Pike District Smiles

Products And Services

• General Dentistry

  At Pike District Smiles, our team delivers comprehensive dental services to our patients in North Bethesda. Whether you need regular dental checkups and cleanings or are concerned about temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, Dr. Nikkhah can help. Dental Exams Dr. Nikkhah provides comprehensive dental exams to evaluate your smile for tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and more. Dental exams are painless and can help detect problems with your teeth and gums before treatment is needed. X-rays may be recommended during your initial appointment with us to uncover any issues with your smile. Ideally, your regular dental exams should happen twice a year. “I had a very nice experience as a new client! The front office staff was so helpful with all of my questions and quickly provided estimates for services I requested. Dr. Nikkhah was friendly and gentle. Overall, a wonderful experience!” – ELANA ZIEGENBEIN Periodontal (Gum) Therapy To keep your gums healthy, Pike District Smiles provides periodontal therapy, which may include deep cleaning for patients with early-stage gum disease (gingivitis), preventative therapy, gum grafts and more. We provide preventative care and treatment for patients who are at risk for gum disease, have gum disease or are recovering from gum disease. Dental Cleanings We provide professional dental cleanings to keep your smile bright and healthy to prevent oral health issues. Regular cleanings with Dr. Nikkhah can remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that contribute to dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. TMJ Treatment If you continuously have an aching jaw, sore facial muscles, or can’t open your mouth all the way, you could be experiencing a TMJ disorder. Dr. Nikkhah can evaluate your smile for evidence of a problem with the temporomandibular joint in your jaw and recommend treatment options as necessary. Dental Fillings For when you need a cavity filled, Pike District Smiles offers a variety of dental filling options in Rockville to restore your smile and protect your teeth from further decay. Root Canal Therapy If you have a single discolored tooth, a tooth infection or have experienced trauma due to an accident or decay, you may need root canal therapy to save your tooth. Dr. Nikkhah provides state-of-the-art root canal therapy to restore your tooth and help you avoid an extraction. Tooth Extractions In the event that your tooth needs to be extracted, we perform both regular and wisdom tooth extractions for our patients in North Bethesda. During your appointment with us, Dr. Nikkhah can determine if an extraction is truly needed for your particular case. Make an Appointment For all your general dentistry needs, Pike District Smiles is here to serve you.

• Emergency Dentistry

  Life happens. Dental emergencies can occur at any time, whether you’re at a sports practice, on vacation, or even enjoying a day off at home. Fortunately, Pike District Smiles makes every effort to accommodate patients needing emergency treatment in the Rockville area. Whether you or your child has experienced a dental emergency, call us or stop by and we’ll do our best to see you as soon as possible! “Dr. Nikkhah fit me in the same day for an emergency chipped tooth. She worked quickly to minimize my discomfort and my tooth hasn’t had any problems since. Honestly, I can’t even tell that it’s partially not my tooth! I look forward to my visits with Pike District Smiles.” – MARY S. What Constitutes a Dental Emergency? Dental emergencies can vary, but generally, a dental emergency includes any case where your tooth is at risk to be lost, your tooth or mouth is bleeding excessively, or you have intense pain. A dental emergency could include: A tooth that’s been knocked out or broken into fragments. In this case, try to keep all the fragments and store them in saliva or milk and bring with you to the office. A cracked or broken tooth. Cracked teeth can allow bacteria to affect your tooth’s nerve tissue, leading to pain and even an infection. If you have a broken tooth, save the broken piece and bring it with you to your appointment. A severe toothache. A toothache may be the result of an infection. In rare cases, it can be life-threatening. A jaw injury. If you’ve had an accident that resulted in a jaw injury, Dr. Nikkhah can take x-rays to determine if your jaw needs professional treatment. Any type of oral health issue that’s causing severe pain, swelling or bleeding should be evaluated by your dentist as soon as possible. Problems That May Be Able to Wait There are some issues that may be able to wait until a regular appointment to be seen, although you’d ideally want to get in to see Dr. Nikkhah as soon as possible. If you have a lost or damaged filling, broken wires or brackets on orthodontia or a mild toothache, contact our practice and we can advise you if you should come in that same day or if you can wait to schedule an appointment in the next few days. However, if you have an oral health issue that you truly feel needs immediate attention, don’t hesitate to walk in and see us or contact us by phone. We’re here to help! Call Us Now Dental emergencies can be painful, stressful, and frightening. Don’t wait to get the treatment you need. Call us at 301-979-9071 to get same-day treatment from Dr. Nikkhah at Pike District Smiles. We’re on call to assist you 24/7 with your oral care!

