When you need root canal treatment in Rockville, Maryland, the team at Crown Dental Care is who you want to call. Our experienced team is here for you and your dental health.
A root canal removes the infection, but it does not make the tooth immune to new decay, so the regular checkups you would have anyway are what protect the result.
Dr. Thy Nguyen completed a residency in Advanced General Dentistry after dental school and has advanced training in endodontic procedures, so root canals are handled in-house rather than referred out. Same-day appointments are kept open for patients in pain. The office at 1900 Chapman Avenue, Suite 100 is close to Twinbrook and Rockville Town Center, we accept most PPO insurance plans, and financing is available for the portion insurance does not cover. If you would rather not be aware of the procedure at all, ask about sedation dentistry.
A root canal becomes necessary when the pulp inside a tooth, the soft tissue that holds the nerve and blood supply, is infected or dying. That usually follows deep decay, a crack, a large or repeated filling, or a knock to the tooth. The symptoms that bring Rockville patients to us are fairly consistent:
Some infected teeth cause no pain at all, especially once the nerve has died. That is why a dark tooth or a gum bump is worth an examination even if it does not hurt. The American Association of Endodontists describes the condition and the treatment in plain language if you want a second source.
Our team offers affordable root canal treatment at Crown Dental Care. We want to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the quality dental care they need. It is very important to us that our patients are able to live happy lives while enjoying the benefits of beautiful, healthy smiles.
For detailed information on the cost of root canal treatment here at Crown Dental Care, call our friendly team today. We also accept all PPO insurance plans and offer financing options to make help you get the care you deserve.
| Step | What we do | What you feel |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Examination and X-ray | Confirm the tooth is the source, check the root shape and any infection at the tip | Nothing beyond the X-ray |
| 2. Numbing | Local anesthetic around the tooth; nitrous oxide or oral sedation if you are anxious | Pressure only. Most patients say this is the easiest part |
| 3. Access and cleaning | A small opening in the biting surface, then the infected pulp is removed with a rotary endodontic system | You may notice vibration; the tooth is numbed for comfort |
| 4. Shaping and disinfecting | The canals are shaped and rinsed to reduce bacteria and help prevent reinfection | Usually little or no discomfort |
| 5. Filling and sealing | The canals are filled with a rubber-like material and the opening is sealed | Usually little or no discomfort |
| 6. Crown | A crown is placed to protect the tooth, usually at a second visit | A tooth that works as it did before |
Most root canals at our Rockville office take one appointment of roughly 60 to 90 minutes. Molars with three or four canals sometimes need two. The rotary system Dr. Nguyen uses is faster and quieter than hand files, which is part of why patients who were dreading the appointment often tell us afterwards that it was easier than the filling they had last year.
The honest answer is that we try to keep the tooth whenever it can be kept. A root canal-treated tooth with a crown can last for decades, and nothing replaces a natural root in the jaw as well as the root itself. The outlook depends on the tooth, the infection, the final restoration and ongoing care.
Extraction becomes the better choice when the crack runs below the gum line, when there is not enough tooth left to hold a crown, or when the bone around the root has been lost to infection. In those cases, we talk you through dental implants and dentures at the same visit, so you are never left with a gap and no plan.
For affordable root canal treatment in Rockville, get in touch with Crown Dental Care to find out more about how we can help you. Contact us at (301)591-3888. We even have a children’s play area to entertain your little ones while you visit us.
Yes. Root canals are done in our Rockville office by Dr. Nguyen using a rotary endodontic system, which is quicker and more comfortable than traditional hand instruments. You are not referred to a separate specialist office unless the tooth has unusual anatomy.
Persistent toothache, sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers, pain on biting, gum swelling or a gum bump, or a tooth that has darkened are the usual signs. An examination and X-ray confirm it. Some infected teeth do not hurt, so a dark tooth is worth checking even without pain.
The procedure is done under local anesthetic and most patients feel pressure rather than pain. The infection is what causes the pain you arrived with, and removing it is what brings relief. Sedation is available if you are anxious.
Usually one visit of about 60 to 90 minutes. A molar with several canals may need two visits. The crown that protects the tooth is typically fitted at a separate appointment.
The tooth is restored with a crown so it can take normal chewing forces again. Mild soreness for a few days is expected and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
The fee depends on which tooth is involved and how many canals it has; a front tooth is simpler than a molar. Most dental plans with restorative benefits cover part of the treatment; we accept most PPO plans, and financing is available for the balance. We give you a written estimate before starting.
After local anesthetic alone, yes. After oral or IV sedation, you will need someone to drive you.
The infection does not resolve on its own. Left alone, it can spread into the bone and the tissues of the face, at which point extraction may be the only option and the treatment becomes more involved, not less.
For back teeth, almost always. A root canal treated tooth is more brittle, and a crown is what stops it fracturing under chewing load. Front teeth can sometimes be restored with a filling.
