expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Nicholas Leon-Guerrero

Endodontist | Endodontics

My name is Dr. Nick Leon-Guerrero. I grew up in Modesto, California and attended college at the University of the Pacific. I continued at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, CA for my dental school training and finished my degree in 2014. After that, I completed a one year General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. After one year in private practice, I decided to further my training with a two-year endodontics residency program at Columbia University in New York, NY. After graduation, I started private practice with Limited to Endodontics in Boston, MA. Currently I live and work in Arlington, Virginia with several outstanding colleagues at Dominion Endodontics. We have additional office in both Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia. I love working here and taking care of my wonderful patients, but I am always excited for new opportunities. ​ I love the power endodontics has to save teeth. Our specialty is taking great strides in patient care by embracing fundamental ideas of the past and incorporating new innovative methods to provide the best care possible. I enjoy practicing at the cutting edge with regenerative, minimally invasive, and surgical techniques to reach patient-centered outcomes. My priority is always to provide successful treatment and gently alleviate pain for my patients.
10 years Experience
Dr. Nicholas Leon-Guerrero
  • Arlington, VA
  • University of the Pacific
  • Accepting new patients

At what age do gums start to recede?

Gum recession depends on several factors including genetics and quality of oral hygiene. There is no set age that gums will start to recede, and some people may see recession early READ MORE
Gum recession depends on several factors including genetics and quality of oral hygiene. There is no set age that gums will start to recede, and some people may see recession early in life or reach old age with no visible gum recession. Overall, seeing the dentist for regular cleanings and making a habit of proper brushing and flossing can prevent gum recession. If one does have recession, it is important to speak to a dentist about periodontal disease and the different treatment options regarding this condition.

How do you stop enamel erosion?

Enamel erosion can be caused by several factors including bruxism (teeth grinding), acid reflux, consuming acidic foods and drinks, and using abrasive tooth pastes. It is important READ MORE
Enamel erosion can be caused by several factors including bruxism (teeth grinding), acid reflux, consuming acidic foods and drinks, and using abrasive tooth pastes. It is important for one facing enamel erosion to visit their dentist and identify which specific factors are causing the erosion in order to prevent and treat this condition.

Do you have pain after a root canal?

It is typical to have mild or moderate post operative discomfort after a root canal procedure. This typically presents as a pain to pressure or a mild aching feeling. A small percentage READ MORE
It is typical to have mild or moderate post operative discomfort after a root canal procedure. This typically presents as a pain to pressure or a mild aching feeling. A small percentage of patients will have severe pain or swelling afterwards that may require additional care. It is important to remain in contact with one's dentist after a root canal procedure to ensure proper healing of an endodontically treated tooth.

How long does it take for gums to heal after implants?

The time it takes for the gums to heal after an implant surgery is relative to the amount of trauma to the area that occurred during the procedure. Typically, the gums around any READ MORE
The time it takes for the gums to heal after an implant surgery is relative to the amount of trauma to the area that occurred during the procedure. Typically, the gums around any oral surgery with heal within 2-4 weeks. However, I do want to clarify that the bone below the gum may take several months to properly heal. Implants work by "integrating" with the bone, with typically takes 3-4 months in the mandible (Lower jaw) or 5-6 months in the maxilla (upper jaw).

How many times can a filling be replaced?

Each time a dental filling is replaced, more tooth structure must be removed and the filling depth will move closer to the pulp, which are the inner nerves and blood vessels inside READ MORE
Each time a dental filling is replaced, more tooth structure must be removed and the filling depth will move closer to the pulp, which are the inner nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. There is no set limit of times a filling can be replaced on a tooth. However if the amount of remaining tooth structure is reduced enough, replacing the filling may no longer be an option and instead a root canal and/or crown may be necessary instead.

What to eat after getting a root canal?

After a root canal, it is recommended to avoid any hard foods on the tooth. Things like ice or hard nuts could possibly crack the tooth while it is in temporary state. After a READ MORE
After a root canal, it is recommended to avoid any hard foods on the tooth. Things like ice or hard nuts could possibly crack the tooth while it is in temporary state. After a root canal tooth is restored with a crown, one can typically resume eating normally.

Can a loose tooth tighten back up?