• Cosmetic Dentistry

  Cosmetic dentistry could include dental veneers, professional teeth whitening, dental bonding and inlays and onlays. At Pike District Smiles, we’re dedicated to providing our patients with state-of-the-art treatments to deliver the highest level of care to construct beautiful smiles for life. “I hadn’t seen a dentist in quite a while. To be honest, I’ve never had a better experience with a dentist! She is excellent at what she does, detail-oriented and a cosmetic perfectionist on those pearly whites. Not to mention, she has a fantastic sense of humor. 5 stars and then some!” – JESSE Types of Cosmetic Treatments We Offer We’re proud to offer the following cosmetic treatments for our North Bethesda patients. Teeth Whitening We use Zoom! In-Office Whitening system to get you brighter teeth in approximately one hour. People want whiter teeth to remove deep stains, boost their confidence, get ready for a big event, or just have a younger-looking smile. Porcelain Veneers Porcelain veneers can correct many issues with your smile in a single treatment. From chips and cracks to resistant stains and uneven teeth, porcelain veneers are bonded directly to the surfaces of your teeth to provide a permanent solution to cosmetic issues. Dental Bonding Dental bonding can be used to restore teeth that have been affected by chips, cracks and discoloration. A resin material is applied to the teeth to fill in and improve the appearance of chips and cracks, as well as to protect teeth. However, sometimes tooth discoloration can be improved through bonding as well. Inlays and Onlays Dr. Nikkhah uses inlays and onlays when the biting surface of a tooth has been damaged, but not to the point that a crown or a filling would be appropriate. An inlay is more similar to a dental filling and is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth, while an onlay is a more substantial reconstruction and will extended over one or more cusps. Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for You? Cosmetic dentistry is an ideal choice for anyone who’s wished their smile was different, whether it’s a subtle whitening or a dramatic makeover. Cosmetic dentistry allows people to feel more confident with their teeth and enjoy smiling! Schedule a Consultation You’re never too old to talk about your dream smile. BOOK ONLINE 301-979-9071 CONTACT US

• Restorative Dentistry

  At Pike District Smiles, we support the health of your teeth and gums with restorative dentistry in Rockville. For people whose smiles have been affected by trauma, decay, or age-related wear and tear, Dr. Nikkhah helps restore the look and function of your teeth. Restoration Treatments We Offer Whether you’re missing teeth, have cavities or need a root canal, let us help you fix your smile with the following treatments in North Bethesda. Dental implants. Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing natural teeth. The best part about dental implants is that they can regenerate lost bone in your jaw, which can not only support a strong smile, but potentially lead to a more youthful appearance. Dentures. Dr. Nikkhah offers both full and partial denture options so you no longer have to live with missing teeth. Whether you need a replacement set of dentures or want to be fit for a partial, our team can help. Fillings. At Pike District Smiles, we offer a variety of dental filling options in Rockville. We also repair existing fillings to ensure their integrity for your best years ahead. Crowns. Dental crowns serve numerous purposes in restorative dentistry, from repairing a broken tooth to capping off a root canal or a dental implant. Porcelain ceramic dental crowns are durable and can last for years when properly taken care of. “Dr. Nikkhah is the right person for anyone anxious about visiting the dentist. Personable, knowledgeable and caring. Beautiful office and top notch equipment. Making an appointment is easy and her assistant is competent and caring.” – BOB ALOUIE What’s the Difference Between Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry? While cosmetic dentistry is more focused on enhancing the appearance of your smile, the goal of restorative dentistry is to restore the function of your teeth. Of course, these objectives often overlap to give you a smile that’s as strong as it is beautiful! At Pike District Smiles, we preserve as much of your natural teeth as possible throughout our restoration dentistry process to minimize the treatments you need to get the most functional and natural-looking smile possible. The Importance of Restoring Your Smile Did you know that missing teeth can cause your entire smile to shift? When even one tooth is lost, over time, the other teeth will shift to accommodate the gap. This can not only lead to changes in appearance, but change the way your teeth fit together to affect your bite. Replacing missing teeth as soon as they’re lost is important, but so is filling a cavity or repairing chipped or broken teeth, all of which can lead to a root canal if not addressed sooner rather than later. Dr. Nikkhah can evaluate your smile during your initial consultation with us to discover your goals as well as issues that might need to be fixed, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Looking for a compassionate dentist in the Rockville area? Pike District Smiles welcomes the opportunity to meet you and walk through our restorative dentistry options.

