Do You Need a Root Canal?

Dealing with a toothache? You might need a root canal.

A root canal is one of the most commonly performed dental treatments and yet, it has gotten such a bad reputation over the years. Ofroot canal course, despite all the negative hype and myths surrounding this treatment it actually offers major benefits for a smile that is dealing with an infected or damaged tooth. Our dentists at Pearlfection Dentistry in Frederick, Maryland and Urbana, Maryland could even end up saving your tooth in the long run thanks to performing this simple endodontic procedure.

A root canal is a procedure done by a dentist where the tooth is opened up and a small flexible rotary tool is inserted into the tooth's canal(s), where the nerve and pump reside.  The rotary action of the tool, along with other techniques will remove the pump and nerve.  This will result in a tooth with no more sensitivity.

We recommend root canals being done by a trained endodontist with advanced training in root canal therapy.  Every dentist licensed in Maryland is allowed to do root canals but when selecting a dentist to perform the procedure, ask them how many root canals they do weekly and if they are a board certified or board eligible endodontist.  If they say they are a board certified or board eligible endodontist, you will know they have advanced training in endodontic treatment.  Also, make sure your root canal is performed by a doctor with an endoscope.  This is an advanced piece of equipment with a microscope that allows the doctor to very accurately see inside the tooth and make sure he or she has cleaned out all the canals.  Many teeth have multiple canals.  Missing one of the canals will likely mean you will need the root canal to be done again at additional expense.  

Here are some warning signs that you might need a root canal:

A Toothache

A toothache is certainly not something you want to ignore as it’s trying to tell you something is wrong with your tooth. A toothache doesn’t just happen without a reason. While a toothache can have many causes, including a cavity, abscess and infection, a cracked tooth or nerve damage, it could also mean that the inside of your tooth is inflamed or infected and requires root canal treatment.  Some folks are simply more prone to toothaches than others.

Tooth Sensitivity

If you notice that your tooth suddenly hurts when you put pressure on it or is particularly sensitive to hot or cold foods or drinks this is something that you should have your Frederick and Urbana, MD dentist examine as soon as possible. The sooner dental treatment is done, usually the better and less expensive the outcome.  Waiting usually only makes things worth and can infect other teeth and cause irreversible bone loss, which further limits a patient's options for treatment.

If tooth sensitivity suddenly appears and doesn’t go away this might be a sign of damaged tooth roots, which will not heal on its own. To prevent the damage from spreading to other areas of the tooth our endodontist will need to go in and remove the bacteria and infection.

Discoloration in the Tooth

While yellowing teeth often happen as we get older or as a result of the food and drinks we consume, sometimes if the tooth suddenly appears darker this could mean that there is nerve damage. When damage occurs to the nerve and blood vessel (the dental pulp), we will need to open up the tooth to remove the affected pulp.  An endodontist can perform both internal bleaching and external bleaching of the tooth, during the root canal procedure.

Swollen Gums

Even though gum inflammation is usually synonymous with gum disease, if you only notice swollen gums around the problem tooth or a pimple-like growth develops on the gums then you need to get your tooth evaluated right away by a dentist.

If you are experiencing a toothache it’s important that you seek dental care as soon as possible. Luckily, our general, cosmetic and restorative dentists Dr. Jared Lawson, Dr. EJ Stringer, Dr. Tammira Badakhshan, and Dr. Nikta Pashai, periodontist Dr. Ashley Seals, prosthodontist Dr. Amos Chi, oral surgeon Dr. Brian Chang, endodontist Dr. Pratik Patel and orthodontist Dr. Stephen Tigani at Pearlfection Dentistry in Frederick and Urbana, MD, can handle your dental problem, no matter whether it’s an emergency or not. Call us today. The office is located 45 minutes from Washington, DC, and 45 minutes from Baltimore.  We are the number one reviewed dentist in the state of Maryland and all your work can be performed in one location.  We also do IV sedation for those patients who are extra nervous. And if you want the entire aesthetic treatment, our doctors will even do Botox treatment at your 6 month cleanings.  

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

PearlFection Dentistry

Monday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

By Appointment

Sunday:

Closed

Our Location

60 Thomas Johnson Dr, Suite 1 Frederick, MD, 21702