Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Finding time to go to the dentist in Rockville can be difficult; between work, school, grocery shopping, and enjoying time with family and friends, it seems there aren’t enough hours in the day. So, when you are trying to schedule dental appointments for you and your family, you may be wondering if any dental offices are open on the weekend. Let’s find out.

Is Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Open on the Weekend?

The answer is yes! We understand how sometimes you just can’t get to our dental office during regular business hours. That’s why we are occasionally open for appointments on Saturdays. To find out our weekend hours and appointment availability, you can call us for more information.

We want to help you maintain your oral health, so if that means offering dental appointments on Saturdays, that’s what we’ll do. You can count on us for your entire family’s dental needs, whether you need general dentistry services, cosmetic dentistry, periodontal treatment, or tooth replacement.

Do You Need a Dentist in Rockville, MD?

If you’re looking for a dentist who’s open on Saturday in Rockville, MD, look no further than Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We can accommodate your busy schedule with Saturday appointments, so contact us at (301) 963-0800 to learn more.

Drs. Liz and Tommy Gladnick are a husband and wife dental team, and they are parents themselves, so they love taking care of children! They like to begin seeing children regularly for dental checkups around three years old when children have all their primary (baby) teeth.  

We also encourage parents to bring their little ones to their own preventive teeth cleaning and checkups. This way, your child begins to feel comfortable going to the dentist, they get a feel for what happens during those visits, and they can start to look forward to their own dental visits. 

Discover Children's Dentistry in Rockville

Your children's dentist in Rockville ensures your little one is completely ready and confident before we do any procedure. Using the show, tell, do method. We'll show them the tools and instruments we'll use while explaining what will happen before we do any procedure.  

Call Our Office To Schedule

At Galdnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our primary goal is for your little one to feel welcome and safe when they visit the dentist, so our team goes above and beyond to ensure each visit is pleasant and stress-free for your child. 

If it's time for your child's next dental visit, contact your family dentist in Rockville at (301) 963-0800 to schedule. 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has said that children should visit a dentist prior to their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, whichever comes first. Properly preparing children for this first dental visit is important not only for the peace of mind it provides in the moment but for its impact on their lifelong commitment to maintaining good oral health.

Tips on preparing your child for their first trip to the dentist

• Clearly and compassionately explain the importance of healthy teeth and that dentists are extremely important to keeping teeth healthy.
• Use positive language, emphasizing the dentist's role in keeping their teeth strong, and avoiding words like "pain" or "hurt."
• Prior to the visit, read books or watch videos online that depict children of a similar age having positive experiences at the dentist's office.
• Choose a pediatric or family dentist, as they are especially skilled at speaking with children.
• Stay calm and reassuring during the visit. This positivity will help your child feel at ease.

Find Your Children's Dentistry in Rockville, MD

If you're in the Rockville area are would like to learn more about dentistry for kids, contact dentist Dr. Tommy Gladnick and the team at Gladnick Dentistry to schedule a consultation appointment!

Your kid’s dentist in Rockville, MD—and most dentists—likes to see children and adults every six months. This schedule has been shown to lower tooth decay risks while keeping gums healthy. However, if your child has a particular oral health issue, we may suggest a more customized timeline.

Family & Pediatric Dentistry in Rockville, MD

Our family dentists in Rockville emphasize prevention because it saves you time and money. It also helps ensure healthy smiles for life.

Remember, prevention is about stopping oral health conditions before they start.

Your child’s preventive dental exam includes:

• A comprehensive checkup
• X-rays as needed

For older children near Rockville, MD, we may also discuss fluoride treatments and dental sealants to keep teeth healthy, along with professional teeth cleanings. The dentist always shares findings with you and is happy to offer guidance for at-home care.

If your child has a dental injury or complains of a toothache, we are happy to set up an emergency dental appointment as well.

Looking for a Family Dentist Near Rockville? Give Us a Call

We are thrilled to treat patients of all ages and love inviting new families into our dental practice. Contact Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to get started if you want to learn more about our dentistry for children and adults.

Sensitive teeth can seriously affect your quality of life. They can make it difficult to enjoy cold or hot foods as well as sweet foods. They may also create a deterrent to proper home care. 

Fortunately, there are a number of solutions for sensitive teeth. The first step is to make an appointment at our Rockville dental office so we can get to the bottom of the problem. 

Some common culprits that contribute to sensitive teeth include: 

• Decay
• Gum recession and root exposure
• Infection
• Over-the-counter teeth whitening products
• Clenching and grinding
• Chips or small fractures

The good news is that treating sensitivity is often fairly simple. If you are experiencing decay, we can fill your cavity to repair your tooth. If gum recession is your problem, we can determine whether the problem is caused by periodontal disease or if there is a mechanical issue. For instance, you could be brushing your teeth too hard or using a toothbrush with bristles that are too firm!

In the meantime, there are a number of good kinds of toothpaste for sensitive teeth (such as Sensodyne) that can reduce your sensitivity and make eating, drinking, and brushing and flossing your teeth much more comfortable. 

Don't ignore sensitivity! Give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Clean between your teeth and below your gum line

Your toothbrush is a fantastic tool for cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, but unfortunately, it's not nearly as effective at cleaning between your teeth and just below your gumline. Dental floss, on the other hand, is designed for precisely that! When you floss once a day, you remove plaque and other particles from the spaces between your teeth and your gumline. 

Floss comes in a variety of thickness and styles, and we can recommend the one that's best for you. Generally speaking, a thicker floss that still slides comfortably between your teeth is often the best choice. 

