Root Canal Rockville, MD

Root canals are a preferred conservative dental treatment option that can help avoid the need for a tooth extraction. They save the natural tooth from extraction when a dental filling is no longer suitable. Rockville MD dentist Dr. Sarkarzadeh will try to preserve the integrity and function of the natural smile with a root canal treatment. Root canals 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 don’t have to be painful. A root canal can be a comfortable, routine dental procedure. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment.

The pain associated with root canal therapy is from the swelling and inflammation caused by the infection inside the tooth’s pulp chamber. The infected pulp is within the tooth chamber or the tooth’s center. Once Dr. Sarkarzadeh removes infected tissue, most patients will enjoy relief from the pain caused by the tooth pulp infection.

Painless root canal in Rockville MD

When the Pulp Becomes Infected

Bacteria-causing germs easily get into the pulp of a damaged tooth. The dental pulp comprises the cells, nerves, and blood vessels that keep your tooth alive. The damage will expose the pulp, making it prone to bacterial infection. This condition is called pulpitis. An untreated tooth cavity, tooth trauma, or a tooth crack can cause pulpitis.

It will not be hard to determine if you have pulpitis because you will feel pain. The only way to relieve the pain is to have a root canal procedure done. If you experience this type of pain, call our office as soon as possible for an appointment.

Signs of tooth infection to look out for include:

  • Holes or pits in teeth (cavities)
  • Chronic tooth pain
  • Single discolored teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity to heat and cold
  • Radiating pain in your lower face
  • Chronic bad breath

Please get in touch with our office if you experience any signs of dental infection. We will evaluate your teeth and determine the best treatment for your infected teeth.

Root Canals in Rockville, MD

Your dentist can typically complete a root canal in just one visit to our Rockville, MD, dentist’s 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. After he makes a small hole in the tooth, he will remove the bacteria and diseased pulp.

Dr. Sarkarzadeh cleans the tooth and fills it with gutta-percha. This material will fill and stabilize the tooth, sealing it from future decay.

The final step of the root canal treatment is often a dental crown. In most cases, teeth are weakened by decay. 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. The restored tooth can last a lifetime with a proper oral hygiene routine and regular visits to our Rockville, MD, dentist’s office.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

You can bite and chew without pain after healing your root canal. The root canal preserves the structure of your tooth while adding a new structure. A dental crown is just as strong as a natural tooth and is color-matched to the color of other teeth in your mouth. If you experience tooth wear because of tooth infection, you can benefit from a more even and comfortable bite.

A root canal also helps prevent you from reinfection. Biocompatible, tooth-colored materials seal your tooth, and a crown protects the tooth from future damage.

When Do You Need to Remove a Tooth?

A root canal helps save one or more permanent teeth. However, we may need to remove a severely infected tooth. We will examine your smile and take dental X-rays to determine if we can save your tooth or if you require an extraction.

If you need your tooth removed, we can provide a dental implant or implant restoration to replace your tooth or teeth. An implant is a metal post that acts as a replacement tooth root. One or more implants can support a single crown, bridge, or denture. Ultimately, removing a problem tooth can prevent infection from spreading to your gums or another tooth.

Root Canal FAQs

Learn more about root canal treatment in our Rockville, MD office with answers to these common questions:

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 numb your mouth so you do not feel pain or discomfort immediately after treatment. This 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 extreme 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. We will see if you need a root canal using dental X-rays.

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. Our dentist always recommends saving as much of the natural tooth as possible. Strong teeth are the best 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.

Remove Tooth Infection

Comfortable root canals are possible. Call Congressional Dental Care at (301) 276-4694. Feel free to schedule an online dental appointment for root canal treatment in Rockville, MD. Please let us know if you have questions about root canals or tooth infections. We’re here to help you maintain the health of your teeth and gums.