Safe and Painless Root Canal Treatments With Dr. Burneson
If a dental infection reaches the root of your tooth, it can cause painful complications. A root canal treatment from our experienced Ashland, OR dentist can eliminate infected dental tissue, preserve your natural tooth, and restore your oral health.
At Today’s Dentistry, our caring dental professionals prioritize your health and safety. We’ll ensure your root canal procedure is a virtually painless experience. We invite patients in Phoenix, Medford, and Jacksonville to meet with our Ashland dentists to discover if their oral health may benefit from root canal therapy.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy targets and removes infected tissues of the tooth and is often the last resort to extraction. Infected tissue can spread to surrounding teeth if left untreated. It may even enter your bloodstream, putting your entire health at risk. Root canal treatments stop infection at the source and preserve your natural tooth structure.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
We urge patients to seek treatment as soon as possible at the first sign of a dental complication. If left untreated, infected tissue can cause a host of health issues. It’s crucial to meet with a dental professional if you notice signs of:
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- A pimple (fistula) on the gums
- Severe pain while biting or chewing
- Persistent toothaches
Call our Ashland dental office at (541) 482-7771 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Burneson. He’ll evaluate your teeth and gums to determine if a root canal treatment best suits your needs.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
Root canal therapy can usually be completed in one appointment at our Ashland dental office. Dr. Burneson will begin by administering a local anesthetic to ensure your procedure is pain-free. He’ll then make a small incision in your gums to access and remove infected dental tissue.
After removing the infected pulp, our dentist will disinfect the inside of the tooth, using gutta-percha to seal the canal. Dr. Burneson will then place a dental crown to restore and protect your tooth. You can then leave our office with restored confidence in your smile’s health.
Root Canal Treatment Aftercare
After root canal therapy, it’s important to follow our dentist’s post-operative instructions to ensure a successful recovery. These instructions may include:
- Avoid chewing on your new crown for at least 24 hours
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on the treatment site
- Maintain at-home oral hygiene
- Eat a soft or liquid-based diet for at least 24 hours
- Take pain medications as prescribed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root canal therapy painful?
Root canal therapy is a virtually painless process. Before your procedure, our dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums. Dr. Burneson and our dental team will work with you to ensure you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during your visit.
It’s normal to experience mild soreness once the numbness fades. Any pain should fade within a few days. We recommend using over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses to manage any pain or swelling in the meantime.
How long does a root canal treatment take?
Depending on your oral health needs, your root canal treatment may only take one visit to complete. This appointment typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Dr. Burneson will provide you with an estimated treatment timeline at your initial consultation.
What can I eat after a root canal treatment?
Following root canal therapy, it’s crucial to avoid irritating the healing surgical site. We advise patients to avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods for at least 24 hours after their procedures. Some foods you can eat after a root canal treatment include:
- Soups and broths
- Yogurts and smoothies
- Applesauce and pureed fruit
- Mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
Don’t Put Off the Care You Need—Schedule Your Visit Today
Patients may hesitate to visit the dentist for fear of painful treatments. The team at Today’s Dentistry can help alleviate painful symptoms of dental infection and prevent the issue from worsening. With years of experience, Dr. Burneson is one of the best dentists in Ashland, OR for your general dentistry needs.
To schedule your consultation, call our office at (541) 482-7771 or fill out our convenient online contact form. We look forward to helping you restore your healthy smile!