Proper Flossing Technique

Rather than "snapping" the floss between your teeth to dislodge bits of food, take your time and gently ease the floss between your teeth. Make sure to get both sides of each tooth, including the ones in the back! Using a gentle back-and-forth motion, work the floss along the side of the tooth and into the gum tissue. If you haven't been flossing properly for a while, you might experience some bleeding. Make sure to wind the floss so you are working with a clean area of the floss in each area. 

Your hygienist is happy to give you a hands-on demonstration of good brushing technique at your next dental cleaning! Call today to schedule an appointment. 

The American Dental Association recommends that most patients have their teeth professionally cleaned two times per year (every six months), and we agree with this recommendation. 

Why two cleanings a year?

Our ultimate goal is to protect your teeth and help you keep them for a lifetime. Regular visits for cleanings and examinations help us do that.

The fact is, no matter how diligently you brush your teeth, you simply aren't going to be able to remove every last trace of plaque. Over time, this plaque, a combination of food particles, saliva, and bacteria, sits on the surface of your teeth. Eventually, it hardens into tartar, which can't be removed by either a toothbrush or dental floss. Depending on the location of the deposit, the result will be either decay or gum irritation and recession (or both!). 

Stay on top of your dental health with preventative care

Every six months, your dental hygienist will carefully assess your oral health and remove any build-up of plaque or tartar using their knowledge, their training, and their specialized instruments. This gives you a fresh start and prevents the damage that occurs from plaque and tartar that are allowed to remain on your teeth for an extended period of time. Additionally, your hygienist can notify your dentist if they notice anything that could indicate a problem, such as signs of decay or gum disease. This allows for prompt treatment early on.

Has it been a while since your last check-up and cleaning? Give us a call and we'll help you get back on track without any judgment! We want to help you get and stay healthy!

Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offer chipped tooth repair for patients near Rockville, MD. And the method your dentist uses depends on the size of the chip. Small chips may only require a little cosmetic bonding or a veneer. A dental emergency situation or more significant fracture typically needs a dental crown to restore structure and keep the tooth healthy.

Dental bonding is a tooth-colored composite material spread across the chip or crack. Your dentist can apply it in layers, sculpt it, and set it with a special light. And a veneer is a tooth shell cemented across the forward-facing tooth. Finally, a dental crown is a tooth cover designed to look like your biological teeth.

Significant chips or fractures can expose the underlying tooth, leaving you vulnerable to pain and infection. If a chip is more than cosmetic, it’s essential to reach out to our emergency dentist in Rockville, MD. Ignoring a significant tooth fracture can lead to tooth loss and further damage.

You can lower your risks for tooth fractures by wearing protective face gear or a mouthguard when you play sports. And if you have TMJ or bruxism, be sure to wear your nightguard during sleep.

For Chipped Tooth Repair, Contact Our Rockville Dental Team

At Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are always here to help you through a dental emergency. Give our Rockville dentist office a call today at (301) 963-0800 to schedule an appointment for chipped tooth repair.

The age of your dental crown is really immaterial. Certain crowns can last for 30 years or more if they are well made and well maintained. However, older crowns that once were a nice match to the rest of your teeth may become mismatched with time, due to changes in the appearance of the other teeth, or gum recession that has exposed the margin of the crown. If crowns like these are holding you back from smiling your happiest smile, then they too should be replaced. 

Repairing Broken Dental Crowns in Rockville

If you have a broken crown, you should see your dentist as soon as you can. Depending on just how broken the crown is, you may just need the fractured area re-contoured and polished. More severe fractures can result in exposed tooth structure or food impaction. Both of these conditions may be painful (though not always!), and can increase the likelihood of developing a cavity in either the tooth with the fractured crown or the tooth next to it. 

The worst thing to do would be to ignore the problem because it’s not hurting you. Most of the time, cavities do not cause any pain whatsoever, so if you have a condition, such as a broken crown, that makes you more likely to develop a cavity, it needs to be addressed before a problem occurs. Waiting until the tooth is painful will lead to more costly and time consuming treatment - such as root canal treatment, or in more severe cases, extraction of the tooth and replacement with an implant. 

Replacement of a broken crown is usually straightforward and predictable as long as the situation is addressed in a timely manner. So if you are concerned about one of your crowns, call us today to schedule an appointment.

If you have ever broken a tooth or had a root canal, your dentist probably placed a dental crown on top of your tooth to protect it. Dentists commonly use dental crowns for a variety of reasons. Depending on which tooth needs a crown, your dentist may recommend a porcelain, ceramic, or gold crown. So, what is a dental crown?

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown covers a weak, broken, or decayed tooth. A crown is customized to the same shape and color as your other teeth and fits snugly over your entire tooth. One of the most significant benefits of dental crowns is the ability to preserve your natural tooth.

When Is a Crown Necessary?

Dental crowns are used for a variety of purposes, including the following:

• To protect a cracked tooth
• To strengthen a weakened tooth after root canal therapy
• To restore a decayed or broken tooth
• To cover a discolored tooth
• To complete the dental implant process

Your dentist can discuss how much your dental crown will cost when they formulate your treatment plan.

Questions about Dental Crowns in Rockville, MD?

Talking to your Rockville dentist is an excellent first step if you have questions about whether dental crowns are right for you. To schedule a consultation or appointment, contact our expert dental team at (301) 963-0800.

