by administering local anesthesia and providing you with sedation if needed. Recovery time is typically short; a permanent filling or crown will follow it to protect and strengthen the tooth.

If left untreated, an abscessed or infected tooth can lead to more severe complications, including bone loss in the jaw, which can affect your facial structure and even cause your teeth to shift out of alignment over time.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

Anxiety about a procedure as complex as root canal therapy is standard. However, patients must understand that most patients experience minimal pain and often only feel pressure or mild discomfort from the anesthetic injection.

There may be some sensitivity in the area after the anesthetic wears off, but our dentist will prescribe a strong pain reliever for you to take if needed. After the procedure, the treated tooth may be sensitive for a few days, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate any pain you have during this time.

If you have persistent tooth pain or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, visit Paradigm Dental at 3970 SW Mercantile Dr. Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035, or call (503) 626-7323 to schedule an appointment with our skilled dentist. They will be able to determine the cause of the pain and recommend the best treatment option to relieve your pain and restore the health of your smile.