Painless Root Canals in Rockville, MD
Root canals are a preferred conservative dental treatment option that can help avoid the need for a tooth extraction. They are often save the natural tooth from extraction when a dental filling is no longer a suitable option.
Rockville MD dentist Dr. Sarkarzadeh will try to preserve the integrity and function of the natural smile. Root canals can protect the tooth and help secure the jaw structure and bite. Root canals remove diseased tissue from the tooth and use an affordable dental crown to stabilize the tooth.
Contrary to popular belief, root canals are a routine dental procedure. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment. The pain associated with root canal therapy is actually from the swelling and inflammation caused by the infection inside the tooth’s pulp chamber. Once Dr. Sarkarzadeh removes the diseased tissue from the inside of the tooth, most patients will enjoy relief from the pain caused by the infection of the tooth pulp.
When the Pulp Becomes Infected
Bacteria-causing germs easily get into into the pulp of a damaged tooth. The damage will expose the pulp, making it susceptible to an infection from the bacteria. This condition is called pulpitis. Pulpitis can be caused by an untreated tooth cavity, tooth trauma, or a tooth crack.
It will not be hard to figure out if you have pulpitis or not because it is very painful. The only way to relieve the pain is to have a root canal procedure done. If you are experiencing this type of pain, call our office as soon as possible for an appointment.
Root Canals: What to Expect
Your dentist can typically complete a root canal procedure in just one visit to our Rockville, MD dentist office. We will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth’s area completely. Dr. Sarkarzadeh will begin the procedure once you are comfortable.
In the first step, Dr. Sarkarzadeh will make a tiny hole in the back of the affected tooth to access the pulp chamber. He will use specialized tools to enter the tooth through the small hole and remove the bacteria and diseased pulp from the tooth’s interior. The dentist cleans the tooth and fills it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material will fill the tooth, stabilizing its structure and sealing it from future decay.
The final step of the root canal treatment is a dental crown. Once the dentist removes the tissue, the tooth’s integrity is compromised. Dr. Sarkarzadeh recommends dental crowns after root canal therapy to strengthen the tooth and support a more stable bite. This will help prevent further decay or additional damage to the tooth. To blend naturally, we color-match the dental crown to the surrounding teeth. With a proper oral hygiene routine and regular visits to our Rockville, MD dentist office, the restored tooth can last a lifetime.
Root Canal FAQs
Are you put to sleep for a root canal?
No. We don’t usually put patients to sleep with general anesthesia for a simple root canal procedure. However, we administer local anesthesia to numb your mouth so that you do not feel pain or discomfort immediately after the treatment. The process is quick. The longest part of the process is waiting for the local anesthesia to numb your mouth fully.
How do I know if I need a root canal treatment?
You may need a root canal treatment if you have severe tooth pain localized to a single tooth. You may also need a root canal if you feel severe pain while chewing and your tooth is sensitive to anything touching it. Many signs may make you think you need a root canal, but your dentist may suggest a simple filling. Never diagnose yourself before visiting the dentist for a professional opinion and diagnosis.
Is it better to have a root canal or tooth extraction?
The answer to this question depends heavily on the amount of damage the tooth has experienced. Your dentist will always recommend saving as much of your natural teeth as possible because they are the best line of defense against bacteria and disease. Although, there are cases and special situations where a tooth is too damaged to be saved. Again, visit your dentist before making assumptions about your unique dental issues.