As patients, we hear these terms all the time, but unless you’ve had personally experience with bridges and crowns, you might not know exactly what the difference is. But it’s actually very simple. A dental crown is a placed on a tooth in order to repair it from a fracture or to prevent a fracture, or in many cases, to resolve pain that a patient experiences when biting on a certain tooth. You can think of it as a helmet for your tooth, because it binds the remaining, healthy tooth structure together and protects the tooth from breaking catastrophically. It takes two appointments about one to two weeks apart to make a crown. At the first appointment, we prepare the tooth, place a temporary crown, and make a digital scan of the tooth which is sent to a lab. The lab then makes the crown using natural looking materials like porcelain or zirconia. At the second appointment, the crown is cemented to the tooth after we ensure that it has the desired fit and appearance.

Dental Bridge vs. Crown

Bridges are very similar, and we use many of the same techniques to make bridges as we do to make crowns. A bridge is used to replace a missing tooth, and uses the teeth next to the missing tooth in order to hold the bridge in place. In most cases, you can think of a bridge as three crowns connected together- the first one is placed on top of the tooth behind the missing tooth, the second one replaces the missing tooth, and the third one is placed on top of the tooth in front of the missing tooth. Bridges are great for replacing teeth when patients already have crowns or big fillings on either side of the missing tooth, or in situation where we can’t place dental implants. Like crowns, bridges also require two separate appointments.

It’s much easier to tell the difference in photographs. The first one is a crown, which fits over top of one tooth. The second one is a three-unit bridge, which replaces one missing tooth using the two teeth next to the missing one.

Custom Made Tooth Restoration in Rockville

Getting these restorations made requires two steps and two appointments. 

At the first appointment, we'll prepare your tooth for the crown, shaping it so that the crown fits well among your existing dentistry for a natural appearance. We'll then take images and impressions, which will be sent with our doctor's precise instructions to the dental lab. You'll be fitted with a temporary crown to protect the shaped tooth and your comfort. 

It will take a couple of weeks for the lab to create your crown and send it back to us. At this point, we will ask you to return to the office so that we can place your personalized crown. During this appointment, we'll look over the crown with you, then remove the temporary crown and check the fit. Once you and your doctor are both happy with the results, we will cement the permanent crown in place.

Quality, expert dental care is our goal in 20850

One of our goals is to provide each patient with customized dentistry that looks great, functions well, and lasts a long time. Using the best labs in the U.S. allows us to do precisely that. If you're in need of a crown, call our office today to schedule your appointment!

The dental implant procedure is painless because we administer a strong anesthetic. The anesthetic numbs the area where we'll be working in the mouth and reduces discomfort and pain.

At Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our friendly and gentle team has several years of experience placing and restoring dental implants in Rockville, MD. And our patients have loved their results. Our goal is to help you attain the healthy, beautiful smile you want in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Our top dentists are highly skilled and trained in implant dentistry, so you can rest assured knowing you are in the most caring and capable hands. Before your treatment, we will perform a thorough oral health evaluation, take impressions, and create a detailed and personalized treatment plan to meet your needs and goals. 

Learn More About Dental Implants in Rockville, MD

Tooth loss can affect how we eat, speak, and socialize. Missing teeth can also lead to other oral health concerns, like infection or gum disease.

However, our Rockville, MD dentists have several tooth replacement options for you, including permanent dental implants. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation or to speak with a knowledgeable member of our team. 

Replacing your missing teeth can improve your self-esteem and make you more likely to smile in pictures. However, did you know that choosing dental implants can improve your oral health and give you a beautiful smile for a lifetime? If you’ve ever wondered how much dental implants cost, consider investing in your smile.

Weighing the Cost of Dental Implants

The cost of your implants may vary depending on the number needed and any other existing dental concerns.

It’s true; dental implants are more expensive than traditional dentures or bridges. On the surface, you may not think the additional cost is worth it. However, tooth implants can last a lifetime, unlike the alternatives.

In addition, dental implants stimulate your jawbone and act as your missing tooth’s root. This helps preserve your jawbone density and keeps your face from sagging and looking older.

So, consider talking to your dentist about investing in dental implants.

Ready to Schedule an Implant Consultation?

If you would like to speak with your Rockville dentist about replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, we would love to hear from you! At Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our goal is to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Contact our dental office at (301) 963-0800.

Dental implants are an excellent option for restoring one or multiple missing teeth. In addition, we can use multiple dental implants to help support prosthetics like a bridge or denture for patients who are missing more than one tooth. 

How Do Rockville Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are unique in that they restore both the tooth and its root. There is no other tooth replacement solution that can do that. 

The implant is placed carefully into your jawbone and given time to heal and integrate with your bone, which it does, over time, through a process called osseointegration. 

If we're replacing a single tooth, our dentists will create a customized porcelain crown that will restore full function and aesthetics to your smile. If you're missing multiple teeth, dental implants may act as an anchor for a bridge or denture that is designed to restore multiple missing teeth or even an entire arch of lost teeth. 

Will Dental Implants in Rockville Work for Me?

If you'd like to learn more about how dental implants can restore your smile, the first step is scheduling an evaluation with Dr. Tommy or Dr. Liz. They'll help you determine if dental implants will work for your needs, and if not, they'll discuss alternative treatment solutions with you. 

Schedule your evaluation by calling us at (301) 963-0800.

Your emergency dentist in Rockville, MD, can help with severe tooth pain and other dental emergencies.

Tooth pain may result from:

• Advanced tooth decay
• Deep tooth infection
• Sudden injury
• Nerve exposure

However, severe tooth pain not caused by sudden injury usually indicates a deep tooth infection requiring root canal therapy.