• Dental Anxiety and Sedation

  It’s estimated that dental anxiety or dental phobia affects anywhere from 15 to 60% of people, so you are not alone. Some patients in North Bethesda may have had a negative dental experience in the past, leading them to fear or avoid the dentist even when they need dental care. Others have developed anxiety regarding dental visits out of fear of pain, embarrassment, or lack of control. Dr. Nikkhah is a compassionate dentist in Rockville who’s dedicated to helping patients who suffer from dental anxiety and dental phobia get the treatment they need and feel comfortable at our practice. “I’ve been nervous going to the dentist in the past. Dr. Nikkhah and her staff made me feel at ease with their professional, caring manner. Dr. Nikkhah was patient, detailed and explained everything thoroughly. Best of all, she was gentle.” – NILOUFAR R. How Do You Know If You Have Dental Anxiety? Although dental phobia and dental anxiety are different, people often use the terms interchangeably. Dental anxiety tends to be less severe than dental phobia, which is an extreme fear where people avoid the dentist at all costs, or if they do go, they may get physically ill before their appointment. Everyone’s experience will be different when it comes to dental anxiety and dental phobia, but some key signs are: Just the thought of the dentist or making an appointment makes you feel anxious or sick If you do make an appointment, you have trouble sleeping or have intense anxiety or nervousness before your appointment You may sweat, have a racing heart or low blood pressure when at the dental office You may feel like crying or actually cry when thinking of the dentist You may panic in the waiting room or when your exam is taking place What Can Be Done About Dental Anxiety? Your comfort is always our first priority at Pike District Smiles. We know how intimidating and impossible it can feel to make the first step, but be assured that we’re here to listen to your concerns. Come in and speak with us and together we’ll develop a plan for how to help you feel comfortable while getting the care you need. The following are some of the things we’ve found to be helpful for patients suffering from dental anxiety and phobia. Inform and Empower Sometimes, just having the information you need about what’s going to happen during an appointment can help ease anxiety. Our team keeps you informed before, during, and after your procedure so you know what’s happening and why. Listening to Music Some patients find that listening to music during their appointment helps. For most of our procedures, we allow the use of personal headphones and music. This can be a great way to help patients relax while in the dental chair and to pass the time. Take Breaks We also allow you to take breaks during your appointment to better manage your anxiety or discomfort. We can agree on a signal beforehand and you can signal to us that you need a break as often as you’d like. Sedation Options To help patients who experience the distress associated with dental anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry includes local anesthesia and nitrous oxide to help you get through your procedure. Get in Touch with Us We’re happy to discuss your goals for your smile and help you overcome your dental anxiety. Schedule a Consultation

• Dental Implants

  For more than 30 years, dental implants have been used to replace missing natural teeth. A dental implant consists of a post made out of titanium or ceramic that’s inserted into your jaw and allowed to heal. Then, a dental crown is attached to the post, essentially giving you a new tooth. What to Expect During Your Procedure First, you’ll come in for an exam and x-rays with Dr. Nikkhah to ensure you’re a candidate for dental implants. We’ll review your oral health and medical history, discuss your goals for your smile, and evaluate any existing issues such as tooth decay or gum disease. For most people, there will be two procedures to place the dental implant. The first is the placement of the post, which is done in a surgical procedure. For a few months following this appointment, the actual implant will need to heal and bond with your jaw bone. Patients may receive a temporary restoration during this time. Then, you’ll receive your final restoration, which is typically a dental crown affixed to the end of your dental implant. The entire process can take several months, although most patients find that the duration of this process doesn’t affect their daily life in North Bethesda. “She has the gentlest hands. Wonderful service!” – DANIUSKA C. The Benefits of Dental Implants Dental implants feature numerous benefits over other restoration options, including: Strength. Since the post bonds with your jaw bone, dental implants are the strongest alternative to your natural teeth and give you the ability to eat any foods you like. Durability. While your dental crown will eventually need to be replaced, your actual implant never will, giving you a lifelong replacement that’ll save you money in other replacement options over the course of your life. Aesthetics. Dental implants not only look like your natural teeth, but allow you to increase the density of your jaw bone, which tends to diminish once natural teeth are lost. This regeneration can help you have a fuller, more youthful appearance. Confidence. Because of their strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal, dental implants provide patients with more confidence than dentures or bridges and a way to feel secure with their smile! Who Qualifies for Dental Implants? The best candidates for dental implants are those who still have enough remaining bone in their jaw to support the actual implant. These are people who have not been missing teeth for a significant amount of time. However, even if you have experienced bone loss in your jaw as the result of years of missing teeth, dental implants are still an option. Dr. Nikkhah can recommend what’s called a bone graft, where bone is built up in your jaw in order to properly support the implant. While this is a separate procedure that will add a few months onto the process, it’s often worth it for patients in Rockville who are invested in restoring their smiles. You may also qualify for mini dental implants, depending on your jaw bone and the location of your missing teeth. Dr. Nikkhah can let you know more about your options during your consultation with us! Schedule a Consultation Today If you’ve been missing your natural teeth and want a replacement that’s functional, sturdy and will last for life, contact Pike District Smiles to learn more about dental implants.

