Root Canal Therapy in Beaverton, OR
Relief for a painful or infected tooth. Dr. Gvozden performs routine root canals, and we are upfront when a case is better referred.
What a root canal is, without the horror stories
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called pulp, made up of nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach it, the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. That can hurt a lot, and it does not heal by itself.
A root canal treats the problem at its source. The damaged pulp is removed, the tiny canals are cleaned and shaped, and the space is sealed. The tooth stays in your mouth and continues to work. If you are searching for a root canal in Beaverton because something hurts right now, call us; we will do our best to see you promptly.
Signs a tooth may need a root canal
Symptoms to take seriously
- Deep throbbing pain, sometimes waking you at night
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold after the source is removed
- Pain when chewing or pressing on the tooth
- Swelling in the gum, cheek or face
- A small bump on the gum that drains
- A tooth that has darkened compared with its neighbors
When it is urgent
Facial swelling, fever, trouble swallowing or swelling that spreads toward the eye or neck needs same-day attention. Call us at (503) 822-0096; if you cannot reach a dentist or feel very unwell, seek urgent or emergency medical care. See our emergency dentist page.
What to expect, visit by visit
- Diagnosis. We examine the tooth, test how it responds to cold and pressure, and take X-rays to see the roots and surrounding bone.
- Numbing and isolation. After local anesthetic, a small rubber sheet keeps the tooth clean and dry.
- Access and cleaning. Dr. Gvozden makes a small opening, removes the damaged pulp and cleans the canals with fine instruments and disinfecting solutions.
- Sealing. The cleaned canals are filled and sealed, and the opening is temporarily or permanently restored.
- Protecting the tooth. Most root-canal-treated teeth, especially molars, benefit from a crown to prevent fracture.
Being honest about who does what
Dr. Gvozden is a general dentist with more than four decades of clinical experience, and routine root canals fall within what he does. That means straightforward cases, like a front tooth or a premolar with a clear canal, can generally be treated right here.
Not every tooth is straightforward. Curved or blocked canals, a previous root canal that needs redoing, or unusual anatomy may be better handled by an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canals. If your tooth is in that category, we will tell you before we start, explain why and help coordinate the referral. Being straightforward about this protects your tooth.
Root canal or extraction?
| Root canal | Extraction | |
|---|---|---|
| Natural tooth | Kept | Removed |
| Usual follow-up | Crown | Consider implant, bridge or partial |
| Best when | Enough healthy tooth remains | Tooth cannot be restored |
Read about tooth extractions and dental implants if you are weighing your options.
Myths worth retiring
“Root canals cause illness.”
This idea circulated a century ago and has not held up. Both the American Dental Association and the American Association of Endodontists consider root canal treatment safe and effective.
“It is better to pull the tooth and be done.”
Sometimes extraction is the right answer. Often, though, keeping your own tooth preserves chewing function and bone, and avoids the cost of replacing it.
“If it doesn’t hurt, it can wait.”
Infection can be quiet. Waiting can allow it to spread, making treatment harder and, occasionally, an urgent matter.
Cost and comfort questions
Root canals are more involved than fillings, and fees reflect the tooth being treated, since molars have more canals than front teeth. Many dental plans contribute toward treatment and the crown that usually follows. We will check your benefits, give you an estimate and discuss payment options before we begin, unless you are in pain and need urgent relief first. In that case we will take care of you now and sort out the details together afterward. If a referral to an endodontist makes sense, we will explain what that means for cost and timing so nothing catches you by surprise.
Can a root canal be avoided?
Often, yes, if problems are caught early. A small cavity treated with a tooth-colored filling rarely reaches the nerve. Regular exams, a mouthguard for contact sports and prompt attention to cracks or chips all lower the odds. For more on protecting kids’ teeth from injury, see mouthguards and sports dentistry.
Tooth pain that fades on its own has not necessarily healed. It can mean the nerve has died while infection continues underneath. If you had a bad toothache that suddenly went away, get it checked.
Request an appointment Call (503) 822-0096
We see adults and families from Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro and nearby at 18355 SW Alexander St. We can check your benefits before treatment. Call (503) 822-0096 and describe your symptoms so we can advise on timing.
Questions patients often ask
Is a root canal painful?
The procedure is done with local anesthetic and most people describe it as similar to getting a filling. The pain that brings people in comes from the infection or inflammation, and treatment is meant to relieve it. Some soreness for a few days afterward is common.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs include lingering pain to hot or cold, pain on biting, swelling near a tooth, a pimple-like bump on the gum, or a darkening tooth. Sometimes there are no symptoms and it shows up on an X-ray. Only an exam can tell.
Does Dr. Gvozden do all root canals?
He performs routine root canals in the general office. Some teeth have unusual canals, prior treatment that needs redoing, or other complexity. In those cases, we will honestly recommend a specialist (an endodontist) and help coordinate.
What is the alternative to a root canal?
Will I need a crown afterward?
Often yes, especially for back teeth, because a tooth that has had a root canal can become more brittle. We will advise based on how much healthy tooth remains.
How long does treatment take?
Many routine root canals are completed in one or two visits. Timing depends on the tooth, the number of canals and whether infection needs time to settle.
What if my child has a badly damaged tooth?
Children’s teeth are treated differently. Dr. Hsu evaluates them, and options may include a pulp treatment or other approach. See kids’ fillings and crowns.
Does insurance cover root canal therapy?
Most plans cover a portion of root canal treatment and the crown that follows. We accept almost all dental insurance and OHP where eligible, and we explain your estimate first. See our insurance and payment options page or call (503) 822-0096.
Ready to book your child’s visit?
Tell us a little about your family and we’ll reach out to find a time that works. New patients — kids, teens and adults — are welcome, and we accept almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).