Treating Tooth Pain and Other Dental Emergencies

If you have a toothache, contact our dental team to schedule an emergency dental visit as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can use an ice pack, an over-the-counter pain reliever, and warm salt-water rinses to help ease some of the pain as you await your appointment.

When you come in, we’ll work fast to diagnose and treat (or stabilize) the source of your pain. Some dental health issues require more than one dental visit, but we’ll not leave you in pain!

At Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we care about you. We set aside time in our daily schedule to treat dental emergencies and work to see patients as soon as possible.

Have a Toothache? Contact Your Dentist in Rockville

If you have a dental emergency or are unsure, call (301) 963-0800 for guidance from a dental team member. You can also contact us if you have questions about our treatments and services.

Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offer chipped tooth repair for patients near Rockville, MD. And the method your dentist uses depends on the size of the chip. Small chips may only require a little cosmetic bonding or a veneer. A dental emergency situation or more significant fracture typically needs a dental crown to restore structure and keep the tooth healthy.

Dental bonding is a tooth-colored composite material spread across the chip or crack. Your dentist can apply it in layers, sculpt it, and set it with a special light. And a veneer is a tooth shell cemented across the forward-facing tooth. Finally, a dental crown is a tooth cover designed to look like your biological teeth.

Significant chips or fractures can expose the underlying tooth, leaving you vulnerable to pain and infection. If a chip is more than cosmetic, it’s essential to reach out to our emergency dentist in Rockville, MD. Ignoring a significant tooth fracture can lead to tooth loss and further damage.

You can lower your risks for tooth fractures by wearing protective face gear or a mouthguard when you play sports. And if you have TMJ or bruxism, be sure to wear your nightguard during sleep.

For Chipped Tooth Repair, Contact Our Rockville Dental Team

At Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are always here to help you through a dental emergency. Give our Rockville dentist office a call today at (301) 963-0800 to schedule an appointment for chipped tooth repair.

Sometimes, but not usually. 

Most of us are familiar with the unpleasant, painful sensation of having a pointy piece of food, such as a tortilla chip, stab the roof of our mouths when we’re least expecting it. Even the smallest, most innocent parts of food can turn “violent” when they unexpectedly poke us or become temporarily lodged in our gums. 

Thankfully, however, most such instances are not dental emergencies—just dental inconveniences. 

How Do I Know If I Have A Dental Emergency?

If you injure yourself while chewing a piece of food, the best thing to do is to remove the food and inspect the area for damage gently. It’s common to have a small, blister-like bubble form around the injury, and you can expect the inside of your mouth to be tender and sensitive for several days. Sometimes, a simple painkiller such as Motrin can help alleviate this pain. 

A situation with a tortilla chip or other food would only become a dental emergency if your mouth begins bleeding profusely or if you cannot remove the food from your gums.

In these instances, it’s always a good idea to call your Rockville emergency dentist so we can examine the area right away. Soft tissue injuries such as these aren’t usually permanent or threatening, but it’s always best to rule out infection or other damage. 

Call Our Office To Learn More

The next time you have a painful run-in with a bite and food and wonder if you need emergency dentistry, contact Dr. Thomas Gladnick or Dr. Elizabeth Gladnick right away!

Tooth emergencies in Rockville are inconvenient and can be scary, especially if you have a tooth that gets knocked out! But what if you're not sure you really have a dental emergency?

Common Dental Emergencies 

Some of the common dental emergencies we handle at Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are:

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Avulsed or knocked-out teeth
• Dental pain and infections
• Broken or lost dental restorations

Drs. Tommy and Elizabeth Gladnick perform procedures like root canal therapy, dental implants, tooth crowns, dental bridges, tooth-colored fillings, and extractions to help alleviate emergencies.

We do our best to provide same-day dentistry when it's possible, and we leave time available in our daily schedule to help with dental emergencies in Rockville, MD. Please don't hesitate to call our dental office at (301) 963-0800 if you or your loved one is in pain.

Emergency Dental Care in Rockville

If you're not sure it's a real emergency, call us anyway! Our knowledgeable team members will patiently discuss your situation with you over the phone, so we can determine if you need immediate attention.

Give us a call first, even if you are considering heading to a hospital emergency room. Hospitals are not well equipped for tooth emergencies, and we can likely save you some time and money if you call us first.

Tooth Pain May Not Always Mean A Cavity

It would seem to make sense that a hole in your tooth would cause you pain!

The fact is, however, that your tooth's nerves are buried inside the tooth and the hard, outer shell – the enamel – has no nerves. If a cavity has gotten deep enough that you can feel it, that means that it's done a lot of damage to the structure of the tooth and it may need more than a simple filling to treat it!

This is actually one of the reasons why we recommend routine examinations. We would much rather catch problems early on when they are simpler to treat and long before they cause you any pain! 

Preventive Care Can Prevent Cavities

Problems of this nature, such as cavities and even some infections, become visible on an x-ray or during an exam before they reach the nerve. At this stage, we can provide simple, conservative treatment to solve the problem and repair the tooth. In some cases, we can even minimize the problem by adding a product to your home care routine or helping you improve your technique. 

If it's time for a check-up and cleaning, give us a call. And if you ever experience tooth pain in Rockville, let us know right away so we can get you in and see what's going on!

Preventive oral care lays the foundation for a lifelong healthy smile and typically includes daily brushing flossing and routine exams and cleanings at your Rockville dental office. 