• Invisalign

  Invisalign is a great option for correcting a wide range of orthodontic problems, including crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, gaps, and more. Because the aligners are clear, they are much less noticeable than traditional braces. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your smile without all the metal, Invisalign may be the perfect solution for you. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you achieve the beautiful, straight smile you deserve! “Amazing dentist! Dr. Nikkhah was lovely. She took the time to talk to me about Invisalign and listen to my concerns about my teeth sensitivity. She cleaned my teeth quickly, it’s easy to get an appointment and she has a very friendly staff. Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back! ” – GIOVANNA PAMAMENO What is Invisalign, and How is it Different from Other Orthodontic Treatments? Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and teenagers who want to improve their smile without metal brackets and wires. Invisalign treatment is also more comfortable than braces, and can be removed for eating and brushing your teeth. How Exactly Does Invisalign Work to Improve Your Smile? Invisalign works using aligners that are swapped out every few weeks to help shift teeth into place. These aligners are a lot like retainers and aren’t visible in your mouth. To design your unique Invisalign treatment, Dr. Nikkhah will take digital impressions of your teeth and discuss any issues that should be corrected for your ideal smile. The aligners are custom made for you based on the impressions taken. You’ll only visit Dr. Nikkhah every few weeks when your aligners need to be swapped out, and to ensure that your treatment is working as expected. Your aligners will need to be worn for a minimum of about 20 hours every day, so be sure to wear them as directed by Dr. Nikkhah to see the best results! What are the Benefits of Invisalign? Because the Invisalign aligners are clear, they are virtually invisible, so you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing you are undergoing treatment. Invisalign is not only more discreet, but allows you to have fewer visits to your provider in North Bethesda, unlike adjustments with traditional braces. Invisalign is also completely removable, which allows you to move the device when eating or cleaning your teeth. This means you have no eating restrictions, and can clean your smile just like you would otherwise, something traditional braces can’t offer. Many patients find Invisalign to be more comfortable and easier to wear than traditional braces. Invisalign also poses no risk for teeth staining, as is sometimes seen with traditional braces, and has a much lower risk for root resorption, which is also a concern with braces. What Can Invisalign Treat? Invisalign can be used to treat a wide variety of dental issues, including: Crooked Teeth Crooked teeth can be a real pain – not only are they difficult to clean, but they can also make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Invisalign can help to straighten your teeth, giving you a beautiful, confident smile that you can be proud of. Overbite An overbite is when your upper teeth protrude over your lower teeth and can be caused by several factors, including genetics, bad habits, or even teeth grinding. Invisalign can help to correct an overbite, giving you a more even bite and a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Underbite An underbite is the opposite of an overbite – in this case, your lower teeth protrude over your upper teeth. Like an overbite, an underbite can be caused by a number of factors, and can be corrected with Invisalign. Crossbite A crossbite is when your teeth don’t line up correctly when you bite down and can cause many problems, including uneven wear on your teeth, gum disease, and even jaw pain. Invisalign can help to correct a crossbite, giving you a healthier and more comfortable bite. Open Bite An open bite is when there is a space between your teeth when you bite down, and it can be caused by several factors, including thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or even genetics. Invisalign can help to close the space between your teeth, giving you a more aesthetically pleasing smile. And more!