The answer is both yes and no. A loose tooth may tighten up and reduce its mobility if the underlying infection has been controlled. However, If too much bone has been lost, there READ MORE
The answer is both yes and no. A loose tooth may tighten up and reduce its mobility if the underlying infection has been controlled. However, If too much bone has been lost, there may not be enough bone regeneration to properly stabilize the tooth. It its important to speak with one's dentist regarding their specific case to see what options may be available.

How long can a decayed tooth go untreated?

If left untreated, a decaying tooth will continue to decay. As the decay progresses deep enough, the tooth may become infected or even be "nonrestorable" This process may take READ MORE
If left untreated, a decaying tooth will continue to decay. As the decay progresses deep enough, the tooth may become infected or even be "nonrestorable" This process may take weeks or months. It is important to see a dentist to repair tooth decay soon after it is noted to prevent extension of the decay.

Can a root cavity be filled?

Yes, some but not all root cavities may be filled. Deeper cavities m ay require a root canal prior to being restored or even require an extraction. It is important to have a dentist READ MORE
Yes, some but not all root cavities may be filled. Deeper cavities m ay require a root canal prior to being restored or even require an extraction. It is important to have a dentist evaluate one's specific case to determine what treatment options may be available.

Will my root canal be canceled next month?

During the covid-19 pandemic, many dentists are still providing emergency services. Each state has different orders regarding this and one would need to call their dentist's office READ MORE
During the covid-19 pandemic, many dentists are still providing emergency services. Each state has different orders regarding this and one would need to call their dentist's office to determine if their root canal is deemed an emergency and the appointment can be kept.

How long is a tooth extraction?

Depending on the difficulty of the extraction and the clinical skill of a provider, a dental extraction could take from seconds to over an hour for some. If one is concerned about READ MORE
Depending on the difficulty of the extraction and the clinical skill of a provider, a dental extraction could take from seconds to over an hour for some. If one is concerned about a dental extraction, they may consider seeing a specialist such as an oral surgeon for their treatment.

What happens to teeth after a root canal?

A root canal procedure is when the nerve tissue and infection are removed from inside the root of the tooth. Afterwards, the space is sealed with a rubber material called gutta READ MORE
A root canal procedure is when the nerve tissue and infection are removed from inside the root of the tooth. Afterwards, the space is sealed with a rubber material called gutta percha. Teeth with root canals may be weakened and may require a permanent filling or crown to increase their resistance to fracture. Symptoms after the root canal typically resolve within weeks and healing in the bone may occur over the next year.

Can you get teeth implants after a root canal?

Yes typically implants can be done to replace a tooth with a failing root canal. It is important to speak to one's dentist about their specific cases, as each case may require READ MORE
Yes typically implants can be done to replace a tooth with a failing root canal. It is important to speak to one's dentist about their specific cases, as each case may require different kinds of treatment

How long after a root canal can I get braces?

Depending on the size of infection, the time frames ranges from several weeks to several months after the root canal before one can get braces. It is important to speak with one's READ MORE
Depending on the size of infection, the time frames ranges from several weeks to several months after the root canal before one can get braces. It is important to speak with one's doctors regarding their specific case to determine how long after a root canal one may begin orthodontic treatment.

Do you need antibiotics after a root canal?

In most cases, no antibiotics are not needed after a root canal. According to the AAE and ADA Guidelines, antibiotics are typically recommended only for patients who are immunocompromised READ MORE
In most cases, no antibiotics are not needed after a root canal. According to the AAE and ADA Guidelines, antibiotics are typically recommended only for patients who are immunocompromised or for a spreading/systemic infection.

How do you clean your mouth after a root canal?

For most cases, gentle brushing and flossing as normal can resume right after a root canal procedure. As each case is different however, one must ask their dentist after the root READ MORE
For most cases, gentle brushing and flossing as normal can resume right after a root canal procedure. As each case is different however, one must ask their dentist after the root canal if any changes to their oral hygiene routine may be necessary.

How do I know if my tooth abscess is spreading?

In general, dental abscess are unlikely to spread as they are typically a localized infection. If an infection does spread, one would likely have systemic symptoms such as fever, READ MORE
In general, dental abscess are unlikely to spread as they are typically a localized infection. If an infection does spread, one would likely have systemic symptoms such as fever, increased swelling, malaise or shortness of breath. If one has a dental abscess, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation. A systemic infection can lead to sepsis and may require a trip to the emergency room