At Gladnick Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we recommend patients visit us for regular dental exams and cleanings every six months. Dental exams can help your dentist identify early signs of cavities or gum disease so we can address any issues before they even begin!

During your dental visit with Dr. Gladnick, you can expect the following:

1. A thorough evaluation of your teeth and gums: Your dentist will check for cavities or signs of disease.

2. A comprehensive teeth cleaning: Our hygienist will remove plaque buildup and tartar.

3. Routine x-rays: Your dentist will examine your mouth’s structure and detect any underlying issues.

4. Oral cancer screening: Your dentist will check for any signs of cancer or precancerous conditions.

We focus on exams, cleanings, and x-rays because we believe these preventive measures can help maintain a person’s smile and oral health for many years to come. When you receive consistent oral health care and practice excellent dental hygiene, your physical health improves—and so does your mood!

Schedule Your Dental Exam in Rockville Today

Dr. Gladnick provides comprehensive oral care to patients of all ages and at all stages of life. If you would like to schedule your dental exam in Rockville today, please call us at (301) 963-0800.

People often wonder why they should visit their dentist every six months if their teeth are not bothering them. The answer is simple.

Just like you visit your medical physician for your annual physical, your dental examinations also protect your teeth and your oral health.

Regular Dental Visits in Rockville 

During your preventive dental examination, Dr. Gladnick screens you for conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. All of which are hard for you to detect on your own, and also cause minimal pain at first.

Scientists have linked gum disease with other systemic health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and dementia. So, protecting yourself against gum disease in Rockville also means that you are also guarding your overall well-being.

Dr. Gladnick will also check the health of your dental restorations like tooth crowns and fillings. A filling or crown that is cracked or breaking down might allow bacteria back into your tooth and could result in a dental infection.

Tooth infections are painful and require root canal treatment to alleviate them and preserve your tooth. Regular examinations allow you to replace a compromised filling or crown before it becomes a more significant problem that causes discomfort.

Schedule a Dental Appointment Today

If it's time for your next teeth cleaning and dental examination in Rockville, MD, we encourage you to call us at (301) 963-0880 to schedule your appointment.

When we take out teeth we do it in a specific, precise way that has been developed with years of training and experience. Without that training and experience and knowledge of dental anatomy, one might be tempted to just put a pair of pliers on a tooth and yank the thing out. During our time in dental school, we actually saw several cases of patients who did attempt to remove their own teeth, often with unhealthy consequences.

Pain-free, Carefully Done Extractions

Instead of brute force and a pair of pliers, dentists first use instruments called elevators to apply pressure to specific areas of the tooth. This causes back and forth movement that breaks the ligament that holds the root of the tooth to the bone and gums. Once the tooth is very loose, special forceps that are adapted to teeth are used to gently remove the tooth. All of this is done under profound local anesthesia, so while patients may feel some pressure, they don’t feel any pain.

Not every tooth comes out easy. Some teeth break into multiple pieces, and others are firmly held in place by thick walls of bone. In these cases, it may be necessary to move the gum tissue out of the way in order to better visualize the surgical area. After that, bone can be removed as necessary, or the tooth can be split into fragments and removed piece by piece.

Contact Our Rockville Dental Office

If you have any questions about extractions, please feel free to call us at (301) 963-0800, and we’ll be happy to tell you more.

There are many different types of extractions, but the two most common are the simple extraction and the surgical extraction.

Simple Extraction in Rockville

The simple extraction usually takes much less time and is completed by using instruments known as elevators and forceps. These are straightforward procedures in which pressure is applied to specific areas on the tooth, gums, and bone in order to loosen the tooth and eventually remove it from the socket. Placement of a suture may be necessary.

Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction is a little more complicated and involves either removal of bone around the tooth, or the partitioning of the tooth into different pieces before the tooth is extracted. This is much more common with molars, which have multiple roots, and often need to be removed root by root. For these procedures, in addition to the elevators and forceps used in a simple extraction, the dentist may use a special drill in order to section the tooth. In this procedure, placement of sutures is almost always necessary.

Complications May Result In A Surgical Extraction

When you can see a lot of remaining tooth structure, usually a simple extraction is all that is needed to remove the tooth. However, if the tooth breaks during the extraction, it may necessitate the removal of the tooth piece by piece with the aid of a drill, making the procedure a surgical extraction. In cases where very little tooth structure is remaining, surgical extractions are more likely because there is less tooth structure to engage with our usual instruments, and the only way to remove the tooth is piece by piece.

Contact Your Dentist in Rockville

This can be confusing to patients, and if you have any questions about your specific situation, please give us a call at (301) 963-0800, and we’ll be happy to talk to you!

Dental fillings in Rockville, MD, can last for several years and last even longer if you practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Tooth-colored fillings have an average lifespan of 10-12 years.

Tooth-colored fillings are made from a combination of plastic and glass particles. At Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, your dentist can customize the filling to match your enamel so it blends in with your natural smile. Tooth-colored fillings are highly durable and aesthetic, making them a popular option among patients of all ages.

Tooth-colored fillings preserve your tooth's natural structure while restoring its function so you can chew more comfortably. Again, the better you care for your smile, the longer your dental fillings will last. To ensure your fillings remain functional and attractive, we recommend brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist for routine dental exams and teeth cleanings. 

Regular dental exams, coupled with excellent oral hygiene are your best defense against future dental cavities.

Contact Us About Dental Fillings in Rockville, MD 

Do you have a decayed or chipped tooth? Give Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry a call today at (301) 963-0800 to schedule an appointment with one of our top Rockville dentists! We can help you restore your tooth and enhance your smile's health and appearance.

