When discussing dental treatments, patients often react to the term "root canal" with anxiety and fear.
At Shiflett Family Dental, we understand root canals have a bad reputation and are here to help you. Dr. Shiflett and the entire team are experienced in providing comfortable root canal therapy in Columbus, OH, and will talk you through each step as it occurs.
People think of root canals so negatively because of the infected pulp in their tooth, which is typically painful, and the failure of older numbing agents than anything else.
In the past, numbing agents took a long time to take effect and wore off quickly. This issue is heightened with an infected tooth or dental abscess requiring a root canal, as the infection can create a barrier against the numbing agent.
Fortunately, modern anesthetics, though, work quickly and last throughout the procedure. You may feel work being done inside your mouth, but you'll not feel pain.
Dr. Shiflett, your Clintonville, OH dentist, is devoted to ensuring you are comfortable and at ease from start to finish.
Dr. Justin Shiflett graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 2016. He received his undergraduate degree from Malone University in Canton, OH, where he competed on the baseball team. He started all four years as an infielder, setting the career mark for sacrifices.
Since completing his dental education, Dr. Shiflett has taken additional courses to advance the services he can offer patients and stay up to date on the latest technologies. Shiflett Family Dental is proud to offer dental implants, clear aligners, root canal therapy, and ...
Root canal therapy is one possible treatment when a tooth becomes infected. A tooth becomes infected when bacteria (often from a large cavity) reach the tooth's center, where the nerve is located. The nerve within the tooth then dies, leading to the need for a root canal. Teeth can also become infected due to recent or past trauma, such as the impact of a fall.
Once the nerve has died and a tooth has become infected, the other option is to remove the tooth (called an extraction). This can be a better option in some circumstances--when the tooth is too damaged to save--but keeping your tooth is often the way to go. Unfortunately, we can offer no better replacement than your natural tooth, so it is best to hold onto it in most cases.
Specific signs and symptoms indicate that your tooth is infected or that you have an abscess. One common sign is a blister or bubble on your gum next to the tooth, often called an abscess or fistula. Other signs and symptoms include:
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please call our Columbus, OH, office at (614) 968-8752. Dr. Shiflett and the team do their best to fit in emergencies and care for them on the same day, if possible.
Unfortunately, antibiotics may not eliminate the infection from an abscessed tooth. When the nerve inside a tooth dies and becomes infected, the blood supply to the tooth is compromised. When you take an antibiotic, it circulates in your bloodstream to access the area of infection. With the compromised blood supply, the antibiotic may be unable to get into your tooth's dental pulp, which is the source of the infection.
An antibiotic can be a valuable tool to help stop the infection from spreading further into your face and neck, but if the source of the infection is not removed by either a root canal or tooth extraction in Columbus.
A root canal in Columbus, OH is necessary if you have a deep root infection following deep decay or tooth trauma. Often it is the only treatment available to save your tooth from further fracture or extraction.
Fortunately, modern technologies mean that root canals are not painful. Your dentist uses anesthesia to numb the treatment location before removing the infected tissues from your tooth. Following removal, we apply a healing agent and transitory filling. At a future appointment, usually a week or two down the road, we close with a filling or a dental crown.
Of course, you may notice mild pressure or feel something inside your mouth during a root canal treatment, but you should not feel pain. After the anesthesia wears off, you may notice mild discomfort. Your dentist can recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
With regular brushing and flossing along with excellent at-home care, you can significantly lower your risks for root infections, cavities, and even gum disease.
If you suspect a root infection or it’s time for your next checkup and teeth cleaning, call us today. As a dedicated family dentist in Columbus, Ohio, we warmly welcome new patients and are committed to providing exceptional care.
Sometimes, root canals are essential for saving your tooth and protecting your oral health. Rest assured that Dr. Justin Shiflett performs gentle and comfortable root canals in Columbus, OH.
Like with any dental treatment, the cost of a root canal depends on each patient’s unique situation. The only way to find out how much a root canal will cost is to schedule an appointment with your Columbus dentist.
A root canal removes bacteria or infection from a tooth’s soft inner core, known as pulp. Sometimes, a root canal is the only option to save a tooth from being pulled or from someone developing an oral infection.
Root canals can vary in cost, depending on several factors, such as:
To determine the cost of a root canal in Columbus, OH, it’s essential you see your dentist for a comprehensive consultation. Your dentist can paint a clearer picture of your treatment, expectations, and cost during the consultation.
Your family dentist in Columbus, Ohio, offers gentle and comfortable root canal treatment to ensure a healthy smile. At Shiflett Family Dental, we provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. Whatever your family's needs, we are here to assist you!
To schedule your root canal consultation, please call us today at (614) 364-4919.
Pregnancy requires special considerations for any medical procedure, including dental treatments. If you’re wondering whether you can get a root canal while pregnant, the answer is generally yes, but with some precautions.
Untreated dental infections can pose risks to both the mother and baby, making timely treatment essential. By being proactive and seeking timely treatment, you can prevent the spread of infection and alleviate pain, contributing to your overall health during pregnancy.
We encourage you to inform both your family dentist in Columbus, Ohio, and your obstetrician about your pregnancy. This collaboration ensures that any necessary dental treatments are conducted safely and effectively. Call us today to learn more!
In most cases, you'll need a cap to cover the compromised tooth after root canal treatment. When we perform a root canal, we remove the tooth's center containing the nerve.
This area is cleaned, shaped, and sealed to prevent bacteria from returning. As you can imagine, a tooth with its center removed is more brittle and prone to breakage. To help mitigate this risk, we place a dental crown.
Often, Dr. Shiflett can begin your dental crown appointment at the same time as your root canal. This saves you an additional visit to our dental office and helps you get back to your busy schedule.
In a small number of cases, a root canal-treated tooth will be strong enough without a crown. We will let you know if your tooth is one of these exceptions and save you a little time and money!
We recommend calling our dental office at the first signs of trouble; a minor toothache can escalate quickly, causing excruciating pain with swelling. It is always better to start treatment before the infection spreads and causes discomfort or serious risk to your oral health.
Suppose you have a toothache, swelling, gum blister, or other oral health changes since your last visit that are not improving. In that case, we encourage you to contact a compassionate team member as soon as possible for an appointment with your Clintonville, OH, dentist. Our compassionate dental team aims to ease discomfort and restore oral health quickly.
The sharp, shooting pain catches you off guard; it’s a sudden jolt that makes your whole body tense. What starts as a slight twinge when sipping your morning coffee soon transforms into persistent, throbbing discomfort that keeps you awake at night. Your tooth's desperate signals are more than just ordinary ...
A root canal procedure can be a significant step toward preserving your dental health. At Shiflett Family Dental, we understand patients may be concerned about recovery. If you’re preparing for a root canal in Columbus, OH, here’s what you can expect during your recovery timeline.
If your dentist diagnoses you with a root infection, you’ll need a root canal treatment in Columbus, OH to relieve any pain and prevent tooth loss through breakage or extraction.
The root canal procedure is straightforward and not scary, as the myths and jokes suggest. Remember, it is ...