At the heart of each tooth in our mouths lies the nerves that keep them alive. These nerves supply blood and nutrients to the teeth and allow them to remain healthy and strong for our entire lives.

However, some teeth experience damaged nerve tissue due to deep decay or injury. When the roots of your teeth are affected, pain or an infection can result, although some patients won’t have any symptoms.

By the time the inner nerves (also referred to as the “pulp”) of your tooth are affected, root canal therapy is typically the only option to save your tooth.

In a root canal procedure, Dr. Nikkhah removes the damaged or infected tissue inside your tooth and cleans the inside of your tooth thoroughly. Next, a sealant material will be used to fill the tooth and protect it from further decay or injury.

Once the tooth is cleaned and sealed, typically, a dental crown is placed. This final restoration will protect your tooth from bacteria and restore its function.

Root canal therapy allows you to avoid the need for a tooth extraction, which would require a tooth replacement such as a bridge, dental implant, or a partial denture.

For many patients in Rockville, getting a root canal with modern technology isn’t much different from getting a cavity filled. The best part is that root canal therapy allows you to save your natural tooth from extraction!

It’s not always obvious when you need a root canal. Only your professional dentist such as Dr. Nikkhah in North Bethesda can tell whether or not a root canal is truly necessary.

Signs and symptoms you may need a root canal include:

• A tooth infection or a severe toothache
• A single discolored tooth that stands out from the rest of your teeth
• Tooth sensitivity that remains even after you’ve stopped eating or drinking
• You have a deep cavity that can’t be repaired with a filling

If you’re experiencing any of the above, schedule an appointment with us at Pike District Smiles today to get a dental exam to determine if a root canal can benefit your smile.