If your tooth becomes decayed, it's important to treat it and eliminate that decay before it becomes a more significant problem.  

How Tooth-Colored Fillings Work

When you treat tooth decay early on, we can typically handle it with a simple dental filling. Our dentists remove the decay from your tooth, leaving a cavity or hole to fill. Using tooth-colored composite resin, our dentists will ensure your tooth is free of decay before using the composite material to restore your tooth and smile. 

Composite resin bonds directly to your tooth, making it very durable. It's also customizable, so our dentists can blend it seamlessly with your tooth so your dental restoration is unnoticeable. 

Tooth-colored fillings also don't react to temperature like metal fillings used in the past, which means they're less susceptible to pulling away from the tooth and allowing bacteria back inside.

Don't Delay Eliminating Tooth Decay

Tooth decay that's left untreated unfortunately worsens and progresses further into your tooth, where it can result in an infection. If your tooth becomes infected, you'll need root canal treatment to eliminate the infection and preserve your natural tooth structure. 

An infected tooth left untreated eventually becomes unsalvageable, and you'll need an extraction to protect your dental health. 

If you have questions about tooth fillings in Rockville, MD, don't hesitate to contact your team at Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. 

Teeth whitening is an extremely popular way to whiten and brighten your teeth, but what if professional whitening treatments work on most but not all of your teeth? If this has happened to you, internal bleaching may be a treatment option. Keep reading to learn more about it.

Teeth Whitening vs. Internal Bleaching: What's the Difference?

The main difference between teeth whitening and internal bleaching is that teeth whitening occurs externally on all your teeth simultaneously, while internal bleaching usually targets one tooth from the inside.

Teeth whitening uses custom whitening trays and gel to whiten your teeth from the outside.

Internal bleaching is used on teeth discolored from root canal therapy or trauma. We will remove some of the dark filling material inside your tooth and replace it with a whitening solution to break up the dark molecules. Once the larger molecules are smaller, they will be lighter, making your tooth lighter. We will place a new filling in your tooth to finish the procedure.

Need More Information about Internal Bleaching?

If you have questions for your Rockville dentist about teeth whitening or internal bleaching, contact the dental team at Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry! We will happily answer your questions and help you form a cosmetic treatment plan. Contact us at (301) 963-0800.

Invisalign offers several benefits for patients who want a straighter, more beautiful smile. However, probably the most significant advantage is discretion. 

Invisalign Clear Aligners 

Because Invisalign uses plastic aligners to move your teeth instead of metal braces, they are virtually invisible. No one will notice you are straightening your teeth with Invisalign in Rockville.

The plastic aligners are also smooth and easy to wear, so you won't notice them when you're talking or doing your other daily activities.

Since aligners are removable, there is no need to make any changes to your regular diet or home care routine.

If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, Drs. Tommy and Elizabeth Gladnick would love to talk with you. We'll perform a thorough examination of your teeth and take x-rays and photos of your smile to determine if Invisalign is a treatment that would work well for you.

We can even use 3-D images to show you what your completed smile will look like. We also use those images to create your personalized treatment plan and your customized aligners.

Contact Our Rockville Dental Office

Don't let crooked teeth keep you from smiling your best smile any longer! Contact Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today at (301) 963-0800 to schedule an evaluation and to learn more about Invisalign in Rockville, MD.

Old retainers may still be usable

Anyone who has had orthodontic treatment, either with traditional braces or with clear aligner therapy (such as Invisalign), had a retainer made after treatment in order to keep the teeth properly aligned. Most patients that do not wear their retainers will soon discover that their teeth have shifted, and the old retainer might not fit anymore. Others may find that the old retainer still fits, but is very tight and uncomfortable.

If the retainer is tight, we recommend wearing it anyway, even if it makes your teeth a little sore at first. After a few successive nights of wear, patients will find that their retainer fits much better and isn't as uncomfortable. This is because the teeth are moving back into their ideal positions, as guided by the retainer. 

A new retainer may be needed

If the retainer doesn't fit at all, a new one can be easily fabricated. The new retainer will keep the teeth where they are, but it will not be able to move the teeth where they are now, but it will not be able to move the teeth back to where they were at the moment the braces were removed. In order to properly align your teeth, additional braces or clear aligner therapy (such as Invisalign) would be necessary.

TMJ mouth guards in Rockville, MD, also called night guards, can help with TMJ and bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).

TMJ is a disorder of the jaw joints, often characterized by neck, head, and shoulder pain. You may also notice a clicking sound in the joints when you yawn or open your mouth too wide. TMJ is sometimes caused by bruxism.

How Mouth Guards Help with TMJ

In bruxism, a night guard helps by gently keeping the upper and lower jaws apart during sleep. This promotes healing and helps train the jaws not to come together at night. Likewise, preventing bruxism can also promote healing in the jaw joints. Additionally, the gentle nightguard allows the TMJs to relax, which also lends to recovery.

So, a night guard for teeth grinding may help you. However, an evaluation with your dentist in Rockville, MD is always the first step. You’ll learn whether mouth guard therapy is right for you at this visit. We can also discuss costs and answer any questions you might have.

For TMJ Treatment, Contact Your Rockville Dentist

Our appliance therapy aims to help you sleep comfortably and enjoy a pain-free lifestyle. Call Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to learn more or arrange your assessment with a Rockville dentist.

Does tooth pain always mean a root canal?

We get this question most frequently from patients that schedule emergency appointments because they’ve noticed some tooth pain. In most of these cases, patients don’t end up needing root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is only necessary when the nerve and blood vessels inside teeth are inflamed or infected. In these cases, the pain is often constant and severe, and occurs spontaneously, or even wakes the patient up at night.

Root canals are typically only necessary after a history of problems

In most cases, the nerves and blood vessels (also known as the pulp of a tooth) only get inflamed or infected after there has been a history of problems with the tooth. It is very rare for a tooth that has never had a deep cavity, a large filling, a crown, or trauma to end up needing root canal treatment. The most common cases of teeth that end up needing root canal treatment are the ones that have had cavities that were so deep that they were very close to the pulp, or even into the pulp. This is just one of the reasons why it is important to catch cavities when they are small and to stop them in their tracks before they become painful.

History of trauma to the tooth is also a common reason why root canal treatment may be necessary. If a tooth was fractured and the pulp was exposed, it is likely the pulp will become inflamed and painful. Even in cases in which the tooth does not break, but the root of the tooth is moved off its blood supply, over time the tooth will die because it is
no longer receiving nutrients from the blood. After the pulp dies, bacteria can invade and cause an infection. Sometimes a toothache won’t happen for years after the original incident.

Contact Us

If you're in pain or in need of a root canal, contact our office to schedule your appointment! We'd love to work with you and determine the best plan of action for your current situation. 

This is a common question people ask our dentists, and the answer is no!

Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatment is not painful. Believe it or not, root canals actually relieve pain and preserve your natural tooth. A tooth infection causes the pain that you feel and can significantly impact the quality of your life, keeping you from your normal daily activities. 

It's also important to note that a tooth infection won't go away without treatment. It will worsen and can potentially spread to surrounding teeth and even travel to other critical areas of your body, like your brain. So, immediately seeking treatment for a constant and severe toothache is essential.  

What Happens During Root Canals in Rockville?

Our dentists use the best anesthetics to numb the compromised tooth during root canal treatment. This immediately relieves your discomfort while ensuring you don't feel anything during your treatment. 

Next, they'll gently remove the infected tissue out of your tooth. When they've thoroughly cleaned it out and ensured it's infection-free, the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling and given time to heal. 

Once your tooth is healed, we'll rebuild it with a crown or a permanent filling to ensure that you have the same tooth strength and chewing function you had before your tooth became infected. 

Contact your Rockville dentist at (301) 963-0800 if you have more questions about root canal treatment. 

Root Canal Therapy - Step By Step

The first step to most dental procedures is the administration of local anesthetic. It is very important that the patient is nice and numb and relaxed, and dentists have developed techniques for ensuring that the patient doesn’t feel anything painful. After the anesthesia takes effect, a rubber dam is placed over the tooth to isolate the rest of the mouth from the unhealthy tooth and from the disinfectants.

Root canal therapy is performed by accessing the middle of the tooth, where the infected or inflamed nerve and blood vessels are located. This is accomplished by a dentist using a specialized tiny drill, and removing tooth structure and filling material from the surface toward the center of the tooth, where the pulp is located. Then, the diseased nerve and blood vessels in the center of the tooth are removed with special instruments, and the dentist can see where the root canals themselves begin.

What is a root canal?

The root canals are the thin, cylinder-shaped spaces in the center of the roots of the teeth that extend from the tip of the root all the way to the middle of the tooth. These canals provide the pathway for the nerve and blood vessels to provide nutrients to the tooth. The dentist is able to access these canals with specialized files, which remove the diseased pulp as well as the affected tooth structure. The canal is then cleaned with disinfectants and antimicrobial agents and then filled with gutta-percha, a rubbery material that seals the canal from the outside environment.

After the canal is filled and sealed, a filling material must be placed to close up the access hole that was created at the beginning of the procedure. If the tooth that has been root canal treated is a back tooth, we recommend that a crown is placed to prevent the tooth from fracturing, due to the fact that root canal treated teeth are more prone to breaking.

Contact Us

If you believe you are a candidate for root canal therapy, or if you're experiencing intense dental pain, please contact our office in Rockville, MD to schedule your appointment today! 

If your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like, you may consider visiting your Rockville, MD, dentist for teeth whitening. If that’s the case, you’re not alone. Many people have turned to professional teeth whitening to improve the look of their smiles. One teeth whitening product available at Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is Opalescence®. So, how does Opalescence work to whiten your teeth? Keep reading to learn more.

How Does Opalescence Whiten Your Teeth?

When you choose our Opalescence Go at-home teeth whitening system, we will provide you with prefilled, disposable whitening trays you can wear on your own schedule. Here’s how Opalescence works to whiten your teeth:

The Opalescence whitening gel is sticky enough to stay on your teeth while you’re wearing your whitening trays; because of the gel’s viscosity, the peroxide it contains can remain on your teeth and penetrate your enamel.

When the oxygen molecules from the peroxide react with the discolored molecules on your teeth, whitening occurs. Our Opalescence teeth whitening trays are affordable and effective, making them an extremely popular cosmetic option for our patients.

Interested in Teeth Whitening in Rockville, MD?

If you need an Opalescence teeth whitening dentist in Montgomery County, look no further than the dental team at Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Our professional teeth whitening services can give you a whiter, brighter smile and more confidence! You can reach us by calling (301) 963-0800 to schedule an appointment.

Professional Whitening May Be For You

Many people come to our practice unhappy with their smile and thinking that they need extensive cosmetic treatment. They are usually pleasantly surprised to find that all they need is a professional whitening treatment! 

We are pleased to offer our patients both in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits, so you can choose the option that's most appropriate for your needs. In-office whitening costs more, but it's a great choice if you need your smile to look better right away. We often provide in-office whitening treatments for patients who are getting married soon or have an important job interview coming up!

Take-home Whitening Kits

While a take-home kit takes a bit longer, the results are comparable and the kit costs less. Take-home kits include trays that are made from impressions of your teeth for a customized fit, and we'll help you select a strength of whitening product that is appropriate for your needs. We'll tell you everything you need to know about using your kit, and, of course, we'll be here anytime you have any questions or concerns!

If you're frustrated with stains caused by foods, drinks, or even the aging process, talk to us. We can help you restore the youth and beauty of a naturally white smile.

If you have yellow or discolored teeth, teeth whitening in Rockville, MD can remove stains and give you a brighter, more beautiful smile. But what causes your teeth to lose their pearly white shine?

There are several reasons why your teeth may be yellow or discolored:

1. Diet: Foods and beverages that are high in tannins and sugar—such as red wine, tomatoes, apples, coffee, and soda—can cause your teeth to become stained and appear yellow.

2. Smoking: One of the main causes of yellow or brown teeth is smoking. Smoking stains are stubborn, but teeth whitening and following a consistent oral health routine can help lighten the stains.

3. Medical conditions: Some medical conditions or medications can cause yellow, stained, or discolored teeth. For example, antihistamines and head and neck radiation can cause one’s teeth to darken.

4. Poor oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can contribute to yellow teeth. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria and plaque will build up on and around your teeth, affecting your enamel and tooth color.

5. Fluoride: Excessive use of fluoride can cause your teeth to look yellow.

6. Age: As we age, so do our teeth. Over time, the enamel wears away and reveals the dentin underneath.

If you have yellow teeth and desire a whiter smile, Dr. Gladnick can help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve.

Book a Teeth Whitening Appointment in Rockville, MD!

To schedule your teeth whitening appointment, call our Rockville, MD dental office at (301) 963-0800.

Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is located at 15215 Shady Groves Road, Suite 103 in Rockville, MD. 

With teeth whitening in Rockville, the final tooth shade is up to you. However, our team is happy to guide you and offer advice, helping you settle on a hue that complements your complexion. We understand that you want a natural-looking finish! And blinding white may not be aesthetically suitable.

We can show you a color chart to help you choose the correct shade for your smile. This helps with in-office Boost Opalescence, but if you’re whitening with our special take-home kit, follow the tips below to achieve the right shade of white.

Tips to Achieve the Right Shade of White

Start with Professional Teeth Cleaning: Dental cleanings help you achieve a healthy shade of white by removing the tartar barrier.

Take Pictures: As you whiten your smile at home, take pictures daily to monitor your progress. When you reach the desired shade, stop treatment. You can always touch up your smile in the future with any remaining gel.

Follow the Instructions: To avoid tooth sensitivity and achieve the desired shade of white, be sure to follow the instructions provided by our dental office.

Stick with Your Dentist: Professional teeth whitening gives you a whiter smile and even results compared to store-bought systems.

Contact Your Cosmetic Dentist in Rockville, MD

To learn more about professional teeth whitening or to book a consultation with the dentist, contact our dental office at (301) 963-0800.

Dental veneers are ideal for repairing minor cosmetic flaws and redesigning your smile.

What Is a Porcelain Veneer?

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain customized to fit over the front surface of your tooth. Our dentists bond veneers directly to your teeth to provide a flawless finish and strengthen your smile.

Some of the cosmetic flaws that veneers can cover are:

• Broken or chipped teeth
• Stained or discolored teeth
• Gaps or spaces between teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Excessively worn teeth
• Tooth size discrepancies

Our dentists can repair one tooth with a porcelain veneer or use several veneers to redesign your smile, giving you a brighter, more symmetrical look. Think camera-ready "Hollywood" smile!

Are Porcelain Veneers in Rockville, MD, Right for Me?

If you'd like to learn more about dental veneers and how they can benefit your smile, we encourage you to book an evaluation with one of our dentists. Drs. Liz and Tommy Gladnick have helped hundreds of patients achieve their best smiles using porcelain veneers, and they would love to help you!

If we determine that veneers are not the right treatment to achieve your smile goals, our dentists will offer you some alternative options. Book your appointment online or call us at (301) 963-0800. 

Our patients love several things about porcelain veneers! Here's why:

• Natural appearance — Our dentists can customize dental veneers to blend flawlessly with your smile and enhance it. 
• Strength and durability — Porcelain veneers cover the front surface of your teeth, preserving natural tooth structure and adding strength and durability. 
• Versatility — Porcelain veneers can repair one or two teeth or completely redesign your smile by changing the size, shape, and shade of your teeth.
• Stain-resistant — Porcelain is stain-resistant, so you don't have to worry about whitening your teeth.
• Easy maintenance — You can brush and floss veneers just like you're used to. 

How Can I Get Started with Dental Veneers in Rockville, MD?

If you'd like to learn more about how porcelain veneers can enhance your smile, the first step is to book an evaluation with one of our dentists. Our dentists will gather information about your smile during your assessment with x-rays, photos, and a thorough exam. They'll also discuss your smile goals with you.

They'll use the information gathered to recommend the best treatment for your smile. The evaluation will help you decide the best treatment for your smile. You'll also have a clear understanding of treatment time frames and costs, so there are no surprises.  

Request an evaluation online or contact our team at (301) 963-0800.